Your professional crew from DelPrete Masonry considers these factors while restoring historic brick buildings.
All buildings are susceptible to deterioration over time. As the years pass, the foundation’s structural integrity can weaken, increasing the chance of safety hazards. When this happens, the building needs significant repairs to restore the integrity and appearance of the historic building. DelPrete Masonry has experience restoring historic brick buildings; a professional must always undertake this process. At the end of a professional building restoration, your historic building will again stand strong. By understanding the common challenges of restoring historic buildings, building owners can learn what to expect during the process and why so much care is necessary. When DelPrete Masonry restores your structure, we consider how the following factors influence your building.
Environmental Damage Over Time
Weather can damage historic buildings over long periods, regardless of how the foundation is constructed. The rate of deterioration can be slowed by routine maintenance, including sealing the foundation and caulking to minimize water damage. Regardless, significantly old buildings will still experience environmental damage. The types of damage typically seen are:
- Damage to the structural walls
- Stained exterior walls
- Water damage inside the property
- Roof damage and deterioration
- Cracks between doors and windows
Even minor issues, such as cracks or gaps, can increase the risk of water damage and potentially more severe concerns.
The Differences Between Historic and Current Materials
Another primary concern when restoring historic brick buildings is determining the differences between the historic and modern-day materials. Building materials used decades or centuries ago differ significantly from what is used today. This can make it challenging to preserve the original appearance of a historic building. As your masonry professional restores your building, we consider how to integrate the new materials with the historical materials in good condition to create a more cohesive yet still historic finished product.
Clean Carefully to Ensure Safety
An essential part of the restoration process is taking time to ensure that the historic brick building is properly cleaned. Otherwise, the structure may still have safety concerns. This is why every restoration project begins with a thorough inspection of every part of the property. The inspection will note all safety concerns, mold, vulnerable flooring, and roof damage.
If mold is spotted, for example, our professional crew with the necessary PPE will clean it before it spreads. If you want to ensure the longevity of your historic brick building, trusting the professionals is the first step.
CONTACT DEL PRETE MASONRY TODAY!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: brick buildings, brick restoration, historic buildings, masonry restoration