What Role Does Concrete and Masonry Repair Have in Historic Preservation

What role does concrete and masonry repair have in historic preservation? Find out in this DC Byers blog.

Restoration work on historic buildings is, in a sense, doing the lord’s work. Taking a dilapidated structure and bringing it back to its former glory while preserving its historical significance is an excellent act of public service and wonders for the environment. Masonry structures were built with sturdy materials like mortar, lime, and sand, and most of them have stood tools for thousands of years. They have stood strong and made it through the worst ravages of nature, and manmade disasters could throw at them, and they are usually ripe for a healthy update. 

Different repairs such as cleaning, brick and stone replacement, or stone patching are vital parts of maintaining historic buildings. Unfortunately, inappropriate cleaning of mortar or using the wrong sealants can be a major cause of damage to many historical buildings. Here is a brief overview of the role and importance of concrete and masonry restoration for the sake of preserving history. 

Masonry is highly durable because it is made of timeless materials such as brick, stone, and mortar. Unfortunately, they can be damaged over time with consistent exposure to water, fire, and other elements. Restoration work on masonry can help preserve and extend the life of the architectural structure, allowing future generations to enjoy and learn about its historical importance and significance from it. Concrete is always a hot commodity that is used a great deal in building anything, although it can also be tapped to help preserve historic buildings. Like masonry, concrete is extremely durable, although its sturdiness wanes over time the more exposed it becomes to the elements. 

Before assessing how to restore the building in question, it helps to conduct a thorough assessment of the problem at hand. You can call DC Byers in Grand Rapids at (616) 538-7300 for a full analysis of your building’s restoration to help expedite matters. That part of the process typically begins with an analysis of the problem by the appropriate personnel. They typically need to be certified in the use of lime putty, mortar, brick, plaster, stucco, and even terracotta. The team may use gadgets like an impulse radar to gain an accurate assessment of the masonry’s condition. 

Next up, the professionals will help you assess which materials you can use to help renovate the building. Masonry cement is a popular choice in some areas. It is a combination of ground limestone and air entrainment which combines to create a mortar that is good but can also damage the historic brick. So, it cannot be used in certain situations. Furthermore, it is fairly inflexible and can trap moisture, making it rather impermeable. 

Lime mortar is another substance typically used in this kind of historic preservation. It is made of brunt limestone, which grants the lime a unique quality, making it especially amenable to historic masonry restoration. It has low compression and is incredibly flexible, which works to help protect the bricks around it from further damage. 

There are other materials that can be worked with as well. The professionals can help point you in the right direction, depending on what is needed. In general, though, historically correct repair to masonry work will definitely stand up to the environmental and manmade elements while also maintaining a beautiful look. The key is choosing the right materials and figuring out the right treatment plan, which a professional contractor can do. Sometimes a historic building only needs some spot treatment, and the damage is relatively minor. Other times, a major overhaul has to be undertaken, and that could potentially take a few months to a year.

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