I have an old house with a stone foundation. The interior was parged many ages ago it seems. Over the last several years it continues to disintegrate into particles the size of sand and in some cases large sections fall out.
Parging is largely done for appearance, correct? And has nothing to do with the integreity of the foundation, correct? I know the parging is disintegrating due to moisture, however there are places where there is no way for there to be moisture and it’s falling apart there also. Also I never see visible signs of moisture on the basement floor (which is concrete) or on the walls, so is this something parging that’s very old does anyways? Do I need to fix this or can I just live with it.
Edited 12/11/2008 10:56 am ET by WillieWonka
Replies
Sometimes people "parge" in the hopes of stopping foundation
movement (which doesn't work). So check for bulging, leaning, or
large cracks opening in the joints.
If none are present then it was probably for looks.
Moisture can and will cause it to fail. Perhaps the walls are
damp most of the year?
Poor quality mortar can also be the culprit.
Or Portland cement reacting with limestone.
OR is it in fact plaster?
It looks like it's just plain ole mortar. The disintegration and texture of the particles is very much like brick mortar when it disintegrates. I don't see any bulging or movement of the walls.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Chances are you don't have anything to worry about. At most it
is keeping some air movement down.