Greetings!
In this issue, our Case Study article involves a major restoration to the facades of two multi-story building in Boston's historic Fort Point Channel waterfront neighborhood Our Masonry 101 article describes the benefits of mortar joint tooling in brick walls.
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, President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
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Abbot Restores Historic Multi-Story Boston Waterfront Buildings
Abbot recently completed a comprehensive masonry restoration project at 266 and 274 Summer Street in the heart of Boston's historic Fort Point Channel waterfront neighborhood. These landmark multi-story brick masonry buildings served as warehouses at the turn of the 20th century. Now converted to office buildings, they are currently primarily occupied by Vanderweil Engineers, a prominent national engineering consulting firm headquartered in Boston, MA.
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266 Summer Street
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The rear walls of both buildings were experiencing significant leakage caused by erosion of the brick joints over the years. In addition, the building was originally constructed with steel shutters over the windows hung on cast iron supporting pins that were anchored at all four corners of every window. These anchors were deteriorating and dislodging from the surface causing safety concerns.
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274 Summer Street
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The building owner contracted with an architectural consulting firm (Hardaway Associates, Wellesley, MA) to evaluate the situation and recommend remedial action. To resolve the problems, Abbot was contracted to completely repoint the brick masonry walls, and to remove all of the cast iron pins and replace them with brick.
To comply with the regulations of the Fort Point Channel Landmark Commission, the construction and architectural team provided brick and mortar color samples to replicate the original appearance of the building. The samples were approved by the team and periodically reviewed during construction to maintain standards.
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Benefits of Mortar Joint Tooling
Aesthetically, mortar joint tooling produces the joint profile in brick walls. The joint profile is made when the "jointer" tool is struck against the mortar before the joint has set. This profile is usually concave, but it can have other configurations, such as a grapevine or "v" shape.
 Functionally, proper tooling increases the water penetration resistance of the wall. The tool compresses the mortar against the unit, helping seal any slight separation cracks that might form at that interface. The action of the jointer on the unset mortar brings the fines to the surface. This creates an exterior skin more resistant to water infiltration.
Timing is key. Too early and the joint won't seal, too late and it can pull the mortar away. Tooling is done when the joint is "thumbprint" hard. For color consistency, joints should be tooled at the same moisture level.
The sequence of striking must be consistent - head, then bed joints, or vice versa. A good masonry craftsman should be well trained in proper tooling techniques.
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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 Study
Abbot recently restored the facades of two multi-story buildings in Boston's historic Fort Point Channel waterfront neighborhood.
See full article below
Masonry 101
Mortar joint tooling enhances the aesthetics and resistance to water penetration in brick walls.
See full article below
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