How to Spot Distress in Masonry Structures

second tects issue 88

How To Spot Distress ln Masonry Structures

previous repairs that are indicative bricks at intermittent spacing of previous or possibly, existing which are turned 90 degrees to conditions the normal coursing, used to tie 4.Determine, whenever possible the two wythes of brick together construction method F. Brick masonry facing over metal A. Solid brick masonry wall , gener- stud and gypsum wall ally found in older structures With th is information in color, composition, strength and util- B. Brickmasonryveneerover, and in hand,consider the fol lowing compen- ity, while sharing some basic traits in contact with, concrete masonry dium of common masonry problems construction and destruction. un its (CMU), or structural clay ti Ie and possible causes. Causes will vary The ability of any masonry wall to C. Brick masonry with a Bap or cav- with the type of construction. The withstand deterioration is a function ity between it and the back-up following information is necessarily construction "broad brush" and is not intended to D. Reinforced brick masonry, with replace, but rather to supplement , rebar cast into a grout-filled cavity professional diagnosis of your E. Masonry bonded wall, with building's condition. and in fact, m by sealing INSPECTION POINTS FOR MASONRY BUILDINGS svstem. The usî be found /NIER/OR OF PERIMETER WALLS Water stains around windows, and resolved. peeling or flaking paint on perimeter walls What follows is a two part checklist PARAPET WALLS AND PARAPET CAP Openings in parapet cap to help you evaluate the extent of joints, cracks or holes in the parapet walls distress in masonry buildings, First, ROOF FLASHINC Holes or cracks in the flashing you mustgain an overall impression of WINDOW SEALANT Cracked or open perimeter sealant; broken the building, from the type of building materials used to obvious weak points ntels (These are the or glaring problems that are easily window) discernible, even tothe untrained eye. spalled masonry units The second section of our checklist BUILDING CORNERS Vertical cracks close to each side suggests ways to spot common problems before they become critical.

CAINING AN OVERATT IMPRESSION l.Review any existing construction documents 2.Determine the building's age SHELF ANCLES Rusting angles 3.Note the condition and extent of

.l volume 7 numbe¡ 2 copyright Hoffmann Architects 9BB I

WATER INTRUSION

APPEARANCE Efflorescence, a white, dusty appearance on the brick surface; Areas of abnormal wetness that can be observed after precipitation; Moss growing on masonry surfaces. CAUSES Look for water intrusion at a point above the surface condition o Bond failure at mortar joints . Adhesive failure of sealants . lmproperly struck mortar ¡ Loose or missing mortar . Lack of, or plugged, weep holes . Lack of, or improperly installed, flashing Cracks in window sill BULG¡NG OR OUT.OF.PIUMB WATLS

APPEARANCE Perceptible bowing of the masonry veneer in either horizontal or vertical planes CAUSES Vertical Bowing . Failing relieving angles . Laci of soft joints below relieving angles . Wall tie failure o Use of open cet of masonry tl" '"r_ å"rj;,?n expansion joints Surface spalling of concrete in a parking garage . Use of open cell insulation that absorbed water, dislodging masonry through freeze/thaw cycles CRACKS IN MASONRY AT BUILDING CORNERS

APPEARANCE ¡ Vertical cracks or dislocation of brick at building corners . Cracks at a regular spacing along building facadðs CAUSES o Discontinuity of relieving angles at all columns and spacing .¿ and deteriorated condition of wall ties in these locations . lnsufficient vertical soft joints Cracked window sealant alr SEEMINCTY RANDOM CRACKS i. APPEARANCE 'lll . Cracks traveling in a combination of vertical and horizontal directions, but always following the mortar joint . Cracks runníng uninterrupted through the mortar and the masonry CAUSES . Uneven settlement r Failure of relieving angles o Horizontal displacement of walls Cracks in parapet cap

2 Of Time and Motion By Walter E. Damuck, A¡A

Forget about an airplane flying into long brick wall is expected to grow modate stresses caused by building your building, or earthquakes, or fire, about 0.02% (0.0002), or about 5/64 movement and cyclical volume bombs, tornadoes or war damage. of an inch (2mm)over a period of time. changes without excessive cracking. There's very little that can be done to Thermal growth, on the other hand, is They possess greater adhesive (bond) preclude these extrinsic destructive reversible and can amountto as much strength than cohesive (internal) forces. as 1/B inch (3mm) over a 100 degree strength, thus, if cracks develop, they Out of the baker's dozen of primary Fahrenheit (3BC) temperature differ- will most likely occur within the mor- factors contributing to premature ential. Consideration must be given in tar joint itself rather than at the inter- building decay, only 317o are prod- design and material selection to take face where leakage is more of a prob- ucts of nature: 1) Air, especially the care of this growth and movement. lem. oxygen in iI; 2) Temperature, in ex- Lime-rich mortars, which are softer Understanding the behavior of tremes and fluctuation; 3) Wind, with than cement-rich mortars, will absorb brick, we should also consider the its pressures and suctions; and, 4) some of the growth; but this is not to material mostcommonly used to back Water. The three most important of say that building control joints and it up concrete block. Concrete these are water, water and water. horizontal relieving angles are not block -behaves the same as cast-in- The other 69% of destructive factors required if lime-rich mortars are used, place concrete and precast concrete originate with homo sapiens (man, they are. High lime mortars are slow when made with the cements cur- woman and child, maybe even teen- hardening and remain elastic or flex- rently in use. Today's concrete prod- agers), Sad buttrue. Sad, because the ible and are, therefore, able to accom- ucts do not Brow in use...they shrink. exercise of only a little more The cement in use today is judgement and care can pre- natural, portland or pozzo- vent the more than one billion dollars a year that property owners are paying for human fallibility. The human contributions are: 1) Design deficien- cies; 2) Poor materials selec- kiln and finely pulverized. tion; 3) lmproper construction; When mixed with water itcalci- 4) Deferred maintenance (be fies at a rapid rate. lt will never honest, say neglect); 5) Applied efore forces; 6) Weight; 7) Yibra- then, tions; B) Pollution; and, 9) Vandalism. åí:3j similating the water raises its BRICK temperature, causing what is known as the heat of calcifica- tr t( Let's first consider brick, one Tt- tion. The cement powder has of the basic masonry materials rr become so hungry, once united that includes clay tile, adobe r r rr with water it takes years to give and terra cotta. ln modern F T fr- it all up. I I fr manufacturing, brick ware r rf- What this means is that con- shrinks about B% in size in the I' ¡" Í' crete and concrete products are r- rt kiln. Assoon as it ls put into use, t- l-r' rin the brick is trying very hard, by I Fr ¡t is T rr absorbing moisture, to regain rt- some of the volume it lost. ìr liï; Brick continues to grow in size it after being laid into a wall. This shrink? About 4-1/2 times as growth is irreversible! A30foot much as brick grows, or, ulti- I passed." "The building waved everytime Continued on next page Craphic by Richard Kadlubowski

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Continued from previous page grade and one floor above grade. is seldom properly moistened before mately, somewhere around 11/32- Acceleration was experienced on the erection to reduce suction in hot inch (9mm) over a 3O-foot length. uppermost floors, masonry in the ele- weather, and, the mortar is invariably Thermal movement, on the other vator hoistways and stair towers was retempered, even after initial set of hand, is nearly static... just a shade spalling, and joints were opening up. the cement has started. Ergo, un- greater than 1/1 ,000 that of brick, or fonded, friable, and leaky joints re- 0.165 mil (o.000165 inch) su lt. (0.004mm) in 3O-feet. Recent concrete-framed projects have been "Deferred DEFERRED stal led duri ng curtain wal I instal lation møintenønce MAINTENANCE because hundreds of prefabricated panels did not fit. Detailed connec- produces, , ,leøks, lf you care to have the very best, tions did not line up with the corre- deferred maintenance should not be rust ønd dry rot." in your vocabulary. Deferred maintenance produces three building No shear walls had been incorporated scourges: leaks, rust and dry rot. into the construction, and the dis- Very often, a tradesman is called in placement at the top of the tower was more than 50% of what it should have been. The building waved at me every time I passed. The seven-story building was concrete-framed on bearing block walls and brick veneered, actions in dia- sponding slab connections because metr the slabs had lowered as a result of was concrete shrinkage. but, pair. prov THE HAND OF MAN growth and to compensate for the concrete block shrinkage. Time has an aging influence, our buildings are in continuous motion, the materials we use have their weak- nesses, and Mother Nature keeps working against us. All of these factors expert to properly repoi nt the parapet. must be applied in developing an Both sides of masonry parapet walls etiology for building skin problems, must be permitted to breathe! being always mindful that some of Remedial recommendations for them are imputable to the building any building require extensive re- skeleton. search, thorough knowledge of past and present building products and Two other areas where human ac- construction methods, and a well- tions are of great concern are in concrete and masonry. Rebar chairs and testing, represents the kind of chal- cement finishing are cost items. lt is lenge that makes remedial architec- not uncommon to pour the first few ture so interesting. A couple of cases inches of a slab, screed it off, and let it in point: One builc ing over 4O-stories set up overnight. Then the next morn- high, and another only seven stories ing, lay the top steel onto the base slab both representing expensive reme- and pour the topping over it: no over- -dial procedures. time for the cement finishers. Most of Slender and rectangular in shape, the time the screeding is not accurate the high rise was demonstrating glass enough to give the top steel the proper failures, thirty mile an hour winds en- concrete coverage, invariably a bond- drawn set of clear, concise and tight cumbered elevator operation, and, sed, and a couple of specifications,The problems creatèd aluminum curtain wall fasteners were slab begins to ring by time and motion (and humans)can failing. The steel frame had moment begins, and the re- be corrected, or they can be exacer- connections and wind bracing was . This is most often bated. incorporated in two floors below seen in parking garages. Today, brick

4 Ashlar: Masonry composed of squared stones; one pattern of concrete mixer, transportation unit, or other item coming in masonry construction. A catchall term, variously applied, for contact with fresh concrete is provided with a mortar coating squared stone masonry units, or for walling constructed of so that the fresh concrete coming in contact with it will not be them. depleted of mortar. Back Plastering: Plaster applied to one face of a lath system Buttress: A bonded column of masonry built as an integral part following application and subsequent hardening of plaster of the wall, projecting from either or both surfaces, and applied to the opposite face. decreasing in area from base to top. A projecting structure to Back, Filling: (1) Rough masonry built behind a facing or support a wall or building. between twofaces. (2) Fillingoverthe extradosof an arch, (3) Camber: Adeflection that is intentionally built into a structural Brickwork in spaces between structural timbers, sometimes elementorform to improve appearance orto nullify the deflec- called "brick nogging." tion of the element under the effects of loads, shrinkage and Back-up (also spelled Backup) : Masonry material or masonry cfeep. construction used in a wall behind stone or brick facing. Centering: Temporary framework for the support of masonry Bat: A piece of brick. arches or lintels during construction. Also called center (s). Bed f oint: A horizontal joint between stones, usual ly fil led with Chamfer: To bevel the junction of an exterior angle. mortar, lead or sealant. Clay: A natural, mineral aggregate consisting essentially of Belt Course: A continuous horizontal course, marking a hydrous aluminum silicate; it is plastic when sufficiently division in the wall plane. A narrow horizontal course of wetted, rigid when dried and vitrified to a sufficiently high masonry, sometimes slightly projected such as window sills temperature. which are made continuous. Sometimes called "string course" Clip: A portion of a brick cut to length. or "sill course". Concrete Brick: A solid masonry unit having a shape approxi- Bevel: The angle that one suface or line makes with another, mately a rectangular prism and composed of inert aggregäte when they are not at right angles. When the angle between two particles embedded in a hardened cementitious matrix. sides is greater or less than a right angle. Concrete masonry unit: A masonry unit composed principally Block Beam: A flexural member composed of i ndividual blocks of inert aggregate particles embedded in a hardened cemen- which are joined together by prestressing. titious matr¡x. Bond: (1 ) Tyi ng various parts of a masonry wal I by lappi ng units Coping: The material or units used to form a cap or finish on one over another or by connecting with metal ties. (2) Patterns top of a wall, pier, pilaster or chimney. formed by exposed faces of units. (3) Adhesion between Corbel: A shelf or ledge formed by projecting successive mortar or grout and masonry units or reinforcement. courses of masonry out from the face of the wall. Brick and Erick: a method of laying brick so that units touch Course: One of the continuous horizontal layers of units, each other with only enough mortar to fi I I su rface i rregularities. bonded with mortar in masonry. Brick Grade: Designation for durability of the unit expressed Damp Course: A course or layer of impervious material which as SWforsevere weathering, MWfor moderate weathering, or prevents capillary entrance of moisture from the ground or NW for negligible weathering, lower course. Often called "damp check". Brick Seat: Ledge on wall or footing to support a course of Dampproofing: Prevention of moisture penetration by capil- masonry. lary action. Dentil Cou¡se: A narrow molding ornamented by small rectangular blocks (that is, dentils) projecting at regular inter- vals. Dentil: Block projections on an entablature. Drip: A projecting piece of material, shaped to throw off water and prevent its running down the face of wall or other surface. Efflorescence: A powder or stain sometimes found on the STRETCHER HEADER SOLDIER surface of masonry, resulting from deposition of water-soluble salts. Fascia: Aflathorizontal band, appearingasavertical face, used decoratively, alone or in combination with other moldings. Feather-Edged Coping: Coping that slopes in only one direc- ffi) It4 tion (not ridged or gabled). ln some usage implies slopetoward rear of wall. Also called (Brit.) "wedge coping" SHINER ROWLOCK SAILOR Fire Clay: A clay which is highly resistant to heat without deforming, and used for making brick. Reprinted w¡th peniss¡on frcm ArchíIectectural Graphîc Standards, 7th Ed¡tíon Fire Resistance: The property of a material or assembly to Brick: A solid masonry unit of clay or shale, formed into a withstand fire or give protection from it; as applied to elements rectangular prism while plastic and burned or fired in a kiln. of buildings, it is characterized by the ability to confine a fire Buttering: Placing mortar on a masonry unit with a trowel. or to continue to perform a given structural function, or both. Process of spreading mortars on a brick or other masonry unit FireProofing: Any material or combination protecting struc- with a trowel; also the process by which the interior of a tural members to increase their fire resistance.

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Footing: That portion of the foundation of a structure which pilasters, buttresses, floors, roofs or spandrel beams which spreads and transmits load directly to the piles, or to the soil or have sufficient strength and stability to resist the horizontal supporting grillage. forces transmitted to them may be considered as lateral sup- Foundation: The material or materials through which the load port. of a structure is transmitted to the earth. Lead: The section of a wall built up and racked back on Frieze: A belt course- sometimes decorated with sculpture successive courses. A line is attached to leads as a guide for relief, occurring just under a cornice. constructing a wall between them. Furring: A method of finishing the interior face of a masonry lintel: A beam located over an opening in a wall to carry wallto provide space for insulation, prevent moisture transmit- superimposed load. tance, or to provide a level surface foi finishing. Live [oad: Any load that is not permanently applied to a Grouted Masonry: Concrete masonry construction composed stfucture. of hollow units where hollow cells are filled with grout, or Masonry Unit: Natural or manufactured building units of multi-wythe construction in which space between wythes is burned clay, concrete, stone, glass, gypsum etc. solidly filled with grout. Masonry: Construction composed of shaped or molded un¡ts, usuallysmallenough tobe handled byone man and composed of stone, ceramic brick or tile concrete, glass, adobe, or the like. Moisture Migration: (1) The movement of moisture through a porous medium. (2) The effects of such movement on efflorescence and volume change in hardened cement paste, mortar, concrete, or rock. Mosaic: A pattern or design formed by inlaying fragments or small pieces of stone, tile, glass or enamel into a cement, mortar or plastic matrix. Nominal Dimension: A dimension greater than a specified masonry dimension by the thickness of a mortar joint, but not more then 1/2". Ove¡hand Work: Laying brick from inside a wall by men -Á standing on a floor or on a scaffold. -41è ^- -- Parapet: That part of a wal I that extends above the roof level. Efflorescence Parge: To coat with plaster, particularly foundation walls and Hard-Burned: Nearly vitrified clay products which have been rough masonry. fired at high temperatures. They have relatively low absorptions and high compressive strengths. Haunch: The deepened portion of a beam that increases in depth toward the support. Head foint: The vertical mortar joint between ends of masonry units. Often called "cross joint". Header: Abrick laid across awall with theend surfaceexposed. Headers are usually used as bonders. HeadingCourse: A continuous bonding course of header brick. Also called "header course." Hollow Concrete Masonry Un¡ts: A masonry unit whose net cross sectional area in any plane paral lel to the bearing surface is less than 75 percent of its gross cross-sectional area meas- ured in the same plane. Honed Finish: Honed is a super fine smooth finish. lnitial Rate of Absorption: The weight of water absorbed Patched Coping expressed in grams per 30 sq. in. of contact surface when a brick is partially immersed forone minute. Alsocalled suction. Parging: Dampproofing by placing a coat of 1/2" of setting loint: (1 ) The end or side surface of a piece, which is covered mortar to the back of stones, or, the face of backup material. when the piece is set in place. (2) A filled or open space Pediment: The triangular face of a gable, if separated by extending vertically between adjacent pieces set in place. entablature or molding from the lower wall and treated as a Kerf: Kerf is to wire-cut a soft clay unit during extrusion, decorative unit. By extension, a triangular surface used or- permitting easier breaking or cutting of the units on the job for namentally over doors or windows. specific and varied applications. Pick and Dip: A method of laying brick whereby the bricklayer Kiln: A furnace oven or heated enclosure used for burning or simultaneously picks up a brick with one hand and, with the firing brick or other clay material. other hand, enough mortar on a trowel to lay the brick. lateral Support: Members such as cross walls, columns, Sometimes called the "Eastern" or "New England" method.

c2 Hoffmann Architects

l -1 Pier: An isolated column of masonry. Return: Any surface turned back from the face of a principal Pilaster: Awall portion projectingfrom eitherorboth wall faces surface. and serving as a vertical column and/or beam. Reveal: That portion of a jamb or recess which is visible from Plumb: Vertical or to make vertical. the face of a wall. Pointing: Troweling mortar into a joint after masonry units are Rowlock: A brick laid on its face edge so that the normal laid. bedding area is visible in the wall face. Frequently spelled Porosity: The ratio, usually expressed a percentage, of the "rolok". volume of voids in a material to the total volume of the Rubbed Finish: Mechanically rubbed for smoother finish. material, including the voids. Rustication: A groove in a concrete or masonry surface. Prefabricated Brick Masonry: Masonry construction fabri- Sawed Edge: A clean cut edge generally achieved by cutting cated in a location other than its final in-service location in the with diamond blade, gang saw or wire saw. structure. Also known as preassembled, panelized and . Scotia: A concave molding. sectional ized brick masonry. Shear: A type of stress; a body is in shear when it is subjected Pressure-Relieving loint: An open horizontal joint below the to a pair of equal forces which are opposite in direction and supporting angle or hanger located at approximately every which act along parallel planes. floor line and not over 1 5 ft. apart, horizontally, and every 20- Shoved foints: Vertical joints filled by shoving a brick aga¡nst 30 ft. vertically, to prevent the weight from being transmitted the next brick when it is being laid in a bed of mortar. to the masonry below. These joints are to be caulked with a Sill: ln masonry, a flatorslightly beveled stone set horizontally resilient material to prevent moisture penetration. at the base of an opening in a wall. Prism: A small masonry assemblage made with masonry units Slushed foints: Vertical joints filled, after units are laid, by and mortar. Primarily used to predict the strength of full scale "throwing" mortar in with the edgeof a trowel. (Cenerally, ngt masonry members. recommended). Quirk: A groove separating a bead or other molding from the Soap: A masonry unit of normal face dimensions, having a adjoining members. nominal 2" thickness. Quoin: A projecting right angle masonry corner. Soffit: The underside of a beam, lintel or arch. Racking: A method entailing stepping back successive courses Soft-Burned: Clay products which have been fired at low of masonry. temperature ranges, producing relatively high absorptions and Raked foint: A joint in a masonry wall which has the mortar low compressive strengths. raked out to the specified depth while it is only slightly Soldier: A stretcher set on end with face showing on the wall hardened. surface. Rebate: A rectangular groove or slot, as to receive a frame insert Spall: Afragment, usually inthe shapeof a flake, detachedfrom in a door or window opening. a larger mass by a blow, by the action of weather, by pressure, Recess: A sinkage in a wall plane. or by expansion within the larger mass. Reglet: A recess to receive and secure metal flashing. Spandrel: On buildings supported by skeleton structure, the Reinforced Masonry: Masonry containing metal mesh or rods facing of the area between the sill of one window and the top in the joints to resist shearing and tensile stresses. (or lintel) of the window next below. Relief or Relieve: Ornament in relief. The ornament or figure Splay: A beveled or slanted surface. can be slightly, half or greatly projected. Split-Face Block: Concrete masonry unit w¡th one or more Repointing: Replacing mortar in masonry. faces produced by purposeful fracturing of the unit, to provide

STRUCK CONCAVE FLUS¡H OFI FLUSH Sc:INTLED ( â POOR ) OR ROOOED PLAIN CUT RODDEO I POOR ) I GOOD ( TTT'ruTI FAIR I I FAIR ) ù vzå ùñ Th ù)z WEATHERED RULEO (cooo) {FAIRl "V"SHAPEO EEAOED RAKED rooool I POOR ) { POOR)

-rYPES c,F JC)INT€¡ IWEATHERABILITY)

Repilnted w¡th pemiss¡on hom Arch¡tætæ¡ural Gñphíc Standads, 7th Ed¡tion

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arch¡tectural effects in masonry wall construction. Stack Bond: Stack bond is an installation joint pattern where the joints, both horizontal and vertical, are aligned throughout A MORTAR SAMPLER the installation. Units are stacked one over the other, either in a horizontal or vertical position. GENERAL MORTARS Stool: (1 ) lnterior window sill, shelf or ledge. (2) (Brit.) Flat member against which the lower sash of a doublehung win- M (2500 psi)* Very high compressive strength, dow seats, and thus both interior and exterior feature. durable loads, (Belt band String Course Course, Bond Course): A horizontal foundations,retaini ng wal ls, man- generally of masonry, narrower than other courses, extending holes, reinforced masonry, pave- across the facade of a structure and in some structures encir- ments cling such decorative features as pillars or engaged columns. S (1800 psi) High compressive and tensile May be flush or projecting, and flatsurfaced or decorated. strength, heavy loads, high wind Struck foint: Any mortar joint which has been finished with a trowel. areas, chimneys N (750 psi) Moderate compressive strength : Suction: See "initial rate of absorption". Surround: An enframement. partitions (load and non-load Temper: To moisten and mix clay, plasteror mortarto a proper bearing), severe exposure areas, consistency. cavity walls, interior w/glass block, Tooling: Compressing and shaping the face of a mortar joint terra cotta, parapet walls with a special tool other than a trowel. O (350 psi) Not resistant to freezing, low Toothing: Constructing the temporary end of a wall with the strength, i nterior non-load bearing end stretcher ofevery alternate course projecting. Projecting partitions, exterior areas faced and units are "toothers." backed w/solid units Tuck Pointing: The filling in with fresh mortar of cut-out or K (75psi) Low strength: not allowed by some defective mortar joints in masonry. Building Codes, high lime content, Veneer: ln stone masonry, facing material used decoratively interior nonload-bearing partitions and as protection, but not loadbearing. Vitrification: The condition resulting when kiln temperatures SPECIAL MORTARS are sufficient to fuse grains and close pores of a clay product, mass impervious. making thé Non-Staining Portland cement mortar used for Wall Plate: A horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall limestone, marble, terra cotta, to which other structural elements may be attached. Also glazed brick,cut stone Non- called head plate. sta¡ning Wall, Bearing: A wall supporting a vertical load in addition to For installation of caps, coping, its own weight. Waterproof Wall, Cavity: A wall in which the inner and outer wythes are sills, etc. separated by an air space but tied together with metal ties. Cypsum Decking, gypsum block, etc. Wall, Composite: A wall in which the facing and backing Chemical lndustrial applications, types vary materials are bonded together. with different additives:silica, resin, Water Retentivity: That property of a mortar which prevents and sulfur the rapid loss of water to masonry units of high suction. lt Refractory Chimneys, incinerators, monolithic prevents bleeding orwater gain when mortar is in contactwith walls,types vary with different relatively impervious units. additives and heat requirements Water Table: A projection of lower masonry on the outside of Epoxy Structural & facíng tile, glazed the wall slightly above the ground. Often a damp course is brick, stone veneers, bath-rooms, placed at the level of the water table to prevent upward kitchens penetratlon of ground water. Surface Bond Portland cement with glass fibers, Waterproofing: Prevention of moisture flow through masonry eliminates mortar between masonry due to water pressure. units baseof Weep Hole: A drainageopening usually inserted atthe Tuck-Pointing Pre-hydrated mix for stone and between the a stone unit to release moisture accumulating brick facing, should match flexibil- stone and backup. ity and strength of existing mortar Wythe : Eachcontinuousvertical section ofawall onemasonry High-Bond Additives used to strengthen mortar, unit in thickness. for panel and wall ín investi- construct¡on Dirt Additives used to increase stain- gative and rehabilitative architecture/eng,ineering. Our office is Resistant Hamden, CT 06518. Phone (203) resistance located at 3074 Whitney Avenue, *average 281 -4440. compressive strength at 28 days

C4 "Do lt R¡ght" by Dick Bonin When a project crosses your desk tural (structural)firm - before anywork were any problems; if so, ask if they that involves work on the exterior of a is started. were handled professionally. Ask if masonry building, you should realize The architects and engineers you the work exceeded the standards or if that if the work is done correctly, the choose should have the following it was just "so-so." building can provide many years of qualifications: Then, get to know the people you use. lf the work is done incorrectly, 1 )A minimum of five year's restoration might be working with because you expenence: will be living with them through the 2)Restoration experience in the spe- construction period. cific type of structure involved in lf possible, visit one or two of their your project; i.e., terra cotta, cast - other projects in progress. Look in- place concrete, precast con- closely at their field supervision. You crete, or historical; want a professional team on your 3)Restoration experience in a geo- building. Also, look at their house- graphic region similar to the one in keeping; make sure the work place is which the proposed project is lo- as clean as possible. A clean work cated. (some repair systems are not place means the contractor is con- suited for certain climates of the cerned with the safety of íts workers, country.) and it's usually a good indicator of The contractor you select to work quality workmanship. with should have the following It is also good, whenever possible, qualifications: to have an architectural/contractor .l )A minimum of five years'restoration team that has worked together pre- experience in projects simi lar to that viosly. Many times this will insure involved in the proposed project; good interaction between them. 2)Knowledge of restoration of the Once the team has been chosen, it's specific type of structure involved in time to turn the attention back to the however, the exterior and even the your project; specific problems of your building, to structural integrity of the building 3) Fi nancial stabi I ity; write a set of specifications, and to could be in serious jeopardy. 4)Strong guarantee and proven have the contractor prepare the pro- What that means/ of course, is that "stand-behind" reputation; posal. you-the building owner or manager - lf the project must be bid, a good set have to pay particular attention to the of specifications and/or plans should building professionals you select to do be worked up prior to bid so that all your job. sure there prequalified bidders will be quoting By following a few simple guide- "Møke on the same work. Using this method, lines, you can practically ensure your- øre prices you'll end up with more competitive self that your restoration job will be for bids, a smoother project and quality completed to your satisfaction! oaerlunder end-results! To successfully correct any masonry lf there are items of work which problem, you first have to make an ømolrnts." have unknown quantities, such as re- accurate determination of the damage placements for terra cotta and con- to the building, and then decide what crete repair, make sure there are unit needs to be done, Here are three pre- prices for over/under amounts. There liminary steps that work: 5)Cood insurance and bonding pro- may be 100 pieces of terra cotta esti- 1 )Commission a structural analysis; Srams; mated to be replaced when the project 2)Objectively assess the present con- 6)Cood safety program and record. begins, but only 25 pieces actually d ition, type of construction, and the When architects, engineers, and may be needed. Or there may be bui ldi ng's past mai ntenance; contractors submit their qualifica- 2,500 square feet of concrete repair 3) Negotiate required restoration with tions, don't just accept them as true estimated; but, after demolition, it a qualified specialty contractor. check them out! - may be determined that 3,000 square Then, it ís essential that you pre- Contact their references and ask feet of repair are actually needed. qualify the contractor and architec- about the projects. Find out if there Over/under unit prices for materials Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page Epoxy Mortars: The Jury Is Still Out and labor will protect all parties. The standard of the industry is a lime- dition. The epoxywas specifical ly mixed Prior to beginning any work, have rich blend, when it comes to mortars for for pliability, and to have less tensile an in-depth, pre-construction meet- use in repointing masonry buildings, es- strength than the limestone blocks. Thus ing. Make sure everyone is clear on all pecial ly I imestone, that are five stories or farthere hasbeen nodiscernablespalling aspects of the project. This meeting more in height. For many years, experts or cracking of the limestone, but then should include critical suppliers and have been aware of epoxy mortars forthe again, the age of a limestone building is contractors and a review of all sched- repoi nting of I imestone facades, but, for counted in scoresofyearsand centuries, ules, specific responsibilities, etc, the most part, epoxy has been avoided. not a decade and a half.

After work has begun, schedule Lime-rich mortar is noted for its plas- The positive aspects of epoxy, i ncl ud- weekly or bi-monthly meetings to go tic iÇ, accommodati ng the natu ral move- ing portability and ease of application, over the progress, the schedule, and ments and stresses masonry is heir to. make itan attractive jointmaterial. But any problems that may have surfaced. Properly mixed and applied, lime-rich until more empiric data is accumu lated mortar is a highly satisfactory material. to make its case, the jury is still out. Itcan be problematic, however, to mix

the I ime-rich mortarsothat it isthe correct consistency. Some masons find it too "buttery" and unable to hold its shape.

Epoxy mortar, on the other hand, is not Journal is a publication of noted for its pliability. ltgenerallyfirms Hoffman n Arch itects, special ists up harderthan the I i mestone and creates i n i nvestigative and rehabi I itative a bond that is difficultto break the next arch itectu re/en gi neeri n g, i nc I ud - Have all parties present at these meet- time the building requires repointing. ing the analysis and solution of ings. Again, if there are critical suppli- roofing, masonry, glazed curtain ers and subcontractors, include them Experiencewith both of these mortar wall and structural problems. in the meetings. Good communica- materials shows that common wisdom Our office is located at 3074 tions during a project are essential! may not be so wise as it is common. Even Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT after many years of overseei n g repoi nti ng 06518 Phone (203) 281-4440. During construction, all changes projects, we are still concerned as we should be in writing and in agreement watch the masons mix lime-rich mortars We welcome contributions to of all parties concerned. This not only on precarious stagi ng far above busy met- HA/J from our clients and friends. keeps everyone informed on the proj- ropol itan sidewalks. There is no question Please send news and technical ect but provides good records for the thatthe abilityto apply epoxy mixwith information to Peter Borgemeis- future. a caulking gun is a distinct advantage. ter, Editor, Hoffmann Architects/ The question remains, however, does Journal at the Hamden address. After completion, hold one more epoxy do the job? Address changes and additions to meeting to make sure all invoices and the mailing list should be sent to payments are correct, guarantees for- We are not aware of any scientific re- the Hamden office. warded to the owner or manager/ as- search thatwould once and forallclose builts (when necessary) are complete, the book on this subject. lndeed, it is dif- W h i I e H offm an n Arch itects/Jou r- final clean-up is done, and attend to ficu ltto fi nd examples of projects where nal attempts to provide the most other last minute details. epoxy has been tried. accurate information on general subjects, it is not intended to be "Doing it right" takes planning, but One client's experience with epoxy a substitute for professional archi- you'll get the results you want-a mortars wou ld appear to contrad ictthe tectu re/en gi nee ri n g servi ces. We building you'll be able to use safely generalthinkingon the subject. He notes strongly urge you to consult a and with pride for years to come! thatafter morethan fifteen years of serv- qual ified rehabi I itation arch itec- Dick Bonin ís a Masonry Restoration Spe- ice, the epoxy mortared joints on his ture/engineering firm (ours) for cialist for The Western Croup, St. Louis. limestone skyscraper remain in finecon- answers to specific questions.

6 servtces Representative Projects

A number of nationally known insti- Hoffmann Architects has been hired SON, structural engineer of Madison, tutions and corporations have been todesign new roofs for theMendenhall Conn. on cracks in a precast concrete added to the Hoffmann Architects client Center for the Perform i ng Arts at SMITH parking garage in Albany, New York. list in the past several months. We wel- COLLEGE in Northhampton, Mass. We come our new clients, large and small, will also assist Smith College in the CODE COMPTIANCE and we feel gratified by our old clients bidding process and administertheen- aski ng us to do add itional work for them. suing contracts for construction. We provided consu lti ng seruices tothe COMMONS, a condominium complex ROOFINC RICHARD BERGMANN, FAIA, AN in Stamford, Con n., on fire code correc- architect in New Canaan,Conn., has tions as well as correcting air and water The METROPOLITAN OPERA ASSO- asked our firm to consult with him infiltration in six buildings. CIATION has engaged Hoffman n Arch i- concern i ng re-roofi ng and waterproof- tects to prepare plans and specifications ing matters on renovations of the Noro- FACADE REHABITITATION forthe re-roof i ng of the Metropol itan Op- ton Presbyterian Church in Noroton, era House in New York City. Conn. The brick and terra cotta front facade of the headquarters building of the GILLETTE COMPANY in Boston, Mass. will be surveyed by Hoffmann Archi- tects.

The firm will also survey the four ex- teriorwallsofthe Research and Engineer- ing Building of the TORRINCTON COMPANY in Torrington, Conn. tl I ra. {

The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center

This firm wi I I provide the ful I range of We have been asked to prepare plans architectural services to re-roof two and specifications for re-roofing buildings on the Busch Campus of Frampton Hall, partof the NEW YORK

RUTCERS UNIVERSITY in NewJersey. I NSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION (formerly the New York lnstitute for the Hoffmann Architects surveyed the Blind). roofs of two buildings owned by IBM in Kentucky and Alabama. PARKING GARAGES .a)trtal Jt).

FAI RFI ELD U NIVERSITY in Fairfield, Hoffmann Architects has been acon- Connecticut has hired Hoffmann Archi- su ltanttoTOR AN D PARTN ERS, a struc- tects to su rvey the cond ition of the roofs tural engineering firm located in New of five buildings on the campus. Haven, Conn., on waterproofing and deck coatings of the Temple Street Park- The roof of the headquarters building ing Carage in New Haven. of CENERAL ELECTRIC, also in Fairfield, will be replaced with thisfirm furnishing Hoffmann Architects recently com- Frampton Hall the architectural services. pleted consulting to THEODORE NEL-

7 staff news i

TO NEW STAFF o õ-o ciation. Walter's article, entitled "The o 3ì TJ Hoffmann Architects is pleased to Fine Points of Repointing Older Ma- m Ê= Ø _rJ introduce three new members to the sonry Buildings", appeared in the (t o5 o oo staff: annual Weathervane Update issue, o f< graduate Ð ã> fane B. Beaudry is a of the put out by The Western Group, West- Ð gò State University of New York at Buf- publishes m o! ern, which 14,000 copies of o CL+o falo, and intern architect; I o this magazine, is one of the largest o o Muoi Le a graduate of the University Waterproofing and Restoration Com- z I a @ of Houston Texas, and intern archi- panies in the U.S. Damuck also wrote m tecU an article, "Masonry Deterioration øc m Frank Scherr, is a graduate of the and Rehabilitation" that was pub- Ø -l University of Colorado, and intern lished in the first issue of the Connecti- m o architect. cut Architec, magazine. * lP."..ifj", PROFESSIONAL Harwood W. Loomis, AlA, was ACCOMPLISHMENTS recently elected acting secretary of a proposed Connecticut Professional Chápter of Building Officials and Peter Borgemeister, Hon. A lA, has Code Administrators lnternational been appointed by the First Selectman (BOCA), publishers of the Basic/Na- of Branford, Ct. to serve on the Bran- tional Building Code used in Con- ford lnland Wetland Commission for a necticut and most Northeast states. third three-y""j:":i He also recently testified before the . Public Safety Committee of the Con- necticut General Assembly regarding proposed legislation affecting build- Richard Kadlubowski has been ing and fire codes and enforcement in appointed CSA Associates to the Loomis partici- Commission. He has also been ele- Connecticut. is also vated to project manager for pating in theformation of a Computers Hoffmann Architects. in Architecture Committee within the Connecticut Society of Architects/ Kadlubowski recently attended the AIA' BURSI (Better Understanding of Roof- ....o ing Systems lnstitute) Seminar on the latest technology in roofing applications in Denver, Colorado. A contingent from Hoffmann Archi- tects visited the recent AIA Conven- tion in New York City. Richard Kadlubowski, Beaudry, Wayne tohn t. was a dete- Jane gate toihe";"";. Middle Atlarític^,4. Regional Bonin, Muoi Le and Frank Scherr at- Conference of BOMA (Building tended a seminar session on ArtisV Owners and Managers Association) Arch itect Col laborations. in Boston, where he was elected to the Board of Directors. oaaoo

SPORTS NOTE Susan Hauser has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Auxiliary The Architectural Summer Softball to the Hospital of St. Raphael in New league now has teams representing Haven. She is also membership chair- 11 firms in the Hamden -New Haven person that organization. of Area. The season runs through July. This is the third year of play for the league. Wayne Bonín and Jane Walter E. Damuck, AlA, was iust Beaudry are co-captains of the named to the Executiúe Committeê of Hoffmann team. the New England Building Code Asso-