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Greetings!
In this issue, we feature Case Study articles on two recent projects completed by our Small Projects Division in Boston's historic South End district. Our Small Projects Division specializes in restoration of low-rise structures such as condominiums, apartments, and small office buildings.
The first is the restoration of the facade of a 4-story brick and brownstone building located at 46 San Juan Street. The second is the replacement of a deteriorated stair tread in the front entranceway at 20 E. Springfield Street. Both projects faced the significant challenge of maintaining the architectural specifications of the structure.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, our Masonry 101 article focuses on covering masonry walls to prevent storm damage during construction.
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.
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Restoration of Brick Facade
Abbot's Small Projects Division recently completed restoration of the façade of a 4-story brick and brownstone building located at 46 San Juan Street in the heart of Boston's historic South End district.
 When the building began to exhibit structural issues including leakage over several windows following the harsh winter of 2011, the owner and property manager contracted Thompson & Lichtner, a Cambridge, MA engineering firm, to evaluate the damage and establish a remedial plan. In compliance with guidelines set forth by the South End Architectural Commission, Abbot was contracted to remove the brick above all of the brownstone over the leaking windows, install flashing in the affected areas, and reinstall the brick. Abbot then cut and repointed the entire brick façade, and caulked all of the windows to provide a tight waterproof seal.
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Replacement of Deteriorated Stair Tread
Abbot's Small Projects Division recently completed a masonry restoration project on the front entranceway staircase at 20 E. Springfield Street, in the heart of Boston's historic South End District.
 One of the six pre-cast concrete stair treads in the front entranceway to the building was severely deteriorated and had become both an aesthetic and safety issue. The 18-20 E. Springfield Street Condominium Association contracted Abbot to fabricate and install a replacement step. Acting as the architectural consultant on the project, Abbot fabricated a new pre-cast concrete stair tread with an architectural bullnose face to match the other treads in the entranceway. Abbot removed the damaged tread and carefully installed the new replacement tread. The match was so precise that it is nearly impossible to discern which of the treads had been replaced.
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Covering Masonry Walls During Construction to Prevent Storm Damage
If Hurricane Irene left one message in its wake, it would be the old adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In anticipation of heavy rains and wind, extra precautions must be taken to protect a building while it is in the midst of a restoration project.
Preventing Moisture in the Wall Cavity Good engineering design and workmanship minimizes water penetration into the wall cavity and keeps moisture out of the building interior. However, during construction, masonry is typically exposed on both sides and the top of the wall is open. Water that enters the top of the wall can saturate units and cavities. As water passes through the wall, it very likely will carry dissolved salts to the surface of the masonry that could result in efflorescence. What to Do The first step in the process is for specifiers and designers to write clear specifications instructing builders to cover new construction at the end of each workday.
This would include covering the top of the wall with a plastic sheet at the end of each workday. It is critical that the sheet be anchored securely so it remains in place during wind and rain.
In addition, the inside scaffold boards should be tilted up against the wall at the end of each day. If rain should occur, this prevents water from splashing mortar and dirt back onto the wall face. This technique not only keeps the face cleaner, it also keeps out excess moisture that could lead to efflorescence.
The wall cavities also need to be kept clean of mortar. A drainage wall will not function properly if mortar droppings are blocking the weep holes. Beveling the mortar bed away from the cavity before placing units on top of the fresh mortar minimizes droppings into the cavity. To assure unobstructed openings, some masons use a board inside the cavity to catch droppings while placing mortar and units, removing the board every few courses to empty it. Others prefer a proprietary non-woven permanent cavity insert to catch the droppings and keep them from blocking weep holes.
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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
Case Studies
Abbot 's Small Projects Division recently completed restoration projects at 46 San Juan Street and 20. E. Springfield Street in Boston's historic South End district.
See full article below
Masonry 101
Securely covering buildings at the end of each workday during a construction project a is critical to prevent storm damage.
See full article below
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