Welcome to the first issue of Masonry Solutions for 2014. Over the past 5 years, we have provided what we trust has been useful information and helpful insights on masonry restoration through our newsletter, and hope to continue to do so throughout 2014.
In this issue, our Case Study article describes our recent restoration of the brick and pre-cast stone facade of a 4-story residential building in Boston's Fenway section. Our
Masonry 101 article discusses precautions to take when performing masonry projects in wet weather conditions.
We are optimistic that the year ahead will be a successful one for our clients. 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 4-Story Residential Building in Boston's Fenway Section
Abbot recently restored the facade of a 4-story brick and pre-cast stone residential building at 1-5 Peterborough Street in the Fenway section of Boston. The building had experienced severe deterioration over the years, particularly to the pre-cast stone headers, sills, lower bands, and upper dental bands.
 To address the situation, the owner contracted the consulting firm of Garafolo Design Associates (Boston, MA) to oversee the restoration, and the general repair contract was awarded to Landmark Structures Corporation (Woburn, MA) who subcontracted with Abbot to perform the exterior masonry portion of the restoration.
Abbot removed and replaced the damaged pre-cast stones and bands with specially fabricated pre-cast stones to match the profiles of the existing stonework. Then Abbot coated all of the pre-cast stones with an elastomeric coating to provide a uniform appearance. To finish the restoration, Abbot repointed sections of the brick façade to match the original color while carefully blending the mortar to the adjoining surfaces that were not repointed.
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Wet Weather Masonry Precautions
As the cold winter weather subsides, we are likely to enter a period of wet weather in early spring. Although it is possible to initiate masonry projects at this time, even when the ambient temperature rises above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the presence
of rain should receive special consideration during masonry construction. Unless protected, masonry construction should not continue during heavy rains, as partially set or plastic mortar is susceptible to washout which could result in reduced strength or staining of the wall.
 However, after approximately 8 to 24 hours of curing (depending upon environmental conditions), mortar washout is no longer of concern. In fact, the wetting of masonry by rainwater provides beneficial curing conditions for the mortar.
When rain is likely, all construction materials should be covered. Newly constructed masonry should be protected from rain by draping a weather-resistant covering over the assemblage. The cover should extend over all mortar that is susceptible to washout.
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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 restoration of a 4-story residential building in Boston's Fenway section.
See full article below
Masonry 101
It is prudent to take precautions when performing masonry projects in wet weather conditions.
See full article below
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