South End Brick Facade Restoration
South End Brick Facade Restoration
This property was a classic Boston row house that had suffered from neglect. Decades of city pollution had turned the red brick black with soot, and moss was growing on the shaded side of the building. More concerning was the mortar; it had receded significantly in the joints, allowing dampness to seep into the interior drywall. The property managers needed a solution that would clean the building without damaging the soft, historic brick face.
Client:
Beacon Hill Property Management
Categories:
Restoration & Cleaning
Date:
August 22, 2024
Tags:
Factory
The solution we offered the client
We began with a gentle chemical restoration cleaning. Unlike high-pressure power washing, which can destroy old brick, we used a specialized low-pressure rinse and a biodegradable detergent to lift the carbon and moss
Once the masonry was clean, we performed “tuckpointing” on 100% of the facade. We used diamond-blade grinders to remove the old, decayed mortar to a depth of ¾ inch. We then mixed a custom batch of mortar to match the color and aggregate of the original 19th-century mix. We filled the joints and tooled them to a concave finish, which is the best profile for shedding rainwater. We finished by applying a breathable siloxane sealer to repel water while allowing the brick to breathe.
The result
The building looks brand new, with the vibrant red of the brick restored. The fresh mortar has weatherproofed the building envelope, reducing heating costs and preventing future water damage.
As property managers, we work with many contractors. Log Masonry is by far the most professional. They managed the permits, handled the city traffic logistics, and the quality of the repointing is top-tier. The building owners are thrilled with the facelift.
Jessica W., Property Manager
