Historic buildings don’t fail all at once—they fail at the foundation, the chimney, and the structural masonry that holds everything together.

That’s where we come in.

At J Wilson Masonry, we specialize in the stabilization, repair, and preservation of historic stone and brick structures, with a focus on older homes and multi-unit buildings throughout Maine.

With over 20 years of hands-on masonry experience, we understand how these buildings were originally constructed—and more importantly, how to repair them without causing further damage using modern, incompatible methods.

Our Core Restoration Services

We focus on the structural and weather-exposed elements that matter most:

• Fieldstone foundation stabilization & repair
• Brick and stone repointing (period-appropriate methods)
• Chimney restoration and structural rebuilds
• Interior stone wall repair and mortar rehabilitation
• Moisture management and waterproofing solutions
• Selective demolition and rebuild of failing masonry sections
• Modified lime mortar applications & historic-appropriate finishes

What Makes Historic Masonry Different

Older structures require a completely different approach than modern construction. Common issues we address include:

• Failing or missing mortar joints in fieldstone foundations
• Hydrostatic pressure and water intrusion
• Previous repairs done with Portland cement (causing accelerated damage)
• Crumbling chimney crowns and deteriorated brick stacks
• Structural shifting from decades of settlement
• Stone and brick deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles

These problems aren’t cosmetic—they’re structural.

If left unaddressed, they continue to worsen.

Why Specialist Work Matters

Most contractors treat historic masonry like modern work—and that’s where problems start.

We take a different approach:

• Use compatible materials that allow the structure to breathe
• Repair without trapping moisture inside the wall system
• Preserve original materials whenever possible
• Focus on long-term structural performance, not short-term patches

Who We Typically Work With

• Owners of homes built before 1940
• Property managers maintaining older multi-unit buildings
• Buyers and sellers navigating inspection issues
• Homeowners dealing with water intrusion or visible foundation failure

Protect the Structure Before It Becomes a Major Problem

If you’re seeing loose stone, crumbling mortar, water on the basement floor, or chimney deterioration—those are early warning signs.

Addressing these issues early is significantly more affordable than waiting until structural failure occurs.

Request an Evaluation

We provide detailed assessments and clear repair recommendations so you understand exactly what’s happening—and what it will take to fix it properly.

📞 (207) 713-1602

📧 jwilson_masonry@yahoo.com

J Wilson Masonry
Experience Makes the Difference