Masonry Solutions

Diamond Bar

News and Insights on the Masonry Repair and Maintenance of Institutional, Commercial, and Condominium Buildings in Eastern Massachusetts   
 



Vol.3 No. 5

July 2011  


Greetings!


In this issue, our Case Study article demonstrates the power of "Fast Tracking" in completing a restoration project at the Longview Cooperative Apartments in Cambridge. Our Masonry 101 article provides tips toward successful repair of stucco surfaces. 


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 project, we can be reached at

617-445-0274 or at www.abbotbuilding.com.  

  

Sincerely,

  

Michael Norman
Vice President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.

 

Case Study 

Fast Tracking Proves Successful for the Longview Co-Operative Corporation Complex, Cambridge, MA 

A popular term used over the past several years is "Fast Track" construction. Fast Track is not a contractual arrangement, but rather an approach used to allow for the earliest possible project completion time. 

 

Longview Co-op

Longview Co-Operative Corporation Complex, Cambridge, MA

 

A prime example of Fast Tracking is Abbot's recently completed masonry repair project for the Longview Co-Operative Corporation Complex  in Cambridge, MA. Mother Nature had the greatest impact on the time frame of the project as all masonry work had to be completed prior to onset of cold weather as the project involved masonry repairs to the exterior envelope of the rear of the building.  

 

All About Teamwork

To initiate the process, the project management team -- including the building owner, architect, and Abbot -- conducted a pre-construction meeting in late August 2010 to develop the most efficient approach to the project. Important considerations were sequencing, phasing, equipment mobilization, and labor requirements to meet the tight construction schedule. Based on the concepts discussed at the meeting, Abbot value engineered a plan that was approved by the owner and architect. Work began less than a week after the contract had been awarded.  

 

Sequencing and Mobilization

One key to the schedule was evaluating the scope of work and sequencing the project based on anticipated weather conditions. The project specifications called for the masonry work to be performed only when the temperatures were "40 degrees and rising." As all weather sensitive masonry work had to be completed within the temperature specifications, the schedule was compressed to approximately 3-4 months. This included brick work, stone replacement, repointing, resealing, and installation of window trim. Non-weather related work, such as storm window installation, could be performed at later date.

 

Scaffolding

Two-point suspended swing scaffolding was moved from one side of the building to the other to optmize the production schedule. 

Another key to the schedule was mobilization - assembling the proper amount of equipment on the building to create an efficient production schedule without interfering with the lifestyle of the building occupants. To maximize efficiency, the project was divided into two phases. Two-point suspended swing scaffolding was assembled to cover the entire wall on one half of the elevation and the masonry work was performed in its entirely. Once the first phase was completed, the scaffolding was moved to cover the other half of the building wall and masonry work proceeded. Once the scaffolding was moved, the storm window installation commenced on the completed section of the building.

 

Implementing the right sequencing, the right phasing, the right mobilization, and the right amount of labor allowed the project to be substantially completed before the onset of the cold winter weather.  

 

 

This article is excerpted from the June 2011 issue of Condo Media. 


Masonry 101

Stucco Repair   


Plaster repair is typically a straightforward procedure that is capable of bringing many stucco surfaces back to good condition.

 

StuccoA wall that was poorly cured following installation may exhibit minor cracks on the surface. Older plaster surfaces can become worn or faded from exposure to weather, such as sun, rain, and snow. Even minor cracking can detract from the look of an otherwise good quality wall. As long as cracks are not too wide so that water passes through them, a new finish treatment can be a quick fix. That could be a Portland cement-based paint or a slurry of cement and pigments, sometimes call a fog coat.  If the building needs a "new look", this can be accomplished simply by updating the color. Today's pigments are compatible with cement-based materials and are durable over the long term.

 

Before beginning any stucco repair, it is important to make sure that the walls are structurally sound so that there are no hidden problems. Should significant damage be found due to moisture infiltration, building settlement, or other environmental factors, it is best to consult a professional masonry contractor as a poorly executed repair might mask the problem until even more damage is done.


abbot logo
 

Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.

28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274  � Fax: 617-445-0277

[email protected] www.abbotbuilding.com  

Featured Articles  

 

Case Study

Abbot used its "Fast Tracking" ability to complete  a restoration project at a Cambridge apartment building before the onset of winter weather. 

 

See full article below 

 

Masonry 101

The condition of worn or faded stucco can be restored using proper materials and procedures .  

 

See full article below

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