News and Insights on the Masonry Repair and Maintenance of Institutional, Commercial, and Condominium Buildings in Eastern Massachusetts
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Greetings!
As the brutal winter finally comes to an end, we are looking forward to getting back to our masonry restoration routine. The better weather has not come without a price as many buildings are in no doubt in need of significant repairs.
In this issue, our feature articles focus on moisture problems that can be caused by winter's fury. Our Case Study article involves a restoration project we completed last fall involving a total excavation of an asphalt patio and installation of new architectural pavers. Our Masonry 101 article provides tips on prolonged storage of bricks in cold, wet weather.
We trust that you will benefit from the information provided in this publication. If you have any comments or questions, or would like an estimate on a masonry repair, we can be reached at 617-445-0274 or at www.abbotbuilding.com.
Sincerely,
Michael Norman
Vice President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
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Case Study
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Abbot Restores Brookline Condominium Patio with Architectural Pavers
 Abbot recently restored the rear patio at Avalon Terrace in Brookline, MA with architectural concrete pavers.
Over the years, the asphalt patio surface had severely ruptured due to continuing freeze/thaw cycles caused by rainwater draining from the roof onto the patio and infiltrating the basement.The Condominium Association consulted with the architectural design firm of CBI Consulting Inc. (Boston, MA) and Abbot to value engineer the existing conditions and determine appropriate remedial action.
Following the evaluation, Abbot was contracted to perform a total excavation of the ruptured asphalt including removal of the fill below the asphalt that lowered the perimeter grade about 8 inches. Abbot then waterproofed the perimeter brick foundation walls, installed a series of drainage pipes, connected the pipes to the appropriate downspouts, and integrated the pipes into the city's storm drainage system.
In place of the crumbled asphalt, Abbot installed an elegant archtectural paver patio by laying new backfill, installing base material for the pavers, and setting new architectural concrete pavers with a special "tumble finish" that enhances their durability. In addition, Abbot installed new passage doors to waterproof the basement entrances.
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Masonry 101
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Keeping Bricks High and Dry
 Bricks delivered to the job site are often left exposed to weather conditions for some time before they are used. If proper precautions are not taken, the finished appearance of the joints can be adversely affected. For example, if bricks arrive saturated from heavy rain wearing covered in plastic shrink wrap they will have no chance to dry. And if the ground is cool and damp, drying of the brick will be almost impossible.
A few simple steps can alleviate these potential problems:
1. Upon delivery, remove the shrink wrap from the brick cubes.
2. Move the brick materials onto a pallet on high, well drained ground.
3. Circulate air around the pallet with a high speed fan.
Moisture can be the number one enemy to bricks even before installation. Keeping bricks high and dry will go a long way toward a successful end result.
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Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 · Fax: 617-445-0277
estimating@abbotbuilding.com · www.abbotbuilding.com
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Featured Articles
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Case Study
Abbot recently installed an architectural paver patio at Avalon Terrace condominiums in Brookline, MA.
See full article below
Masonry 101
Moisture in bricks stored in cold, wet weather can affect joint appearance.
See full article below
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