Building Solutions
Diamond Bar
News and Insights on the Preservation of Commercial and Institutional Building Structures in the Greater Boston Area




Vol.1 No.1

September 2009

Greetings!


Welcome to the premier issue of Building Solutions, a periodic newsletter intended to provide valuable information for building owners and property managers, facilities managers, and building envelope consultants in the greater Boston area.

In each issue, we will provide our unique insight into the restoration and preservation of the facades of commercial and institutional masonry structures, and share recent projects with you.

We trust that you will benefit from the information provided in this publication. If you have any comments or questions, we can be reached at 617-445-0274 or at www.abbotbuilding.com.

 
Sincerely,
 
Michael Norman
Vice President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
617-445-0274

Abbot Restores Eastern Nazarene College Library Entrance
abbot logoAbbot recently completed a major restoration of the masonry entrance to the library at Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, MA. Contracted by Early Day Construction, Inc. (Nashua, NH), Abbot conducted a complete demolition of the old entrance, and installed new brick columns and walls, granite caps, and granite stairs. The project was based on the design of Silverman Trykowski Associates, a professional architectural firm (Boston, MA).

The scope of the project, valued at approximately $250,000, was as follows:


o   Demolition of the entire walkway, stairs, and brick columns
o   Installation of new brick walls and columns
o   Installation of granite caps and stairs
o   Installation of all related flashings
o   Reinstall and repaint wrought iron railings
o   Provide new electrical conduit for outside lighting
o   Installation of new lanterns on granite caps

According to Carolann Constant, project manager for Early Day Construction, "Abbot did an outstanding job in a very timely manner. Their attention to detail and service was greatly appreciated and makes them a great subcontractor to work with."


Flashing: Brick's Best Defense Against Water Penetration

Water penetration is the most common source of masonry brick failure, especially in our colder northern climate.

When water freezes, it expands. If this expansion takes place in the pore spaces of a brick or between the brick and mortar, cracks are likely to form and propagate. With additional expansion cycles, the severity of the cracking may increase until the damage is repaired or the wall fails completely.

Water also carries salts into walls, either leached from cement in the mortar or percolated from the ground. As the water evaporates, salt crystals (florescence) form either on the surface of the brick (efflorescence) or within the pores of the brick (cryptoflorescence). Efflorescence is unsightly but does not usually damage brick by itself. Cryptoflorescence, however, can seal water into brick pores, causing expansion damage, or damage to the brick directly as the salt crystals expand.

Through-Wall Flashing
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Brick walls that are designed to shed water are most desirable.  However, through-wall flashing provides the best defense against water penetration. Through-wall flashing is an impermeable membrane placed in the wall that extends from the sheathing, across the air space, and all the way to the exterior of the brickwork.  Properly installed flashing keeps water from penetrating through a wall face. Through-wall flashing at grade level prevents water from seeping into the upper section of a wall from the below-grade masonry.  

Flashing should be placed at all points where the air space is closed off. Standard building codes require flashing at the foundation, above window and door heads, at window sills, and where the roof of a one-story wing meets a two-story brick veneer wall.

Flashing should extend from the outside face of the veneer, through the thickness of the brick, across the air space to the backing, and then up at least 8 inches.  The flashing should either extend up behind the water-resistant barrier or be attached to its surface with a termination bar. Flashing held back from the outside of the brick veneer -- even just 1/2 inch -- may allow water to enter the wall

Flashing that is punctured will not perform as intended and should be torn out and replaced. Where flashing under a brick course requires more than one piece, flashing pieces should be overlapped at least 6 inches and sealed with compatible mastic.

Because the expense and difficulty of replacing flashing is considerable, only the best materials should be used.  Copper and copper alloys, stainless steel, bituminous membranes, and combinations of such materials are suitable for flashing. Aluminum and building felt should not be used.


About Abbot Building Restoration
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc., has been providing quality construction and restoration services for more than 50 years.  We have built our reputation on a strong work ethic, a high level of technical expertise, and longstanding relationships with a variety of clients in the public, institutional, and commercial sectors.  

We specialize in restoring and preserving the integrity of the building envelope of aging and problem structures in the greater Boston area.  We also provide remedial weatherproofing services to correct construction deficiencies in newer structures.  Our specific areas of expertise include:


o   Masonry construction and repairs
o   Weatherproofing services
o   Caulking
o   Pointing
o   Waterproofing
o   Special coatings and sealants
o   Roof repair, replacement, or resurfacing


Call Abbot today at 617-445-0274 to arrange for a FREE INSPECTIONAL INVESTIGATION, or visit our web site at www.abbotbuilding.com.


abbot logo

Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274  � Fax: 617-445-0277


IN THIS ISSUE

Case Study
Abbot recently completed a major restoration of the masonry entrance to the library at Eastern Nazarene College.

See full article below.

Restoration Tutorial
Water penetration is the most common source of masonry brick failure, especially in our colder northern climate. Through-wall flashing provides the best defense.

See full article below.
Free Inspectional Investigation
abbot logo
Responsible maintenance practices call for a visual inspection of a masonry building every year or two to check for obvious signs of deterioration, and a semi-annual inspection and routine care of roof surfaces.  

As we head into the fall season now may be good time to check your roof, masonry, and the rest of your building structure for leaks, cracks, and other water damage before the cold weather sets in.

From now until the end of November, we are offering a FREE INSPECTIONAL INVESTIGATION of your building structure.

We can work with you and your staff to determine and implement the most effective solutions to identify any water damage, and restore and preserve your building structure.

Call Abbot today at 617-445-0274 to arrange your free inspectional investigation, or visit our web site at www.abbotbuilding.com.

 
Visit Our Web Site
To learn about more "Building Solutions", visit our web site at :

www.abbotbuilding.com