Most old structures built before 1910 have brick or stone foundations: under normal circumstances, any moisture entering the masonry wall should be able to evaporate. Use of waterproofing materials, such as cement plasters, synthetic paints, and hard cement mortars prevents moisture to evaporate. This causes the foundation walls decay: brick, stone, and mortar deterioration, leaks, efflorescence and mold build ups.
Basement restoration involves removal of all previously applied waterproofing products and repairing the walls using traditional materials that allow the walls to “breath” again.
N. Bernard St, Chicago, IL
Basement walls restoration: remove previously installed hard cement mortar, replace damaged brick with new salvaged Chicago common brick, repoint using lime-based mortar.
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In Process
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W. Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL
Brick foundation walls restoration: remove deteriorated (and saturated) bricks (1 wythe of brick), dry inner wythe of brick walls, install new salvaged Chicago common brick and lime-based mortar, finish with few coats of limewash.
Before
In Process
After
S. Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL
Basement brick and stone walls restoration: remove all waterproofing paint, plaster and hard cement mortar, replace deteriorated bricks, repoint using lime-based mortar, apply limewash over restored walls.
Before
In Process
After
W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL
Basement walls restoration: remove deteriorated (and saturated) bricks (1 wythe of brick), dry inner wythe of brick walls, install new salvaged Chicago common brick and lime-based mortar.
