Masonry Magazine February 1988 Page. 1
masonry
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1988
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**RESTORATION & CLEANING**
Restoration and cleaning are two important aspects of maintaining and preserving masonry structures.
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**RESTORATION & CLEANING**
Restoration and cleaning are two important aspects of maintaining and preserving masonry structures.
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**PRESERVATION BRIEFS**
The Preservation Briefs series provides guidance on preserving, rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings.
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**PRESERVATION**
Preservation is the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property. Work, including initial stabilization measures, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. New exterior additions are not within the scope of this treatment; however, the limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project.
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**REHABILITATION**
Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, and architectural values.
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**RECONSTRUCTION**
Reconstruction is defined as the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.
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**RESTORATION**
Restoration is defined as the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project.
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**CLEANING MASONRY**
Cleaning masonry is a crucial step in maintaining its appearance and preventing deterioration. Different cleaning methods are suitable for different types of masonry and soiling.
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**PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE**
Preservation and maintenance are essential for extending the lifespan of masonry structures. Regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent costly problems in the future.
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**MASONRY DETERIORATION**
Masonry deterioration can be caused by a variety of factors, including weathering, pollution, and improper maintenance. Understanding the causes of deterioration is essential for developing effective preservation strategies.
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**MORTAR JOINTS**
Mortar joints play a critical role in the structural integrity and appearance of masonry walls. Proper mortar selection and installation are essential for long-term performance.
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**STONE REPAIR**
Stone repair techniques vary depending on the type of stone and the extent of the damage. Careful consideration should be given to the compatibility of repair materials with the original stone.
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**BRICK REPAIR**
Brick repair involves replacing damaged or deteriorated bricks with new or salvaged bricks that match the original in color, size, and texture. Proper mortar joints are essential for a successful repair.
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**CONCRETE REPAIR**
Concrete repair addresses cracks, spalls, and other forms of damage in concrete structures. Repair methods may include patching, overlays, and crack injection.
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**STUCCO REPAIR**
Stucco repair involves patching cracks, replacing damaged areas, and applying a new finish coat. Proper preparation and application techniques are essential for a durable repair.
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**TERRA COTTA REPAIR**
Terra cotta repair requires specialized techniques due to the material's fragility and complexity. Repair methods may include patching, replacement, and consolidation.
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**CLEANING METHODS**
Various cleaning methods are available for masonry, including water cleaning, chemical cleaning, and abrasive cleaning. The choice of method depends on the type of masonry, the type of soiling, and the desired results.
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**WATER CLEANING**
Water cleaning is a gentle and effective method for removing dirt, dust, and other loose debris from masonry surfaces. It is often used as a preliminary step before other cleaning methods.
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**CHEMICAL CLEANING**
Chemical cleaning involves the use of chemical solutions to dissolve or loosen dirt, stains, and other contaminants from masonry surfaces. It is important to select a chemical cleaner that is compatible with the type of masonry being cleaned.
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**ABRASIVE CLEANING**
Abrasive cleaning uses abrasive materials, such as sand or grit, to remove dirt, stains, and coatings from masonry surfaces. It is a more aggressive cleaning method that should be used with caution to avoid damaging the masonry.
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**GRAFFITI REMOVAL**
Graffiti removal from masonry requires specialized techniques and cleaning agents. The choice of method depends on the type of graffiti and the type of masonry.
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**PAINT REMOVAL**
Paint removal from masonry can be challenging, as paint can penetrate deep into the pores of the material. Various methods are available, including chemical stripping, abrasive blasting, and heat treatment.
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**EFFLORESCENCE REMOVAL**
Efflorescence is a white, powdery deposit that can form on masonry surfaces due to the migration of salts. It can be removed by brushing, washing, or chemical treatment.
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**BIOLOGICAL GROWTH REMOVAL**
Biological growth, such as algae, moss, and lichen, can damage masonry surfaces and detract from their appearance. It can be removed by brushing, washing, or applying a biocide.
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**SAFETY PRECAUTIONS**
Safety precautions should be taken when cleaning masonry, including wearing protective clothing, eye protection, and respiratory protection. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for any cleaning products being used.
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**ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS**
Environmental considerations should be taken into account when cleaning masonry, including minimizing water usage, containing runoff, and disposing of waste materials properly.
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**CASE STUDIES**
Case studies of masonry restoration and cleaning projects can provide valuable insights and lessons learned.
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**RESOURCES**
Various resources are available for masonry restoration and cleaning, including publications, organizations, and consultants.
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**GLOSSARY**
A glossary of terms related to masonry restoration and cleaning can be helpful for understanding the terminology used in the field.