Greetings!
In this issue, our Case Study article features Phase 2 of a restoration of a 3-story brick apartment complex in Boston's Dorchester section. Our Masonry 101 article describes efflorescence, its causes and ways for removal.
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 3-Story Apartment Complex in Boston's Dorchester Section
Phase 2: Restoration of Front and Sides of Building
Abbot recently completed restoration of a the facade of a 3-story brick apartment complex with an elegant center courtyard located at 466-468 Columbia Road in Boston's Dorchester section.
Since the building was converted to residential use approximately 30 years ago, the brick masonry in the front and rear of the building had experienced severe weather related deterioration. The owner had the building evaluated by an engineering consultant ( RMX Northeast, Milford, MA), and a scope of work was developed to correct all of the deficiencies. Abbot was awarded the restoration contract following a systematic bidding process.
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466-468 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA Front View
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In our previous issue, we described Phase 1 of the project -- restoration of the rear section. In this issue, we describe Phase 2 -- restoration of the front and side sections of the building where the brick masonry, pre-cast stone ornamental headers, and sills were in severe disrepair.
In the process of this phase of the restoration, Abbot cut all of the brick mortar joints and completely repointed the masonry surfaces. In addition, Abbot replaced approximately 75% of the pre-cast stones. To match the deteriorated stones, Abbot removed various sized ornamental headers, sills and bands for use as molds from which new stones were fabricated and subsequently installed. A highlight of project was replacement of the original address marquis located at the top of the building at the center rear portion of courtyard with a matching marquis fabricated of pre-cast stone.
Upon completion of all masonry work, all of the pre-cast stones were coated with an elastomeric coating to protect the surfaces from further deterioration and provide a decorative appearance.
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Efflorescence:
More than an Aesthetic Problem
Efflorescence is a white, powdery residue that is often left on brickwork after construction. It is a typically caused by water infiltration to the brick masonry. As water evaporates from the surface of the brick, deposits from the dissolved minerals (primarily soluble salts) in the water are left behind, causing efflorescence crystals to grow.
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Although efflorescence is generally an aesthetic problem, if the efflorescence crystals grow inside the surface of the unit, they can cause spalling, where the surface peels, pops out, or flakes off. The salts can push from the inside out and can eventually cause crumbling and deterioration. The salts can originate from a variety of sources, from the clay used to make the bricks to the sand and cement used in construction.
Common Construction Practices
Certain construction practices can be used to minimize the quantities of soluble salts present in the brick wall.
- All bricks stored on site should be kept clean and dry; covering the bricks with waterproof sheeting is recommended; bricks should be stacked on a hard, well drained surface.
- Bricks that are loaded onto scaffolding prior to laying should be covered and protected.
- Newly laid brickwork should not be allowed to be saturated, especially in the winter or early spring.
Removing Efflorescence
A traditional method of removing efflorescence has been sandblasting. However, the abrasive action of the sand can erode the surface of the brick and the tooled mortar joints along with any deposited salts. This increases the porous qualities of the masonry and the water absorptive nature of the wall. Following the sandblasting process, the masonry should be sealed with a waterproofing material.
An alternative to sandblasting is the use of special chemical cleaners. After the cleaning solution has been used, the wall should be thoroughly washed with clean water to remove any of the chemicals. This is very important since most cleaning agents are acidic in nature and cannot be permitted to remain in the wall where they will continue to react with and erode the masonry itself. Use of a stiff (but not abrasive) brush may help to hasten the cleaning process.
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Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 · Fax: 617-445-0277
info@abbotbuilding.com · www.abbotbuilding.com
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Featured Articles
Case Study
Abbot recently completed Phase 2 of a facade restoration of a 3-story brick apartment complex in Dorchester, MA.
See full article below
Masonry 101
Efllorescence can be more than an aesthetic problem.
See full article below
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