Greetings!
In this issue of Building Solutions, we continue to feature Case Study articles on our historic and period restoration projects, this time
describing a major restoration project at the Newton Presbyterian Church in Newton. We also include a Building Basics article on structural steel lintels.
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
Newton Presbyterian Church Steeple and Facade
 Newton Presbyterian Church is a red brownstone structure with sandstone trim
built for the Unitarian movement in 1881. Designed in a classic Gothic architectural style, the building was
utilized by the Unitarian congregation until it was adopted by the Presbyterian
faith in 1946.
An architectural
firm (Edwards & Kelcey, Boston, MA) was contracted to evaluate the
condition of the steeple and of the overall facade. During the investigation, it was determined the inner walls of
the steeple had debonded from the outer walls causing a wide cavity to develop
over time. The evaluation also
revealed significant deterioration of the masonry joints on the façade due to
normal "wear and tear" for a structure of that age.
Abbot was contracted to
stabilize the steeple by filling the cavity with grout to establish a bond
between the inner and outer widths
of masonry. Abbot also power washed the
entire façade to remove atmospheric debris, and repointed all of the masonry
joints to upgrade the structural integrity of the building. |
Structural Steel Lintels
A
lintel is a structural member placed above windows and doors to support the
weight of the wall above. In the
case of a brick masonry wall, lintels may consist of reinforced brick masonry,
brick masonry arches, precast concrete or structural steel shapes. Lintels typically rest on top of the
last brick course that is level or approximately level with the top of the
window or door frame. The bricks
above the wall opening on which the lintels rest can be strengthened by the
installation of steel reinforcing bars.
The illustration below is an example of the beginning of
the structural steel installation process. The finished process would show the brick being completed on
the face of the CMU and extending up the columns of both sides of the steel
lintels to create the bearing points.
Structural Design
To
eliminate the possibility of structural cracks in the wall above these
openings, the structural design of the lintels should not involve the use of
"rule-of-thumb" methods, or the arbitrary selection of structural
sections, without careful analysis of the loads to be carried and calculation
of the stresses developed. If
these are not taken into account, problems of cracking and spalling could
occur. Many of the cracks that
appear over openings in masonry walls are due to excessive deflection of the
lintels resulting from improper or inadequate design, or improper installation
of the flashings.
Moisture Control
Consideration must also be given to moisture control wherever
there are openings in masonry walls. There must always be a mechanism to channel the flow of water to the
outside. Flashing should be installed on the lintel to
allow any water that might enter the masonry to filter out over the
lintel. Some of the most common leaks occur over
the windows because of improper flashing details.
Types of Lintels
There
are several different types of structural steel lintels used in masonry. They
vary from single angle lintels in cavity or veneer walls, to steel beams with
plates in solid walls, to shelf angles in brick veneer panel walls.
Installation
Installation
of steel lintels in masonry walls is a conventional construction operation. The
walls are built to the height of the opening, the lintel is installed over the
opening, and the masonry work is continued.
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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 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 resurfacingCall Abbot today at 617-445-0274 to arrange for a FREE INSPECTIONAL SURVEY, 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
Email: estimating@abbotbuilding.com
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IIN THIS ISSUE
Case Study
Abbot recently completed a major restoration of the steeple and facade at the historic Newton Presbyterian Church. See full article below.Building Basics
Structural steel lintels must be designed to support the weight of the masonry wall above.See full article below.
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Have a Restoration Project?
If you have an upcoming restoration project, send us an email at our new address for a FREE no obligation estimate:
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