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Greetings!
In this issue, our Case Study article is in keeping with our theme for this year that "When it Comes to Masonry Repair and Maintenance, It's Hard to Distinguish Our Work from the Original".
The article describes a recent Abbot masonry project in which we restored the elegant brick tower of St. Anne's Parish in Somerville, MA to precisely match the color of the original brick and mortar.
Our Masonry 101 article focuses on the need to set realistic expectations as to just how "clean" a drainage cavity need to be.
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 Elegant Brick Tower of Somerville Church to Match Original Detail
Abbot recently completed a masonry restoration project on the North and East elevations of the elegant brick tower at St. Anne's Parish, Somerville, MA.
 On the North elevation, Abbot removed and replaced several areas of brick at the top right corner of the tower that had become dislodged over the years. In addition, Abbot repointed the left corner section of the tower.
On the East elevation, the right corner section and several areas near the bottom of the tower were repointed.
A critical component of the project was to assure that the color of the existing brick and mortar used in the restoration of the tower would replicate the original appearance. Toward that end, Abbot provided multiple samples to the architect from which to select an appropriate color match. The result was so exact that it is difficult to discern the replacement bricks and mortar from the original detail.
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How "Clean" Does a Drainage Cavity Have to Be?
 When it comes to minimizing debris in drainage cavities, the building owner, architect, and contractor need to set realistic expectations. This includes recognizing that masonry is a material laid by hand in field conditions, during all kinds of weather and site situations. Keeping every single mortar dropping or protrusion out of the cavity is not cost effective nor is it necessary.
The purpose of the drainage cavity is to drain any water before it can penetrate into the interior. The cavity should be nominally 2" clear to allow for proper construction of the wall and to minimize mortar fins, droppings, and bridging. Some mortar droppings and protrusions are to be expected, but the key point is that the cavity must allow water to drain to the flashing. If the cavity is draining properly, then it is clean enough.
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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 recently completed restoration of the brick tower at St. Anne's Parish in Somerville, MA.
See full article below
Masonry 101
Minimizing debris in drainage cavities must be met with realistic expectations.
See full article below
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