Historic Masonry Mortar, Lime. Master Masons At Work. Lime that has been burnt in a kiln and all the carbon calcium carbonate, is now changed to calcium oxide.

The first mortars were made from mud or clay. These materials were used because of availability and low cost. The Egyptians utilized gypsum mortars to lubricate the beds of large stones when they were being moved into position(ref. i). However, these materials did not perform well in the presence of high levels of humidity and water.

Kansas City Craft Masons/Historic Masonry Company, Masonry, Fountain, Historic Preservation.
Kansas City Historic Masonry Company, Masonry, Fountain, Historic Preservation.

It was discovered that limestone, when burnt and combined with water, produced a material that would harden with age. The earliest documented use of lime as a construction material was approximately 4000 B.C. when it was used in Egypt for plastering the pyramids(ref. ii). The beginning of the use of lime in mortars is not clear. It is well documented, however, that the Roman Empire used lime based mortars extensively. Vitruvius, a Roman architect, provided basic guidelines for lime mortar mixes(ref. iii).

The Masons Company sets itself apart from all others in its commitment to historic restoration and preservation. With their passion and deep devotion to the fundamentals, these craftsmen are genuine relics to the craft of masonry

 

The Masons Co

(913) 203-0685

Office Location:

The Cosby Building

107 W. 9th St.

2nd Floor

Kansas, MO 64105

Check us out on the web:

The Masons Co.

Kansas City Masonry

Brick Masonry Repair

City of Fountain Builders

Subscribe to our You Tube channel:

 

Stone Foundations in Kansas City: Beauty or a Beast?

Historical Kansas City homes are classified as homes which were built more than 100 years ago. They were erected with stone foundations. These foundations were generally substantial; at least 18″ thick. Being much more sound than all other building materials and methods, stone masonry was the steadfast cornerstone in construction before World War I.

Stone foundation inspection, diagnosis, repair: this article explains Stone Foundations & Walls: How to Recognize & Diagnose Stone Foundation Cracks, Bulges, Movement, or other Stone Wall Damage such as damage due to impact, settlement, frost or water damage, and other causes.

Types of foundation cracks, crack patterns, differences in the meaning of cracks in different foundation materials, site conditions, building history, and other evidence of building movement and damage are described to assist in recognizing foundation defects and to help the inspector separate cosmetic or low-risk conditions from those likely to be important and potentially costly to repair.

– See more at: http://inspectapedia.com/structure/Stone_Foundation_Damage.php#sthash.oB0JvTv6.dpuf

Some Kansas City historic properties’ foundations maintain their true integrity with just normal settlement over time with no discernible cracks or leaks, while others do not fare as well. Materials used for foundations degrade with time, particularly when exposed to the four alchemy elements:  air, water, wind and fire. A brief visual inspection will quickly disclose bowing, bulging, or shifting of the stone foundation. If you find any of these conditions are found, the skills and services of an experienced mason should be utilized.

Kansas City Masonry provides unparalleled services when it comes to repairing house foundation cracks. The regions premier historic home preservation company is impassioned in it’s desire to restore original masonry works to its original architectural charm and refinement.

Office Location:  Country Club Plaza

KCMasonrycontractors@gmail.com

(816) 500-4198

Check us out on the web:

Kansas City Masonry

Brick Masonry Repair

City of Fountain Builders

Subscribe to our You Tube channel:

You Tube