How to Repair Limestone in a Barn Foundation

Limestone is a type of rock made of calcium carbonate. Its hardness makes it suitable for use in foundations, and it can be seen in foundations for homes as well as outbuildings. Although it is a very hard material, over time it can begin to crack and crumble. It is important to repair foundation cracks before they become more serious and cause structural problems for the building. You can fix small cracks and crumbling areas yourself, but if a large area of the foundation is affected, you should call in a foundation specialist to address the problem.

Chisel
Mortar mix
Clean bucket
Latex gloves
Trowel
Exterior latex paint
Paint brush

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any debris from inside the crack or hole with a chisel. Scrape the debris away. If necessary, insert your hand or fingers into the crack to brush away more debris.
- 2
  Mix the mortar in a bucket. Follow the package instructions regarding the amount of water needed. Mortar mix sets quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour. Do not mix it until you are ready to begin.
- 3
  Fill in the cracks with the mortar mix. For large cracks, use a masonry trowel to scoop the mortar mix out of the bucket and spread it over the crack. For deep cracks or holes, use the trowel to put the mortar inside the crack. Tiny cracks can be repaired by spreading the mortar mix on by hand -- but you will need to wear latex gloves. Do not get mortar mix on your bare skin. Let the mortar set until it is hard.
- 4
  Hide the patched areas with exterior latex paint. It is difficult to perfectly match the color of the limestone with the mortar mix. If the difference bothers you, paint the foundation with exterior latex paint.

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