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What information should I know about planning a restoration project?
The first step in planning a restoration project is to get an exterior analysis and restoration plan. This plan is a valuable resource when it comes to budgeting, bidding and planning a restoration project. The information you will receive will contain a detailed list of scopes and will be accented with color pictures of the necessary repairs. It may be broken down into phases based on scheduling needs and will also include an estimate for budgeting and bidding purposes. Each exterior analysis and restoration plan is taken on a case by case basis and may vary depending on the project.
What does 'tuckpoint' mean?
Tuckpointing or pointing is a term used to describe the repair of mortar joints in any masonry construction. This can be mortar joints in brick, terra cotta, limestone, granite, marble or any number of building substrates. The concept is the same with all masonry construction: the block is the filler and the mortar is the bond. You cannot have a sound wall without either one of these components. This is why almost all restoration projects require tuckpointing. More specifically, to tuckpoint is to remove all unsound (this includes powdery, crumbling or cracked) mortar from the mortar joint back to the point where it is solid. You then replace the missing mortar with new mortar by "tucking" it back into the joint.
What are the disadvantages in using a high strength mortar to repair historic masonry?
Portland Cement, the key ingredient in newer high strength mortars came onto the market in 1871. The widespread use of portland cement in masonry construction did not propagate until many years after the introduction due to limitations of cost and availability. In the absence of portland cement lime was used for mortar in masonry construction which is a much softer and more flexible material. Repairing lime mortar joints with portland cement based mortar only creates a temporary repair and eventually leads to further deterioration of the original lime mortar. The bond between the two mortars is very weak and when it fails the weaker material (the lime mortar) is the substance that breaks. When portland cement based mortar is used to repair joints in a soft block construction such as terra cotta, there have been instances where the original block itself has failed. The best bond can be achieved when the compressive strength of the repair mortar is matched with the original mortar. Many buildings during the early 1900's were built with a mixture of lime and portland cement based mortar so it is common practice to test the compressive strength of the original mortar before proceeding with repairs.
How much will it cost to restore my building?
Once an exterior analysis and restoration plan is completed, we will be able to give you a realistic estimate as to how much it will cost to restore your building. The thing to keep in mind is that no matter what the condition, now is the most cost effective time to fix any problems. As it is with a house or a vehicle, the longer areas that need repair go without attention, the more likely it is for more deterioration to occur and that means the cost of repairs will increase.
Why should I choose Glass & Concrete Contracting?
The successful restoration of a building requires a unique combination of skills. Glass & Concrete Contracting is a highly specialized vertical access company providing a full range of waterproofing and restoration services. Since our beginning, we have been restoring, repairing and maintaining a wide variety of institutional, religious and historic high-rise properties throughout the Southeastern United States. We have the experience and expertise to utilize the safest vertical access the industry can provide, while exceeding the most stringent O.S.H.A. industry guidelines. Our goal is to preserve as much of the building's original structure and architectural characteristics as possible. These services performed by a highly specialized and dedicated company, can make substantial savings in contract prices and project deadlines, as well as reduce overall owner liabilities and paperwork. Glass & Concrete Contracting is dedicated to reviving our nation's history through recuperative efforts of rehabilitating buildings to their original glory.
Where can I get additional related information?
Please navigate through the informative sites listed below
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