historic masonary cleaning and restoration

New Millennium Construction is experienced in all facets of historic restoration. Historic masonry, as considered here, includes stone, brick, architectural terra cotta, cast stone, concrete and concrete block. New Millennium's craftsmen have extended the lifespan of many historic architecturally significant structures.

There are several major reasons for cleaning a historic masonry building: improve the appearance of the building by removing unattractive dirt or soiling materials, or non-historic paint from the masonry; retard deterioration by removing soiling materials that may be damaging the masonry; or provide a clean surface to accurately match repointing mortars or patching compounds, or to conduct a condition survey of the masonry.

Over time, moisture, pollution and exposure to the elements can compromise the structural integrity and appearance of a building. In addition, as some building materials age, they tend to become brittle, susceptible to cracking, spalling or oxidation, or prone to disintegration.

Alone or in combination, these factors may ultimately threaten the structural stability and usefulness of the building.

New Millennium Construction offers a complete range of historic restoration services that renew the appearance of buildings and protect them from further deterioration.

Masonry restoration involves the repair of existing masonry materials, or the complete replacement of damaged materials with new or reclaimed bricks or stones. Color and texture matching are key considerations in masonry restoration, as an accurate match can make areas of restored stone or brick blend in seamlessly with existing materials. To achieve an accurate color and texture match, it is frequently necessary to return to the original brick manufacturer for replacements, or to the original stone quarry where material for the existing stone components was cut.

Waterproofing forms a barrier between water and masonry surfaces. The application of waterproofing materials seals stone or masonry surfaces, helps prevent potentially dangerous water infiltration, and helps prolong the integrity of mortars and structural components. Waterproofing agents are frequently oil-based, and can be rolled or sprayed on masonry surfaces.

Caulking is used to seal gaps between masonry surfaces, such as brick or stone, and other architectural elements, including window and door frames, decorative hardware or lighting fixtures. Caulking is most often applied with a gun, and is available in butyl, latex or customized formulations. The color of caulk is selected to match the surfaces surrounding the application site. When applied, the caulking gun is inserted in the gap to be filled. Caulking material is then injected into the void to seal the opening.

Urethane Foam or epoxy injection is a cost-effective and permanent way to stabilize and seal cracked or compromised masonry surfaces. Depending on the size of the crack, urethane foam or epoxy is injected into the void and allowed to cure. Once hardened, these materials help form a stable subsurface to support masonry restoration operations.