MASONRY
The overwhelming building material in the East Row Historic District Neighborhood is brick which is used for exterior structural walls or veneers on residences. Brick is also used for foundations, decorative inlays and detailing, chimneys, porch piers, and other architectural elements. Stone is also widely used with limestone and sandstone employed for foundations, veneers on main facades, window lintels and arches, and decorative detailing. Another building material also found in the area is hollow core concrete blocks which are used as exterior veneers on residences and outbuildings.
Masonry construction at 836 Park Avenue typical of residences in the district.
All masonry materials and detailing shall be maintained, repaired, or if replacement is necessary, replaced with masonry or mortar to match the original. Deterioration of brick is most frequently caused by moisture infiltration. This is usually due to faulty gutters, downspouts, leaky roofs, or other structural problems. Cracks in brick may also exist due to settled foundations, insufficient support over doors and windows, or mortar failure. With the exception of severe cases of deterioration, most typical masonry siding and ornamentation can be repaired or replaced by professional bricklayers and masons.
Masonry buildings and details are a major part of the historic character of the East Row area and the following guidelines provide proper cleaning, repointing, and sealing recommendations.
MASONRY GUIDELINES
- Use the most gentle means possible for cleaning masonry. Water and detergents are the least harmful to brick and stone surfaces.
- Low to moderate pressure water (30 - 60 psi) or steam cleaning of masonry surfaces is permitted. Chemical cleaning may also be acceptable for the removal of stains and paint. Cleaners such as muratic acid, caustic soda or lye shall not be used on historic brick surfaces.
- Abrasive or high pressure cleaning methods shall not occur.
- Masonry repair, replacement or repointing shall match the original brick in color, texture and character.
- Masonry repointing shall be undertaken using a soft mortar composition, and hard mortars such as Portland Cement shall not be used. See attached mortar recipe.
- Waterproof coatings and water repellent coatings are not permitted except under extreme circumstances.
- Masonry walls shall not be covered with any type of applied siding including, but not limited to, artificial stone surfaces, stucco, concrete and metal siding.
- Masonry which has not been previously painted shall not be painted.
- Masonry details and ornamentation shall not be removed or obscured.
For retaining wall information see Fencing section.
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