We have an old farmhouse that the walls are starting to bow in and we are holding the dirt by plywood...HELP! The bottom is fieldstone with stucco inside and bricks above the stucco. I told my husband we can not let this go any longer and the rains have really pushed the foundation in. What should we do and how and I patch up my fieldstone in other areas that is open in places? Can I just fill it with cement or is there a special kind to use.
Nancy

First step is to make absloutely sure of the cause.

If what you describe is true, you MAY have identified the problem as hydrostatic pressure outside of the wall. If that's correct, then there are basically two steps to follow: eliminate the hydrostatic pressure, and repair the wall.

The best way to eliminate the hydrostatic pressure can really only be detremined by an on-site examination, but the basics are these: excavate outside the foundation, install a drainage system (either perforated pipe or a proprietary system), then rebuild the part of the wall while the excavation is open, apply dampproofing and waterproofing on the wall, and backfill with a porous material such as pea gravel.

I trust it is only the one wall which is bowing.

quote:

First step is to make absloutely sure of the cause.

If what you describe is true, you MAY have identified the problem as hydrostatic pressure outside of the wall. If that's correct, then there are basically two steps to follow: eliminate the hydrostatic pressure, and repair the wall.

The best way to eliminate the hydrostatic pressure can really only be detremined by an on-site examination, but the basics are these: excavate outside the foundation, install a drainage system (either perforated pipe or a proprietary system), then rebuild the part of the wall while the excavation is open, apply dampproofing and waterproofing on the wall, and backfill with a porous material such as pea gravel.

I trust it is only the one wall which is bowing.

Richard, Yes, only one but the fieldstone in other places are missing cement. What kind of product should I use to fill up those empty spaces. Two mornings now I have been pulling away "my stuff" to see what has been going on and I want to start working on the cellar. Thanks so much for your answer with the other question. The rain pours off the house and there are no gutters; should I purchase some? This is 30 below zero weather during the winter.
Nancy

I wouldn't wait until spring, because if there is water in the ground, then there could be frost heave in the winter, resulting in possibly even more movement in the wall. LicensedWaterproofer, where are you when we need you??

Definitely need to excavate outside at least to a level below the heaving, and I think install foundation drains to relieve the hydrostatic pressure, then rebuild the failed part of the wall, waterproof it, and backfill with pea gravel.

As far as repairing the mortar joints in other parts of the stone wall, normal masonry mortar would be fine. You can buy it pre-mixed in small quantities, and just follow the directions for adding water. It's composed of sand, Portland cement, and lime, in fairly precise proportions.

quote:

I wouldn't wait until spring, because if there is water in the ground, then there could be frost heave in the winter, resulting in possibly even more movement in the wall. LicensedWaterproofer, where are you when we need you??

Definitely need to excavate outside at least to a level below the heaving, and I think install foundation drains to relieve the hydrostatic pressure, then rebuild the failed part of the wall, waterproof it, and backfill with pea gravel.

As far as repairing the mortar joints in other parts of the stone wall, normal masonry mortar would be fine. You can buy it pre-mixed in small quantities, and just follow the directions for adding water. It's composed of sand, Portland cement, and lime, in fairly precise proportions.

Thanks for your help Richard. My husband has held the wall by plywood and now it's about to the floor level....not a good thing when it was only about 2 feet years ago and now 8 feet. The reason why I think he's been holding off is that we have a large deck about 2 feet in height and it will need to be completely torn apart. Thanks again. Nancy

In the spring, you can rebuild the deck that you had to remove in order to repair the foundation NOW!