AboutEd Eckley Expertise I will be happy to answer any questions regarding foundation problems of any type. Questions pertaining to construction methods, Problematic soils, Settling & Movement, Frame torsion & racking, Preventative measures, Repair methods of all types.
Experience Over 18 years in the industry. A.S.M.E. Certified,(American Society of Mechanical Engineering). Hydraulics Design Expert. 18 years of hands on soil manipulation. Over 500 homes repaired, and over 20 commercial buildings repaired. Extensive soil knowledge. Familiar with most types of repair methods and the expected results of each.
Publications Ezine.com Article Title: Foundation Problems Do's & Don'ts
custombuildingsupport.com: Foundation Repair Methods
Education/Credentials High School Graduate 1976
Trade School Graduate 1976
College Graduate 1978
Awards and Honors Certificates of achievment: Excel Industries
Letters of appreciation: City of Golden
Awards & Plaques: Jacobsen Turf Division
I am partner in a 104 year old house recently remodeled. The exterior and
interior basement walls have been painted over so I do not know what they
are made of but I suspect they are boulders and cement, maybe limestone?
The interior walls are weeping a coarse crystal like surface substance in
portions of the basement. To me it looks like lime! I would like to clean and
repaint the walls inside, but I do not know what I am doing. Any ideas? P.S.
Answer Hello Bob
Usually the residue that forms on foundation walls, is caused by moisture seepage or condensation that dries and leaves behind a mineral deposit layer. Often times this layer can be washed away with conventional cleansers such as: Lime Away, or Oxy Clean, or similar products. In some cases it may be necessary to use muriatic acid, but it is very dangerous to use the product if you do not have proper protective gear and good ventilation.
If you can thoroughly clean the wall and remove all of the loose residue, then you will need to make sure the wall is completely dry and you can apply a heavy coat of epoxy paint, (the type used on swimming pools).....Good quality epoxy paint will usually prevent further problems with residual build up.
I would recommend having the residue examined for mold spores before you play with it!.....It could be dangerous to your health if it is discovered that the substance is more than simple mineral deposits.
I wish you the best!
Respectfully Ed Eckley
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