Today we’re starting an article series of case studies looking at specific historic architectural facades built with mostly masonry elements. In some cases both stone and brick were built in very ornate and decorative style in historic times. These types of facades were a sign of superior architecture and design. Even today with low-cost mass-produced masonry, brick masonry and stone masonry are still considered superior to wood-built facades, and for good reason.
Each of the successive courses of the stone in this building facade have a pronounced recess. At this recess location there is a mortar joint and in many types of historic mortar, mortar joints were made to be subtle and almost hidden, yet in this case they are pronounced to accentuate the grand scale of the stonework. The actual motor joints, the thin joints between the stone are relatively hidden, yet this large pronounced band or ribbon that runs between each course is made to add a visual prominence to the size of the stone.
In time, the stone elements of the building will begin to experience deterioration and need upkeep, like all buildings. The mortar joints though in most cases are almost considered to be a sacrificial type of element. The stone and masonry units of the building facade, just like in a brick building are considered to be significantly more important than the mortar itself and the mortar is intended to be softer and deteriorate at a faster rate than the the masonry units of either stone or brick. That’s important because if the mortar is made harder than the brick or stone then the micro movements which are natural and typical in large buildings can cause the stone to break whereas the mortar should be made softer and a sacrificial material. This is extremely important when repointing or tuck pointing a historic masonry facade. In other articles we have talked about brick spalling, scaling, deterioration and delamination, all significant and common types of brick deterioration which leads to eventual failure. These topics will come up again as we analyze more in-depth details of historic restoration and masonry deterioration. It’s important though to understand that almost all of these problems can be largely eliminated or deferred and mitigated against simply through a proactive approach in restoration, repointing, and tuckpointing.
Like the notable, both massive and pronounced in successive recesses of stone masonry, the Roman arches of this building were built with stonework that is self-sustaining in the Roman Arch configuration. This semi circle arch, invented thousands of years ago is one of the principal elements of facade construction that allows for stability and also fenestration and openings into a building from the exterior. Although the word architecture has only been used in the English language for a mere half millennium, the root for the word for architect goes back to Greek and Roman usage which referred to both design and construction of buildings, but was also related and connected to the concept of creating archways and openings in historic masonry buildings.
In the next picture below, because of the particularly wide angle of the photograph, the projecting water table is pronounced and noticeable as it extends far from the building facade. In climate zones and areas like Washington DC, where there are relatively high rainfalls, a projection in the building significantly helps maintain a relatively dry state in the masonry facade during many of the successive rain events throughout the year. This can make a really big difference because as the masonry of facade becomes hydrated with each rainfall, particularly during the winter months, that moisture and hydration can take a long time to evaporate and while the masonry remains excessively hydrated or wet, it can cause slow deterioration and damage. Essentially, excessive hydration can slowly break down and effectively dissolve elements of both historic lime mortar and the masonry elements or units themselves.
We can Help
Our company focuses on historic restoration more than modern building upkeep, maintenance and construction, but our company understands both types of construction very well and a full picture well-rounded approach is needed in any niche in the construction industry. Although we focus on historic restoration, repointing, tuckpointing and historic brick repair, our company also has technical knowledge and competencies in the areas of modern and contemporary construction as well as we become one of the leaders in that area of the market today. Understanding both historic and modern or contemporary construction is useful because both aspects help understand the challenges and potential solutions for challenges in building science and construction.
In an upcoming article, this coming week, we will discuss some of the elements of restoration and upkeep both on historic brick masonry in restoration processes like repointing, tuckpointing and in restoration and upkeep of other historic elements of both brick and stone masonry.
We can help with a variety of historic masonry restoration needs and upkeep, from modest tuckpointing and or repointing to complicated and extensive historic masonry restoration. Infinity Design Solutions is a historic restoration specialist contractor specializing in both historic masonry restoration such as tuck pointing our repointing, and brick repair. If you have questions about the architectural details or facade of your historic building in Washington DC, reach out and say hello and if we can help we’ll be glad to assist you. You can email us or call us on the telephone at the following link: contact us here.