In our line of work, we repair
or restore stone foundations
and above-grade
walls, either independently
or together on the same project.
Many of the barns in our area in
Bucks County, PA., date back more
than 100 years, and some go back to
the 18th century. While some continue
to serve as barns, others have
become workshops, homes, and even
office buildings. They are called "bank
barns," because on one side an earthen
embankment leads to the second
floor. Most of the barns have 18-inchthick
stone foundation walls that rise
as much as 8 to 10 feet above grade on
the downhill side and are even with
grade on the uphill side (see Figure 1
on next page).