Bill Davis of Earth and Stone answers your frequently asked questions about masonry and stone work!

"What *is* pointing anyway, and why do I need it?"
Pointing involves filling the spaces/holes between stones, bricks and block with cement or mortar.  On repair and restoration, this is what is usually necessary to prevent water from penetrating and causing damage. There are also different mixes and grades of mortar. Which one I choose depends on the material.

"What is a French drain?"
A French drain is a good solution to solve just about any water problems that may occur in your yard or driveway area. Normally the ground is excavated about 18" deep and 18" wide. Fabric is placed in the bottom of the trench followed by 3-4 inches of crushed stone, then a perforated drainage pipe is placed on top of the gravel, followed by more drainage gravel. The fabric that was placed in the bottom of the trench is actually pulled up the sides of the trench and wrapped around the gravel and pipe like a burrito.This protects the gravel and pipe from being clogged by dirt/topsoil. This pipe is pitched away from the problem area and keeps the water from collecting where it doesn't need to be.

What is a drystone wall?  Won't my wall fall down if it isn't cemented together?
A drystone wall is a wall that is constructed without the use of mortar/cement. This is the oldest form of stonework. Larger stones are set first on top of a gravel footing and then building stones, through stones, and finally the coping stones are set to finish the wall. This kind of work takes the most thought, since you are relying on the stones to support one another. It is very important to use the right kind of stones to build this kind of project. Even more important to use the right stonemason. Gravel footings and drainage gravel behind the wall are essential to the longevity of this kind of wall. Sometimes drain pipes and landscape fabric are also used. 
Drystone walls are works of art. They blend well within any landscape. Dams that were built centuries ago still stand. My favorite drystone work is an old arch/bridge that still stands in Central Park, New York City today. 
I have built many walls dry laid. Anywhere from 2-12' tall! If you need some advice on constructing this type of wall, e-mail me. I would be more than happy to help.  Or I can do it for you....

More "Frequently Asked Questions" to be posted here - if you've got a question about anything stone, feel free to e-mail Bill.