Greetings!
In this issue of Building Solutions, we present a Case Study on a major restoration project at the historic Schrafft Center in Charlestown, MA and a Restoration Tutorial on the use of Protective Coatings on Brick and Concrete Structures.
We are also initiating section in which we comment on a recent article or significant event in our industry. In this issue, our Commentary focuses on the importance of facade inspections on commercial properties.
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
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Abbot Restores Historic
Schrafft Center
 Abbot Building Restoration is involved in a major restoration at the historic Schrafft Center, Charlestown, MA. Formerly the Schrafft's Candy Factory, the 600,000 square foot building was converted by The Flatley Company into a mixed-use commercial property in 1984. A significant requirement that encompassed the entire project was to assure that all renovations maintained the elegant architectural design of original structure.
Several Project Phases
The initial development phase of the restoration project involved conversion of the main building located at 529 Main Street into a mixed-use commercial property.
The
second phase involved a multi-story bonded
warehouse and a large one-story building, located at 465 Medford
Street, which are also part of the Schraffts complex. On the bonded
warehouse, which was converted into a four-story office building, Abbot
worked as part of the renovation team to remove the garage doors and
create window openings to match the existing brick work and brownstone.
On the one-story building, Abbot created new window openings and
performed brick work under the windows to reflect the architecture of
the complex.
The final phase was the renovation of the old Domino sugar factory that was converted into a storage facility. After demolition was performed to remove the existing silos, Abbot constructed a new brick wall to finish the exterior façade.
The entire development project took approximately three years to complete.
Maintenance Work Ongoing
After
more than 20 years of exposure to the New England weather, the exterior
of the main building was in need of restoration. Flatley contracted
Abbot to replace and reflash the brick work on the rear of the
building, and to repoint the brick panels, repair and reseal the
concrete, and recaulk the windows around the front and sides of the
building.
Abbot continues to perform ongoing maintenance and repairs as required by the owner.--------------------------------------------
A Boston landmark since 1928, The Schrafft Center is situated on the shores of the Mystic River along the scenic Boston Harborwalk. Current tenants include John Hancock Signature Services, Partners Healthcare, NetVersant Solutions, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston Interactive, Springfield College Boston Campus, and FitCorp. |
Protective Coatings for
Brick and Concrete Structures
Masonry brick and concrete are among the most durable building components available. However, these materials will deteriorate over time if not maintained properly, especially in our northeast climate with our ever-changing weather conditions. From our experience, coatings can be among the most effective methods of protecting brick and concrete structures from the elements.
Coatings Prevent Water Damage
 Sealing the joints in brick and concrete walls can prevent water from penetrating junctures exposed to severe weather. Clear exterior masonry coatings are considered to be water repellant but not waterproof. Nevertheless, when properly applied, these coatings change the capillary angle of the pores in the face of the brick masonry wall from positive (suction) to negative (repellency). In certain situations, coatings can also bridge or fill hairline cracks or separations in the face of masonry walls and provide some protection from damaging freeze/thaw cycles.
Advanced Coating Technology
New technology has created coating compounds for brick and concrete structures based on silicones, silanes, and siloxanes. When properly applied, these advanced coatings can be very effective in prolonging resistance to weather deterioration.
Coating Application
The amount of surface protection provided for newly placed brick and/or concrete can significantly influence its longevity. Unprotected patches may allow moisture to enter the structure at the patch edges or through shrinkage cracks.
Before applying the coating, make sure the wall is clean, as heavy accumulations of atmospheric dirt may interfere with proper penetration or adhesion of the coating and result in poor performance and shorter life. Test the selected coating on wall sections scheduled for treatment. The test areas should be at least 10 feet square.
Check the moisture content of the wall at several locations and observe climatic conditions to assure consistency with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Selecting a Coating
Select a coating produced by a well-known manufacturer with strong track record. Request references of similar projects and require test reports for relevant performance criteria and a written warranty from the coating manufacturer.
Verify the qualifications of the application contractor, and make sure the contractor protects adjacent and surrounding surfaces from overspray as necessary.
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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 wealth of experience, 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 resurfacingSignificantly,
Abbot is a family-owned business representing four generations since
its inception in 1936. The current leadership team takes great pride
in the company's strict attention to detail and family-oriented management approach. Call Abbot today at 617-445-0274 to arrange for a FREE INSPECTIONAL INVESTIGATION, or visit our web site at www.abbotbuilding.com. |
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 · Fax: 617-445-0277
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IN THIS ISSUE
Case Study
Abbot recently completed a major restoration of the historic Schrafft Center mixed-use commercial complex in Charlestown, MA, including the main 600,000 square foot building and adjacent structures.See full article below.Restoration Tutorial
Masonry brick and concrete are among the most durable building components available. However, these materials will deteriorate over time if not maintained properly, especially in our northeast climate with our ever-changing weather conditions. Coatings can be among the most effective methods of protecting brick and concrete structures from the elements. See full article below.
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Commentary
"Façade Inspections Are More Important Than Ever"
An article authored by Tony Chiarelli, President of RMX Northeast, a leading building envelope consulting firm, in the September 25 issue of the New England Real Estate Journal stresses the importance of periodic façade inspections on commercial buildings. While the recent wall collapse at Northeastern University is an example of an extreme case, such inspections can identify potential problems before they occur.
In fact, an ordinance issued by the City of Boston in 1995 mandates that a visual inspection of every building over 70 feet high and a close up inspection of every building over 125 feet high be conducted by a licensed architect or engineer once every 5 years.
As winter fast approaches, now is the time for building owners and property managers to consider an inspection before the snow and ice are upon us. Abbot works with many leading consulting engineers to conduct such inspections.
Call Abbot today at 617-445-0274 to arrange your free inspectional investigation, or visit our web site at www.abbotbuilding.com.
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