Patience in the Basement

While I was outside enjoying unseasonably warm weather and tinkering with various landscaping projects, Rob was diligently working on the basement walls.  The foundation of our house is comprised of limestone, and the mortar between the stones had deteriorated to varying degrees over the decades.

Through careful research, Rob learned that basements of this era weren't meant to be watertight.  Limestone and lime mortar allow moisture to dissipate quickly.  Of course, excessive moisture wears away the mortar between the limestone and that must be replaced.

Through the warm spring and into the summer, Rob patiently hauled bag after bag of sand and lime to the basement.  He cleaned each joint between the stone to remove loose mortar, then he mixed the lime and sand with a little mortar and water and replaced all the missing mortar.

Once an area had dried, he limewashed the surface for a clean, bright finish.  The wash, just like the stone and mortar, will allow any moisture to dry quickly.

This photo shows a partially limewashed wall.

Here's the turret freshly washed.  Notice the new wiring on the left!  The basement was rewired once the stone work was finished.

What a great work space!  New lighting, large windows, and the limewash make the basement a cheery place for the important work that lies ahead.  And while it's a bit difficult to fully appreciate in this photo, the woodworking bench pictured here is gorgeous.  Rob made it from one of the fallen ash trees at our former home, beginning with a chain saw and refining it to this--pretty enough for a dining room!