Make sure your repairs are rock solid
Do you have a crumbling or damaged stone wall at your home? While a stone wall can be a charming feature, it can easily turn hazardous if its structural integrity isn't maintained. That's why calling a qualified masonry pro is important. This article shows you who to call for stone wall repair.
A mason specializing in repair work such as repointing is the best pro to call for stone wall repair, because they know how to improve your wall’s safety while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Stone walls can become frail and damaged over time. Everything from weather to age can cause what was once an elegant stone wall to begin to fall apart. Fortunately, masonry experts specializing in stone wall repair have the expertise to assess the condition of a wall, prepare the wall and surrounding area for repairs, and get the task done in a way that preserves both the structural integrity and architectural beauty of the wall. A stone wall repair expert near you will be able to assess the situation properly to ensure that you're able to maintain a safe, attractive wall.
In some cases, DIY stone wall repair is possible. However, it's important to understand the type of issue you're dealing with before committing to fixing a wall on your own. Compromised stone walls can hide dangers. The complexity of the project differs based on whether you're repairing fireplace stones or an outdoor wall.
If your stone wall has stair-step cracks, you may be able to solve the issue using soil anchors. However, issues with disintegrating mortar can require a repointing process that should only be performed by a skilled mason. If your stone wall has a structural issue, a professional team will need to address any collapsing or bowing that's taking place using stabilization techniques. Additionally, any stone work that involves large boulders will generally need heavy machinery for lifting.
While a stone wall may seem like a landscaping feature, a standard landscaper or landscaping company won't be equipped to handle this job. In most cases, repairing a stone wall requires a mix of engineering and masonry. Only qualified masons will have knowledge about how to build stone steps on a slope, how to install a keystone, and similar projects. However, a landscaper may be brought in if stones need to be added to the property as part of the project.
Stone wall repair can be a big undertaking with many different steps and pieces of equipment. It can range from a major renovation project to a relatively minor job depending on the condition and age of the wall. For a common repair such as fixing a crack in a stone wall, the steps your stone wall repair pro takes might look like this:
Locate matching replacement stone.
Remove the damaged stone carefully without disrupting surrounding stones. Generally, this involves removing the stone in smaller pieces until there is room to chisel out the corner.
Measuring and cutting the new stone to fit into the carved-out space with mortar included.
Finishing and smoothing the surface of the new stone to ensure it fits properly into the wall.
Leveling the stone, adding mortar, and sealing the stone.
