Stone Foundation Leaking -Fixing myself ?'s

Pitbull1783

Hey All,

Since I have already introduced myself in the introductions section, I will skip that and get right into what my current problem is.

Problem: Part 1) Interior: I have water seepage in my basement (fieldstone foundation) on the front wall of the house, no where else. I only get standing water when hurricane-like conditions are present and when the winter snow is melting.
The use of the basement is for storage on metal shelving units and a hobby table/work bench. I have 2 de-humidifiers running almost constantly to keep the humidity around 45 to 50 %.
Part 2) Exterior: The "skirt" of the foundation is all broken up and the mortar is chipping and falling out. Basically IMO, it looks ugly and is providing passages for water to get into the wall. Thus seeping into the inside of the basement.

Tasks to completed: 1) The land all needs to be graded away from the house, this I will do myself.
2)Gutters will be replaced.
3)Exterior of foundation to be re-mortared/waterproofed.

Other pertent information: -I live in central Mass
-House built in 1939
-I have received 2 quotes for someone else to do all of the work:
1) Dig trench 3ft wide and 3ft down, re-mortar the stones and install a membrane. $15,000
2)Dig trench 3ft wide and 5ft down, re-mortar the stones and install a membrane. $19,000

Things I need help/advice on: 1) How far do I need to dig down around the foundation? I have been told 3ft and 5ft and the reasoning is to get below the frost line.
2)Once the trench is dug, the plan is to remove old and loose mortar and replace with new stuff. What should I use? I have been told hydralic cement and several different types of mortar.
3)Should I use a "membrane" on the exterior of the foundation? Or will re-mortaring the foundation be enough?

Thanks in advance!!

Canarywood1

Well,for openers call your building department,and ask where the frost line is,then go down at least 6 inches below that.

Pitbull1783

Ok, so I found out that I would have to dig 5ft down which is below the frost line in my geographical area. However, when I look at the basement wall from the inside, 5ft below grade is just about at the level of the basement floor. Does this sound right? If so, I might as well have someone dig the trench for me and I will do the mortaring.

Any other tips or advise on my issue?

Thanks

Bondo

Ayuh,.... Sounds 'bout Right to Me....

Pitbull1783

Does anyone else have any other tips or advice for me before I start on this?

I have decided to use Type N mortar through out the foundation. I have been told to use hydralic cement but from what I understand, this is a bad choice. Anyone want to add to this?

Thanks again!

shazapple

Try your first 3 tasks before you spend a boatload of money digging up the foundation. If you do end up digging, consider adding insulation as well as a membrane. This may not be worth the expense for a storage area, since you'll still have humidity problems from the floor (assuming it is an older poured floor and doesn't have a vapour barrier)

Bondo

Ayuh,.... Start at #1,... Regradin',...

The Best waterproofin' is makin' sure the water Never gets there....

If ya Do daylight the foundation,... I'd throw in drainage tiles to boot...

Pitbull1783

Thanks for the tip and I will do those tasks first rather drop a boat load of cash that I don't have.

What do you mean by "Daylight the foundation"?

Again, thank you so much!

Canucker

If you end up digging out around your foundation, you're exposing it to daylight. It's a slang term.

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Pitbull1783

Thanks guys for all the tips and information! I really do appreciate it!!

Wish me luck!