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.
Plaster Failure Diagnosis Signs of plaster failure typically include the appearance of fine cracks that widen into cobweb-like patterns, the detachment of pieces of cement near the ground, or a hollow sound when the wall is tapped. This detachment is usually due to moisture seeping behind the plaster, which freezes and displaces the cement from the wall. In other cases, it can be caused by a poor-quality initial mix or inadequately prepared foundations. We begin every project with a wall inspection to ensure that the damage is superficial and does not reveal deeper structural movement.
Our Repair and Application Method
We don't simply apply a new layer of cement over crumbling debris. Our process begins by removing all damaged, crumbling, or hollow plaster down to the solid concrete or block. We sand or brush the surface to open the pores of the concrete, ensuring long lasting mechanical adhesion. If the wall is painted or extremely smooth, galvanized wire mesh can be installed to facilitate the adhesion of the new plaster.
Once the surface is prepared, a high strength acrylic cement base coat is applied, specially formulated for vertical adhesion and freeze thaw resistance. This is not a standard mortar it's a mix designed to flex slightly without cracking. We then apply a finishing coat, smoothed with a trowel or textured with a sponge or brush to match the original style of your home. We pay particular attention to the level line, ensuring that the plaster stops just above the ground to prevent rising damp.
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.