HISTORIC MASONRY RESTORATION EXPERTS

From Masonry Repair and Replacement to Cleaning and Maintenance

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The importance of masonry in protecting your historic property

Masonry plays a key role in protecting a commercial or residential property from moisture, which can weaken critical structural components like roof and foundation framing. Identifying the need for masonry repair or replacement early can save property owners time and money down the road.

Common Masonry Applications

Chimneys, including step flashings, counterflashings, caps, and crowns
Exterior walls
Facades
Terra cotta adornments or architectural features

What types of historic structures feature masonry work?

Private residences
Churches
Libraries
Museums
Courthouses
Universities
Train stations
Government buildings

The types of historic masonry most commonly used in these structures includes brick, stone, terra cotta, chimney repair and replacement, and decorative brick or stone components. These elements require meticulous craftsmanship to successfully repair or replace, and Renaissance Historic Exteriors has the skills and experience to preserve the historical and structural integrity of your property for generations to come.

Tuckpointing & Repointing

Our tuckpointing and repointing services include removing deteriorated brick or stone mortar and replacing it with new mortar that matches the original composition, color, and texture. This type of masonry repair helps combat the intrusion of moisture.

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Brick and Stone Masonry Repair

Our masonry restoration technicians can repair or replace damaged or deteriorated bricks, stones, and other masonry elements using traditional techniques and materials. We can also repair cracks in bricks and stones by injecting specialized grouts or by using mechanical stitching processes to prevent further damage. Our masonry experts use historically accurate methods to ensure longevity, authenticity, and the structural integrity of your property.

Brick and Stone Replacement

Our in-house restoration team can source or custom fabricate a variety of stone and brick types, colors, and textures to match those used in the original construction. This process includes the removal of damaged bricks and stones and the replacement of these components with materials that are matched to the original color, size, and composition.

Brick or Stone Facade Stabilization

Brick or stone facade stabilization includes installing anchors, ties, or braces to reinforce loose or compromised masonry to preserve your building’s original appearance and structural integrity. This process is critical in maintaining the safety, functionality, and appearance of masonry of historical structures.

Chimney Repair and Rebuilding

Our masonry chimney repair and rebuilding service specializes in restoring the safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of chimneys on historic properties. This includes addressing cracks, spalling, leaning, or complete deterioration. Our masonry experts have experience in restoring chimney step flashings and counterflashings to create a watertight seal around the base of the chimney.

Masonry Cleaning

Masonry cleaning is designed to safely and effectively restore the original beauty of your property’s masonry surfaces, including brick and stone. Using non-abrasive methods such as steam cleaning, chemical cleaning, or laser cleaning, our historic masonry cleaning services help remove dirt, pollution, and biological growth without damaging original brick and stone work. This can also include limewashing and surface treatments.

Spalling Brick and Stone

Brick or stone spalling is the deterioration or flaking of brick surfaces caused by moisture ingress, freeze-thaw cycles, or the use of incompatible mortars and sealants. Repairing brick spalling involves carefully removing damaged bricks and replacing them with historically accurate materials, ensuring a seamless match. In cases of minor spalling, surface repairs using specialized restoration mortars may be sufficient to prevent future damage.

Masonry Facade Stabilization

Masonry facade stabilization includes the process of reinforcing, repairing, or securing a masonry facade to prevent structural failures or mitigate risks associated with loose or deteriorated components. Masonry facade stabilization is a critical step in maintaining the safety, functionality, and appearance of your historic property.

Terra Cotta Repair and Replacement

Terra cotta preservation not only helps enhance the visual appearance of your historic property, it helps ensure the structural integrity of connected or associated masonry components.Whether addressing minor cracks, spalling, or facilitating a complete replacement, our masonry restoration specialists have the tools and experience to maintain the original artistry and functionality of these key architectural features.

Stone Consolidation and Patching

Stone consolidation strengthens and stabilizes weathered or decaying stone without replacing it. Special consolidants are applied to penetrate and bind the stone material, while patching damaged or spalled areas of the stone utilizing a patching compound that matches the stone’s texture and color. Stone consolidation and patching helps enhance the durability, appearance, and protective nature of your historic masonry.

Traditional Stucco Repair and Replacement

Stucco repair and restoration elevates the strength and historical character of your property. Using traditional multi-layered application techniques, our historic masonry technicians restore durability while seamlessly blending with existing surfaces. Finishing touches include texture matching, breathable sealers, and final inspections to ensure long-lasting protection.

Parapet Wall Capstone Resetting, Repair, and Replacement

Repairing, resetting, or replacing parapet walls includes dismantling compromised components and installing high-quality, thru-wall flashings to prevent water infiltration. To help ensure long-term stability, our craftspeople pin anchor capstones to prevent shifting. This helps enhance durability and better protect your historic masonry from a wide range of environmental elements.

Masonry Lintel Repair and Replacement

Lintel replacement is required when steel lintels that support masonry openings — including windows and doors — corrode or expand, causing the surrounding brick or stone to crack and shift. The lintel repair process includes carefully removing impacted masonry, extracting the corroded lintels, and installing new, coated galvanized steel lintels to prevent future deterioration.

Stone Carving

Stone carvings can include elements like cornices, decorative moldings, statues, or ornamental facades. These types of carvings are essential to upholding the historical integrity of your property, requiring a high degree of craftsmanship in both fabrication and installation. Careful matching of texture, patina, and other architectural details is key, and our masonry specialists have the ability to ensure a high-quality, historically accurate restoration.

Cast Stone Repair and Replacement

Over time, cast stone can deteriorate due to weathering, moisture infiltration, and structural stress, resulting in cracks, spalling, and surface erosion. Our historic masonry specialists can assess the damage, carefully repair minor issues, or create custom case stone replacements that match the color, texture, and composition of the original cast stone. Whether restoring cornices, columns, or decorative facades, our team has the tools and resources to repair or replace cast stone in any application.

Related restoration services

Renaissance Historic Exteriors also provides a variety of supplemental restoration services to help ensure your property lasts for generations to come. These services can help preserve your structure and maintain its historical integrity.

Architectural detail restoration
Architectural detail restoration
Historic research and documentation

Architectural detail restoration
Historic preservation consulting
Historic research and documentation