Masonry Magazine November 2012 Page. 32
Limestone
Restoration
Restoring Indiana Limestone on buildings and structures that have been damaged by age, neglect and use.
BY KATHY BAKER-HECKARD
Since well before Indiana became a state, its massive deposits of limestone have provided building materials for homes, churches, banks, office, government and university buildings. Famous structures made with Indiana Limestone include the Empire State Building, The Tribune Tower and the US Department of Commerce.
Indiana Limestone was a favorite building material during the Art Deco period as new milling machines made possible the distinctive designs of the day. After the Great Chicago Fire, it was discovered that structures built with Indiana Limestone survived remarkably well.
While durable, Indiana Limestone can be damaged by age, neglect or heavy use. Alkali stains can cause discoloration when alkali-charged moisture permeates the limestone from its back or bottom bed. Nearby concrete