Masonry Solutions

Diamond Bar

News and Insights on the Masonry Repair and Maintenance of Institutional, Commercial, and Condominium Buildings in Eastern Massachusetts   
 
 



Vol.7 No. 6

    August 2015     




In this issue of Masonry Solutions, our Case Study article describes Abbot's maintenance work of the exterior facade of a
13-story mixed-use high-rise building in downtown Boston. Significantly, Abbot came back "full circle" to perform additional work on this building after completing maintenance work back in 2010. Our Masonry 101 article describes procedures for recaulking windows. 

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.

 

Case Study 

Abbot Completes Maintenance on Facade of Downtown Boston High-Rise Building:  

Comes "Full Circle" From Previous Project 

Abbot recently completed a maintenance project on the exterior fa�ade of a 13-story pre-cast concrete mixed-use office and commercial building located at 141 Tremont Street at the corner of Tremont and West Streets in downtown Boston.

 

141 Tremont St, Boston, MA 

Abbot had originally completed maintenance work on the Tremont Street side of the high-rise building for the original owner, the Flatley Company (Braintree, MA), in 2010. Not too long after the completion of the work, Flatley sold the building to Synergy Financial, LLC (Boston, MA) who coincidentally contracted Abbot to complete the maintenance work on the West Street side. Coming back "full circle" to perform additional work on prior buildings has been a recurring theme throughout Abbot's rich history, and is a key factor in separating Abbot from many of its competitors.

 

The project included cutting out the old caulking around the perimeter of the large windows and recaulking the windows, as well as recaulking all of the pre-cast expansion joints. Abbot then repaired several areas of the concrete on the fa�ade with special colored masonry material to complete the project. Abbot prides itself on performing work that upon completion looks like no repairs had been performed.

  

 

Masonry 101

Recaulking Windows    

Caulk serves as an air and water barrier in all kinds of exterior applications, preventing drafts and leaks around windows and doors, vents, skylights, and all manner of openings. It also prevents water from seeping into cracks and causing damage.

 

In commercial settings, caulk is also a useful visual component, bridging gaps and hiding irregularities, and closing spaces where dirt and bacteria can accumulate. Caulking leaves clean, attractive lines along joints and corners.

 

When recaulking windows, the following guidelines should be used for best results.

 

1. Remove any old caulk from around the window frames. You will get the best possible seal by creating two clean surfaces for the new caulk to attach itself. After the largest pieces are removed, use a putty knife to remove any remaining bits of the material.

 

2. Prepare the surface of the windows. Repair any rotted material on or around the window before applying caulk. Remove any dirt, debris, and old paint that will hinder adhesion. Wash the area, but make sure it is dry before caulk is applied.

 

3. Place the tube in the caulk gun. Pull the notched rod back. Place the tip of the tube in the yoke. Turn the rod so that the notching mechanism engages. Squeeze the handle just enough to move the plunger cup securely against the end of the tube, inside the cylinder.

 

4. Cut the tip of the tube. Cut it at a 45 degree angle about a one quarter inch (0.6 cm) back from the tip. Use a slender nail to break the seal inside the tip.

 

5. Press the tip firmly against one corner of the window and apply caulk to the next corner in a continuous bead, just thick enough to fill the gap. Press the release mechanism to stop the flow of caulk. Continue around all 4 sides.

 

6. Use an flat object to smooth over the sealant and remove excess caulk. This process is referred to as "tooling."

 

7. Allow the caulk to dry for at least 24 hours. Though a "skin" will develop before it has fully hardened, the caulk may still be unstable and should be left alone. As long as it gets a chance to dry in place, your project will be a success.

 

 

abbot logo
 

Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.

 

28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274  � Fax: 617-445-0277

[email protected]

www.abbotbuilding.com  

Featured Articles  

 

Case Study

Abbot recently completed maintenance work on the exterior facade of a 13-story mixed-use high-rise building in downtown Boston.

 

See full article below 

 

Masonry 101

How to recaulk windows. 

 

See full article below

Coming "Full Circle"
 
A masonry contractor's reputation is built on years of solid performance, a strong work ethic, and good relationships with clients and professional consultants. In its rich history as a successful masonry contractor, Abbot has been selected to perform additional work on prior buildings, and also new projects for the same owners. In some cases, this goes back decades. This recurring theme throughout Abbot's 77-year history is a key factor in separating 
Abbot from many of its competitors.

 

To learn more about how Abbot can help you in your next restoration project, visit our web site at:

www.abbotbuilding.com 
or call
617-445-0274