Heritage Brick and Stone was retained to stabilize and restore a century-old rubble stone wall along the Grand River in Paris, Ontario. The wall had sustained significant damage when a large mass of river ice struck its face during high water conditions, dislodging several large stones and leaving an area approximately the size of a small vehicle exposed and vulnerable to further collapse.

Project Planning and Approvals

The wall forms part of the foundation of a century-old solid-brick building. Although the property is not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, the restoration was planned and completed in accordance with recognized heritage conservation practices—our standard approach when working with historic masonry.

The location presented several logistical and environmental challenges. Access to the damaged area required work platforms to be constructed at the river’s edge, while materials and equipment had to be transported from the roadway above. The work also needed to be scheduled during a period of low water levels and stable weather.

Before construction could begin, the proposed work was reviewed by the appropriate municipal building department, heritage committee and conservation authority. The wall was monitored throughout this period to confirm that the damaged area remained stable and that no additional deterioration occurred.

Access and Temporary Stabilization

Work commenced in late summer, when water levels were at their lowest and weather conditions were more predictable.

Custom tube-and-clamp scaffolding was erected along the riverbank and secured to the masonry wall for additional support. Loose stones surrounding the damaged section were stabilized using temporary timber framing, with individual stones carefully shimmed to redistribute the weight of the masonry above.

With permission from the municipality, a turning lane above the site was temporarily closed. A crane was then used to lower stone, mortar, tools and other equipment onto the work platforms below.

Rubble Stone Wall Reconstruction

The damaged wall was rebuilt in small, controlled sections to avoid leaving any large portion of the structure unsupported. Locally sourced stone was selected to closely match the colour, texture and general character of the original rubble stonework.

Spira-Lok stainless-steel helical ties supplied by Blok-Lok Limited were installed to provide additional anchorage between the reconstructed stonework and the original wall. These ties strengthen the connection while accommodating the natural movement that occurs in traditional rubble stone construction.

Compatible Heritage Mortar

The stones were laid using pozzolanic hydraulic lime mortar manufactured by King. This premixed mortar provides physical and performance characteristics compatible with traditional mass-masonry construction.

Using an appropriate lime-based mortar was essential. A mortar that is too hard or impermeable can trap moisture and transfer stress into the surrounding stone, potentially accelerating deterioration. The selected mortar allows the wall to manage moisture and movement in a manner consistent with the original construction.

Pozzolanic additives assist with strength development and reduce the damp-curing period normally required by traditional lime mortars. This was particularly beneficial on a weather-sensitive project where the wall needed to be reinstated efficiently without compromising material compatibility or conservation standards.

Project Outcome

The completed restoration stabilized the damaged foundation wall, reinstated its protective exterior face and maintained the character of the original stonework. Through careful planning, temporary stabilization, compatible materials and traditional masonry techniques, Heritage Brick and Stone delivered a durable repair suited to the building’s historic construction and challenging riverfront location.