foundation parging and repair
Foundation Parging & Repair Protective Coatings for Montreal Homes
Your foundation is the anchor of your home, and the parging is its first line of defense. Parging is the smooth protective coating of specialized cement applied over the exposed concrete or block foundation walls above ground level. When this coating cracks, crumbles, or peels away, it exposes the structural concrete to moisture and freeze thaw damage. At Longfield Masonry, we restore and replace foundation parging to keep your home watertight, insulated, and visually clean.
Why Parging Matters in Montreal
Montreal’s climate is tough on exposed concrete. We deal with extreme temperature shifts, heavy snow piling against walls, and road salts that splash up from driveways. Parging acts as a sacrificial barrier that takes this abuse so your structural foundation doesn’t have to. A solid, well‑applied parge coat seals small voids in the concrete, prevents water absorption, and stops dampness from wicking into your basement or crawlspace. It also provides a finished, uniform look that bridges the gap between your siding and the ground.
Diagnosing Parging Failure
You typically know your parging is failing when you see hairline cracks widening into spiderwebs, chunks of cement flaking off near the ground, or a hollow sound when you tap the wall. This delamination usually happens because moisture got behind the coating and froze, pushing the cement away from the wall. In other cases, it’s due to a poor original mix or a foundation that wasn’t properly prepped. We start every job by inspecting the wall to ensure the damage is just surface‑level and not a sign of deeper structural movement.
Our Repair and Application Process
We don’t just slap a new layer of cement over loose debris. Our process begins with removing all the damaged, loose, or hollow parging down to the solid concrete or block. We grind or wire‑brush the surface to open the pores of the concrete, ensuring a mechanical bond that will hold for decades. If the wall is painted or extremely smooth, we may install a galvanized metal lath to give the new mix something to grip onto.
Once the surface is prepped, we apply a base coat of high‑strength, acrylic‑modified cement designed specifically for vertical adhesion and freeze‑thaw resistance. This isn’t standard mortar; it’s a mix engineered to flex slightly without cracking. We then apply a finish coat, troweling it smooth or texturing it with a sponge or brush to match your home’s original style. We pay special attention to the grade line, ensuring the parging stops just above the soil so it doesn’t wick moisture up from the ground.
Our Repair and Application Process
We don’t just slap a new layer of cement over loose debris. Our process begins with removing all the damaged, loose, or hollow parging down to the solid concrete or block. We grind or wire‑brush the surface to open the pores of the concrete, ensuring a mechanical bond that will hold for decades. If the wall is painted or extremely smooth, we may install a galvanized metal lath to give the new mix something to grip onto.
Once the surface is prepped, we apply a base coat of high‑strength, acrylic‑modified cement designed specifically for vertical adhesion and freeze‑thaw resistance. This isn’t standard mortar; it’s a mix engineered to flex slightly without cracking. We then apply a finish coat, troweling it smooth or texturing it with a sponge or brush to match your home’s original style. We pay special attention to the grade line, ensuring the parging stops just above the soil so it doesn’t wick moisture up from the ground.
Waterproofing and Insulation Protection
For homes with exterior foundation insulation (rigid foam), parging is essential to protect the foam from UV rays and physical damage. We use a fiberglass mesh system embedded in the base coat to create a hard, impact‑resistant shell over the insulation. This protects the thermal integrity of your basement while giving you a durable, rock‑hard finish that looks like poured concrete.
When to Call Longfield Masonry
If you notice your foundation walls looking shabby, peeling, or cracking, it is time to get them assessed. Neglected parging allows water to trap itself against your foundation, accelerating the aging of the concrete. Whether you are prepping your home for sale and want that clean curb appeal, or you are doing long‑term maintenance to protect your biggest investment, Longfield Masonry delivers a parging job that looks crisp and stays stuck.
Get a Free Estimate for Foundation Parging
Don’t let a crumbling foundation wall lower your property value or let water in. Contact Longfield Masonry today to inspect your exterior walls and provide a clear, no‑obligation quote for expert parging repair in Montreal.
Longfield masonry, 5220 Queen mary rd, (438)-861-9115
Masonry contractor in Montréal specializing in brick, stone, and chimney repairs, historic restoration, and custom masonry.
Foundation & Structural FAQ
Are cracks in my brick or foundation always serious?
Hairline cracks can be cosmetic, but larger, growing, or stair‑step cracks especially when combined with sticking doors, sloping floors, or water infiltration can indicate structural movement and should be inspected promptly.
Can you repair older stone or brick foundations?
Many older foundations can be stabilized and repaired with proper repointing, selective rebuilding, and drainage corrections instead of full replacement, depending on their condition.
Will structural masonry repairs stop water problems?
Structural work often goes hand‑in‑hand with better water management. We can recommend drainage, grading, and waterproofing solutions to work together with the masonry repairs.