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Historic Preservation
Historic buildings often require special consideration during the repair process in order to prevent damage to the facade materials. The main difference between the restoration of historic buildings and that of newer buildings lies in the removal method of damaged material and the type of material used upon re-installation. In the repair of newer structures, matching replacement materials are typically readily available. However, in historic restoration, the existing building materials often need to be salvaged, cleaned, and repaired for reuse.
Let’s protect your structure before small issues become big ones.
More on Materials
Historic mortars used prior to and at the turn of the 19th century often contain no Portland cement (the hardening agent in contemporary mortars). Portland-deficient mortar is softer than mortar containing Portland, so replacing the historic mortar with a comparable composition rather than a contemporary mixture is vital to the mortar functioning properly within the veneer.
The replacement materials must also match existing mortar in composition and striking method. This step is critical in preserving the aesthetics of your historic building.
Common Repair Triggers:
- Crumbling or missing mortar on older brick or stone
- Spalling or flaking masonry materials
- Water leaks around historic windows or walls
- Cracks forming in arches, chimneys, or decorative stonework
- Loose or shifting brick, stone, or terra cotta
- White staining that indicates moisture movement
- Deteriorated or failing historic coatings or sealants
Why MRI?
Our expert team has unmatched knowledge of the materials needed in historic restoration. The use of appropriate materials, especially with regard to mortars, is critical in preventing veneer material damage. The compressive strength of the mortar used to lay masonry must be comparable to that of the existing building material to ensure your structure is stable. We take extreme care in determining the proper composition of mortar for your building’s specific needs, including mixing the perfect color to blend into your original facade. At Masonry Restoration, Inc., we often collect mortar samples from the exterior veneer, which we then send to a laboratory to be analyzed prior to starting a project. This helps us determine the exact color and composition needed to effectively restore your historic building.
Furthermore, in order to minimize the impact and stress of the repair process on the existing veneer, and prevent further damage, we alter the removal methods of existing historic building materials. This involves an increase in the use of hand tools and a decrease in the use of power tools. Due to the delicacy with which we treat historic buildings, these projects are often more time consuming; however, you can rest assured that your historic treasure will appear as if the original building had never been in need of repair in the first place.
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