Who doesn’t admire the breathtaking sight of an old church or other historic building? The beautiful, complex texture and structure of these precious structures inspires awe in even the most casual observer. Though many historic buildings were built with great expertise and precision, over time all of these structures require maintenance and repair. This will ensure that they continue to raise our spirits for years to come.
There are many gorgeous historical homes and churches in the Greater Delaware Valley Region. Eventually they will require this type of upkeep and repair in order to prevent or repair cracking, and leaking. Unfortunately, there could be greater structural damage that could become catastrophic. If you are considering having the masonry on a historical building restored, these tips will help you decide the best direction to take. It is important to understand that in the wrong hands, masonry restoration can make a bad problem much worse.
Restoring masonry on historical buildings, such as churches and homes, requires intricate knowledge of these historical structures. Restoration also demands expertise on the proper techniques and tools used to ensure the job is done properly. If your contractor is not experienced in both of these areas, the results could be devastating. But what exactly is masonry restoration? Generally speaking masonry restoration involves repairing the existing masonry of a building, no matter how old the building. In lieu of tearing it down, and building something from scratch with all new materials. Only a true expert can take a crumbling, deteriorated portion of a structure and restore it to its original beauty. A true masonry expert understands that a building that was built 50 years ago will require different tools and techniques. Also understanding that a building that is 150 years old requires a different process. This type of craftsmanship is essential when considering the repair of a historically significant building.
Masonry restoration involves working with the original brick or stone construction of a building. As well as new materials to repair, restore, and reconstruct the structure to its initial brilliance. When restoring historical structures, the process is more complex because masons must recreate a safe structure that mimics the original work.
Techniques commonly used:
It is important to know the story of the building you are considering having restored. For example, often historic buildings may have had repairs and additions added on over the years the building has been in use. Of course, a true masonry expert will be able to distinguish the different phases of construction. However, it will be helpful as you are considering what type of work needs to be done on your building to be able to communicate the building’s history. If your building is a home, who lived in the home over the decades? When did the home change hands? Because you have different options, knowing this information will be key in the decision-making process. For example, if an important historical event took place in a building, this information might help you to determine whether you want to maintain the historical relevance of this time period.
McNamara Masonry: Local Restoration Experts at Your Service
Are you considering having a historic building restored in the Greater Delaware Valley? If so, McNamara Masonry experts will visit you to evaluate the condition of your historic building. We check each and every brick or stone to determine what repairs have been done in the past. Assessing the current condition of the building, and create a plan to address your structure’s unique needs and condition.
We will inspect for problems that arise in the lifespan of a masonry building. From cracked mortar joints to leaks and deterioration to more complex structural deficits. Do not make the mistake of hiring inexperienced workers to do a job that requires skill and precision. Call McNamara Masonry today at 215-300-3388 to set up a consultation!
What is Masonry Restoration?
Restoring masonry on historical buildings, such as churches and homes, requires intricate knowledge of these historical structures. Restoration also demands expertise on the proper techniques and tools used to ensure the job is done properly. If your contractor is not experienced in both of these areas, the results could be devastating. But what exactly is masonry restoration? Generally speaking masonry restoration involves repairing the existing masonry of a building, no matter how old the building. In lieu of tearing it down, and building something from scratch with all new materials. Only a true expert can take a crumbling, deteriorated portion of a structure and restore it to its original beauty. A true masonry expert understands that a building that was built 50 years ago will require different tools and techniques. Also understanding that a building that is 150 years old requires a different process. This type of craftsmanship is essential when considering the repair of a historically significant building.
Techniques Involved in Historic Restoration
Masonry restoration involves working with the original brick or stone construction of a building. As well as new materials to repair, restore, and reconstruct the structure to its initial brilliance. When restoring historical structures, the process is more complex because masons must recreate a safe structure that mimics the original work.
Techniques commonly used:
- Historic Repointing: Involves harvesting original mortar segments from the structure in order to analyze the makeup of the original mortar used. Using this process, a mason is able to recreate and match the type of cement used when the building was first constructed. If a new or different type of mortar is used in a historical building, unfortunately the original bricks can be severely damaged by the unmatched mortar.
- Dutchman Repair: A chipped or damaged stone is replaced with a new piece of stone. This type of repair requires the detailed work of matching a new piece of stone to the old stone, carving it so that it fits properly, setting it with the correct type of adhesive or mortar, and creating a seamless texture to the repaired stone.
- Patching: This technique is used to repair smaller areas of stone that are weakened or declining. A masonry expert can match a new patching material to the original work in order to create a seamless and blended look.
- Stone Replacement: When the original work is severely damaged or when stones are missing, a mason will often seek a suitable replacement stone. This can be challenging, as finding a stone to match the original may prove to be difficult. Though it is not ideal, synthetic or non-matching stone may be used.
- Mechanical Stitching: When deep cracks are found, it is necessary to use stainless steel stitching to stabilize the structure. The stitching will redistribute the load appropriately and prevent further decline.
Learn the History of Your Building
It is important to know the story of the building you are considering having restored. For example, often historic buildings may have had repairs and additions added on over the years the building has been in use. Of course, a true masonry expert will be able to distinguish the different phases of construction. However, it will be helpful as you are considering what type of work needs to be done on your building to be able to communicate the building’s history. If your building is a home, who lived in the home over the decades? When did the home change hands? Because you have different options, knowing this information will be key in the decision-making process. For example, if an important historical event took place in a building, this information might help you to determine whether you want to maintain the historical relevance of this time period.
McNamara Masonry: Local Restoration Experts at Your Service
Are you considering having a historic building restored in the Greater Delaware Valley? If so, McNamara Masonry experts will visit you to evaluate the condition of your historic building. We check each and every brick or stone to determine what repairs have been done in the past. Assessing the current condition of the building, and create a plan to address your structure’s unique needs and condition.
We will inspect for problems that arise in the lifespan of a masonry building. From cracked mortar joints to leaks and deterioration to more complex structural deficits. Do not make the mistake of hiring inexperienced workers to do a job that requires skill and precision. Call McNamara Masonry today at 215-300-3388 to set up a consultation! 