Greetings!
In this issue, our Case Study article describes our recent restoration of the elegant granite stone tower of an historic Roman Catholic church in beautiful Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.
Our Masonry 101 article describes the use of flashing and criteria for choosing the right flashing material.
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.
|
|
Abbot Restores Granite Stone Tower of Historic Roman Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Parish in beautiful Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA is a member of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, MA. The building consists of an attractive granite stone façade adjacent to an elegant granite stone tower. Over the years, the perimeter of the tower, and especially above the windows, began to show evidence of severe calcium carbonate deposits that detracted from the aesthetics of the building. This condition was due mainly to problems with the existing roof. The tower was also experiencing dislodged stones in the corners along with other structural problems.
 In conjunction with recommendations by the architectural firm of McGinley Kalsow & Associates, Inc. (Somerville, MA), the Parish contracted Abbot to perform the desired masonry repairs. In the initial phase of the project, Abbot cleaned the granite stone tower to remove the calcium carbonate deposits, and then removed and reset any stones that had been displaced at the corners of the tower. Abbot then grouted vertical cracks in the tower walls and installed stainless steel dowels to reinforce the stones.
In the next phase, Abbot completely repointed the granite stone joints with a special colored mortar to match the original appearance of the façade, and capped all of the stones at the top portion of the tower with copper caps. To protect the stones from future environmental deterioration, Abbot applied a durable water repellent sealer (Prosoco SLX-100) to the entire tower facade. Abbot also installed a new roof on the inside of parapet at the top of tower, and retrofitted a gutter system around the perimeter of the tower above the windows to protect the masonry from further calcium deposits.
|
|
Choosing a Flashing Material
Flashing is a construction detail used to seal and protects joints in a building from water penetration. The joints created by the intersection of the roof and roof mounted structures and projections, such as parapets, hatches, skylights, chimneys, vent stacks, or towers, are among the most vulnerable areas of roofing systems. They constantly expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature. Flashing is used at these intersections to keep rainwater from leaking into the building. It makes joints at these junctions watertight, while at the same time allowing the natural expansion and contraction of materials to continue. It operates on the principle that, in order to penetrate a joint, water must work itself upward against the force of gravity, or in the case of wind-driven rain, would have to follow a tortuous path during which the force of the wind would be dissipated.
 | |
A drip edge sheds moisture from the wall and prevents capillary action.
|
Flashing may be either concealed or exposed. Flashing concealed within the construction of the building may be made of either sheet metal or a waterproof membrane. Exposed flashing typically consists of pieces of sheet metal or impervious, flexible membrane material.
The choice of the appropriate material to use for flashing depends on several criteria. What is the most cost-effective material in a given situation? What is the most durable? Will the material being considered be visible to the observer? Is it historically appropriate to the building and the type of roof? Are the materials used for the flashing chemically compatible with the materials they will come in contact with?
Not all sheet metal flashings are suitable for masonry construction. For example, aluminum and lead are highly susceptible to corrosion when in contact with wet mortar.
Copper is the most popular material used for flashing. It is moderately prices, extremely durable, a superb moisture barrier, and resists alkalis in fresh mortar. It easily worked and shaped, and adjusts itself to temperature stresses. Generally, copper requires no painting or other treatment, although it occasionally is painted to hasten the development of a natural green patina.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Featured Articles
Case Studies
Abbot 's recently completed restoration of the granite stone tower of a Roman Catholic church in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA.
See full article below
Masonry 101
It s important to choose the right flashing material.
See full article below
|
Follow Us on Facebook
We invite you to visit Abbot's new Facebook page. This page is updated frequently with the latest information on Abbot projects and insights on masonry applications.
To go to Abbot's Facebook page, click on the link below.
Abbot Facebook Page
|
|
