Hi, I have a basement walls that are deteriorating below ground level. Is there anything that will arrest the problem? The mortar is sand/lime I believe since the house is over 100 years old. Thanks

Probably means there is no dampcourse. You will have to remove the soil from around the walls and inspect and repoint the motar

How to Fix a Deteriorating Brick Foundation | eHow (http://www.ehow.com/how_6816352_fix-deteriorating-brick-foundation.html)

Or call a builder or contractor.

Thanks but do you know of anything that will arrest it right now? Would a water seal freeze it in place right now? Thanks

The real question is HOW LONG this will work? For the costs of a quick temporary fix, you may be doing it many times until the root cause is finally solved. It adds up, and no one can really say how long a temporary fix will work. The biggest factor is the extent and the root causes of the damages. I highly recommend that there has to be an evaluation and estimate of costs to make an accurate decision. I mean 2/300 bucks that only lasts a month is a waste. Especially if interior damage is more prevalent to the outside walls.

Cost of Repairing and Sealing a Basement - Estimates and Prices Paid (http://home.costhelper.com/repairing-sealing-basement.html)


The first step in waterproofing a basement (http://home.costhelper.com/basement-waterproofing.html) is to improve your home's drainage, so water flows away from your foundation and downspouts don't deposit water right next to your home. But if better drainage doesn't solve your basement water or moisture situation, you may then want to repair and seal problem areas in your basement.

I can tell you that any interior sealing of basements walls will barely make it to the next big storm or weather event. It's what you can't see that will get you.

Thanks, but the house is in a city and only have about 1 foot between the houses on one side and three on the other between houses.

I think that finding the root cause, and scope of your problem, would help you address that problem more effectively. At least identifying what would be the appropriate sealant to use for what you have. Don't assume, verify.

Sealing and repairing are two very different processes, so knowing which applies best must be determined.

My apologizes for not clarifying that earlier.

Thanks but I think I want to arrest the deterioration and then repoint the inside. I will have to have someone look at it.

That's a wise course of action. Please keep us updated on what you find, and end up doing.