0

I have a 1894 house with a stone/rock wall (limestone I think). The foundation is in decent shape for the most part but I would like to parge the exterior visible portion to give it a more modern look and to also make it easier to maintain. Currently each fall I go around and try to seal up any little cracks that developed through the year.

Anyway my plan is to dig down about 6 inches around the exterior. Then attach some diamond mesh to the rock wall. Use the first coat to fill to the level of the mesh, then skim coat that layer to give it a smooth look.

Questions:

1.) What kind of cement/mortor to use for parging?

2.) Can anyone offer a better suggestion on how to go about this?

I should mention too that part of the reason for doing this is that with a couple layers of siding (the most recent is LP smart siding) it sticks out a 1-2 inches over the foundation. I know I can't parge nearly that thick, but having a good 1/2" of parging would help narrow that gap.

Any input is appreciated.

2
  • Any input: you have an 1894 house. Celebrate its 1894 foundation, rather than trying to make it "look modern" - it's more likely to look bad 10 years after modernization than it is 122 (or 132) years after building, and even if it manages to "look modern" without turning ugly after a few years, it will never look right with the house if it "looks modern." That will hurt your resale with many of the buyers that would be interested in a classic old house. That's my input, opinion, etc.
    – Ecnerwal
    Sep 26, 2018 at 17:48
  • @Ecnerwal - The rest of the house has been completely remodeled. There wasn't any nice original wood work or windows to save. So the rest of the house already has a much more modern feel to it. I did do a nice built up window/door trim with headers made from crown, but for the most part it is sheetrock with recessed lighting etc... I do like when people can keep up the character of an old house and keep it original, but I feel like I am past that point. Other houses around me built about the same era have this on their foundation. Any input on how I should go about it?
    – menting311
    Sep 28, 2018 at 4:04

2 Answers 2

2

I have used wire mesh attached to stone to stucco stone walls, I doubt your wall is moving after all these years but the mortar possibly could use some repointing but the stucco layer would take care of it by taking the weather.

Added to answer OP questions. The stucco mix is sand, lime,cement and water on larger jobs I pick up a trailer load of sand & bags of lime and Portland cement, for smaller jobs I pick up a couple of bags of pre mix. When Covering stone work I use expanded metal mesh because it requires less fasteners than wire, I have tried to use concrete nails but they don't hold well the reason we doing this in the first place was because the exterior had similar problems like you are having, a powder set driver just blew out chunks of mortar. What I did have very good luck with was tapcons screws, I was able to drill the mortar and if not overtightened they held fine and drilling the pilot holes was quick in the mortar. Where there were large stones at the corners I drilled the stone but that takes much longer than the mortar. We mixed our batches 5 gallons of sand about a gallon of lime, and a small coffee can of Portland cement maybe a quart , mixed by hand in a mud tray maybe 2'×3' about 8" deep. Mixing in small batches is important if just 1 person is applying just enough water so a trowel load when placed in a pile will stand up 4-5" damp but not wet, with the expanded mesh only 2 coats was needed the first worked into the mesh then the top coat. I am not a pro at this because I don't do it all the time but have done complete houses and a bunch of foundations where 1 job lead to 1/2 dozen more in the same neighborhood.

1
  • Ed - good to hear, can you elaborate on how you attached the mesh exactly? Also, what do you suggest for stucco? Just a 3:1 sand and portland mix?
    – menting311
    Sep 28, 2018 at 4:13
0

If you are “sealing up any little crack each year,” that means the foundation is still moving. Installing any cement coating over a wall that is still moving will crack, unless you can isolate it from the foundation.

1
  • The "cracks" I am filling are due to motor deteriorating not due to foundation movement.
    – menting311
    Sep 28, 2018 at 3:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.