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Encyclopedia of Historic Masonry Restoration

5 A B C D E F G H I K L M N P Q R S T U V W

Razor wire

Razor wire is similiar to barb wire.   Both types can be used atop walls and fences to provide security and work as a deterrent to aren’t too intrusion at building or compound perimeters. The photo below shows a zinc coated galvanized steel razor wire together… Read More »Razor wire

Rear ell, aka. dogleg

Rear ells are a very common feature of historic DC homes, they are prolific in Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle and Georgetown. Often there is a jog in the otherwise rectalinear or rectangular type shape of a rowhome’s footprint. Typical DC rowhomes, at least for the… Read More »Rear ell, aka. dogleg

Rendering, cement

Rendering cement is common at building foundations and above grade applications on concrete and masonry surfaces.  The picture below shows the base code of rendering applied to an exterior surface to patch in a remodeled area of the building facade.   Often in a multiple coat… Read More »Rendering, cement

Retaining wall

Retaining walls support higher levels of ground at area of significant change of grade level.   Essentially, between a higher area and lower area, the retaining wall we’ll support the higher area and hold the dirt in place. Ground levels on the levels and soils have… Read More »Retaining wall

Rising damp

Masonry foundations, like masonry and brick walls, are also somewhat permeable. However, even more than the wall above ground, the foundation below ground is often exposed to even more moisture. From area to area, sub-grade earth has different levels of moisture, but soils usually contain… Read More »Rising damp

Romeo and Juliet balcony

In Shakespeare’s classic play, Romeo and Juliet, he may have never used the word “balcony”; however,  In modern times, in architecture, we referred to a standing room only balcony as a Romeo and Juliet balcony. In the image below you can see an example of… Read More »Romeo and Juliet balcony

Romex and NM cabling

Romex cabling in line voltage wiring with both a hot and neutral conductor with an integral ground wire.  The conductors are insulated and sheathed in a nonconductive plastic casing.