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“Michigan Basement” is a term used for stone basements oftentimes found in the State of Michigan. Many times these old basements have a dirt floor and lower than normal ceiling height compared to the modern basement. Many of the Michigan basements we’ve done stone restoration work on do have concrete floors that have been added more recently. Pouring a concrete floor in a Michigan basement seems to be one of the most popular upgrades. Not all old stone foundations are Michigan style basements. More that 70% of our stone restoration projects are full height stone basement foundations.
Why Repair Your Michigan Stone Basement
There are several reasons to keep up with the repairs on these old Michigan basements, the main one being structural integrity in my opinion. Once the mortar joints begin to rot and deteriorate we usually see water and soil begin to seep through the stone basement wall. Soon the exterior soil begins to settle and this just speeds the process of further failure in the foundation. Repairing an old fieldstone Michigan basement will keep the foundation, and the rest of the home, in tact for years and years to come. Many of the calls we get are on foundations that have seen very little upkeep over the years, it’s one of those items many homeowners are just unsure of, so they leave it alone.
Cost of Repairing Stone Foundation
It has been extremely rare that I’ve come across a stone basement that can be repaired and the cost is usually much lower than people expect. Keeping these old stone basement
walls and their mortar joints in good repair is far worth the investment, and compared to poured concrete and block foundations, the cost is usually lower. Most of the stone foundation repairs we perform don’t require mechanical excavation on the exterior and complete removal of the walls is seldom done, these both help to keep costs down.
When to Repair Your Michigan Stone Basement
The best time to make the decision to get your old Michigan basement repaired if before the walls themselves start to shift, move or fall down. Homeowners who get the repairs done when the walls are still mostly in place and standing save a lot of money. Repairing the old rotten joints helps to keep critters and water from running into your basement, making it wet and smelly. If you’ve been thinking of having your Michigan basement repaired, you should learn more about the process on the stone foundation repair page.
Supply and demand affects most every business whether it be a manufacturing business or a service business. I’ve been doing stone foundation repairs on old Michigan basements and 
barns for many years and each year the trend has remained the same as far as when people want them done. Around the middle of May each year I start getting calls and emails and notes from my website about getting foundation work done. The winter thaw often makes for a wet basement which is why some people get in touch for sure, but another reason is probably because people don’t realize the repairs can be done during the winter months. I like to let people know they can save some money by choosing to get their stone walls repaired during the winter months.
Saving Money on Stone Wall Repairs
The reason is pretty simple, there are far fewer people who get them done in the winter and I don’t like being bored. There is nothing better to fight off cabin fever than doing a stone project in January or February. If you have an old Michigan basement with crumbling mortar joints or falling stone it is probably above freezing down there. Most basements are. Often time I will do the interior stone wall repairs in the dead of winter then come back in the spring and address any exterior issues. I would guess I charge 10% to 20% less on stone projects I am able to do in the winter.
Stone Basement Walls and Barn Foundations
Old barn foundations, which are usually basements can also be done during the winter months in Michigan. Many people don’t realize that most barns stay around 35-40 degrees during the winter and that is perfect weather for the mortar joints to cure properly. So if you’ve been kicking around the idea of getting a stone wall or foundation repaired, consider getting a quote to have it done in the winter, you’ll save some cash.
Over the years I’ve worked on dozens of stone foundations under old farm houses, many of which were basements. I’d say half of the basements I’ve worked on either didn’t have windows or the window openings were boarded up. A few years ago a customer asked if we could install windows in her basement so I looked into possibilities. The window openings on this particular stone basement would require a special ordered window, I couldn’t find any the right size at the Lumber yard. I recalled a foundation I had worked on previously that had glass block windows installed and they were really nice. I ran it by the homeowner and she chose the glass blocks.
Why I like Glass Block Windows in Stone Foundations
There are several reasons I like the Glass Block option when it comes to old stone foundations. First off the are a high quality option that doesn’t cost a lot. Another benefit to glass block windows is the security they provide. I usually use the frosted glass blocks which prevent a person from seeing in your basement. They are also much harder to break than a traditional window. Glass blocks come in many different sizes and they can be configured to fit just about any window opening, which is nice on older foundations that don’t have standard window sizes.
If you have a stone basement with windows you probably notice the opening is wrapped with some sort of lumber. Long ago they didn’t have treated lumber so regular lumber was used and it rots pretty fast. Usually I can install glass block windows in a stone basement without even using lumber, thus eliminating a material that will just rot and attract bugs. Another option with glass block is a 8″ x 16″ screened vent that can be opened and closed which is nice for airing out your basement area.
Letting natural light into your basement also makes it seem like less of a “dungeon” and glass blocks are a great, long lasting, good looking way to get that done. If you would like a quote on getting glass blocks installed in your stone foundation in Michigan or would like a price to get stone foundation repair done, just get in touch, we do good work at an affordable price.
walls and their mortar joints in good repair is far worth the investment, and compared to poured concrete and block foundations, the cost is usually lower. Most of the stone foundation repairs we perform don’t require mechanical excavation on the exterior and complete removal of the walls is seldom done, these both help to keep costs down.
