Care for your stone foundation.
For fieldstone and rubble foundations on older homes, and stone foundations on newer ones too. Repoint loose joints with a mortar matched to your building, and only seal what is above grade.
See the stepsAsk us
The steps
CleanCleaning firstAll Surface Cleaner dilutes with water, up to 1:20. Clean before you repoint or seal so the new work goes onto a clean face.
Brush off loose material and wash the exposed stone with All Surface Cleaner.
RepointMatching mortar to ageOur guide: PHL 3.5 for before 1920, Type O for 1920–1950, Type N for after 1950. Not sure? Ask us with a photo.
Rake out loose joints and repoint with the mortar matched to your home’s age.
Estimate how much →Protect above gradeBelow gradeBelow grade means below the ground line. Skip sealer or water repellent on below-grade interior walls.
Masonry Responder Sealer goes on exterior stone above grade only.
Your suppliesMortar sizesMortar comes as concentrate you mix with sand: a quart sample, 1-gallon cans, or a 5-gallon bulk box (five 1-gallon cans' worth of concentrate).
Working on the inside of a basement wall? See our basement lime plaster project. No sealer or water repellent on below-grade interior walls.
Questions
Which mortar is right for my home?
Our guide matches mortar to building age: PHL 3.5 for before 1920, Type O for 1920–1950 and Type N for after 1950. Not sure? Ask us and we'll suggest a good place to start.
How much should I order?
Use our Mortar Calculator. Mortar comes as concentrate in 1-gallon cans and 5-gallon bulk boxes (five 1-gallon cans’ worth of concentrate), plus quart samples.
Can I seal every wall?
Masonry Responder Sealer is for exterior brick and stone above grade. Never use sealer or water repellent on below-grade interior walls.
More questions?
More questions? See our FAQ, browse project guides, or ask us.