Orange County NC Website
DCF Engineefing, Inc. 8 ,, <br /> Cadwalader Jones Law Office September Page 3 of 5 <br /> BRICK MASONRY: <br /> For any repairs, it would be appropriate to duplicate the unit size, color, and texture <br /> of the existing masonry. Using the same size brick would allow masons to "tooth" <br /> new construction or repairs into existing brick, maintaining coursing and the size of <br /> mortar joints. Sufficient tests should be performed to establish the design of an <br /> approved mortar mix to be used for all work at the site. <br /> ' BRICK MASONRY RESTORATION: <br /> This project will require masonry restoration specifications based on the <br /> ' characteristics of the existing masonry. <br /> Mortar for face brick should match the original mortar in color, texture, density, and <br /> porosity. It should have the same or less strength than the original mortar. New <br /> mortar should have the same or less hardness than the original brick as determined <br /> by testing. The color of mortar used for repointing should be matched to the original <br /> ' by matching the color of original aggregates and mortar components as closely as <br /> possible. An archeological search may uncover ingredients of the original job-mixed <br /> mortar such as oyster shells in the soil strata at the site which contains other <br /> ' construction debris. <br /> The use of salvaged brick should be discouraged. There are manufacturers who can <br /> match old brick very accurately and at least one manufacturer who is making bricks <br /> by the old methods. These bricks and a compatible mortar design mix are what is <br /> ' required to match in the brick masonry of historic buildings. <br /> The use of grinders, sandblasting, sanding discs or other abrasives should not be <br /> ' permitted in the cleaning of brick. Irrevocable damage has been done to historic <br /> masonry by abrasive brick cleaning. For example, removal of the outer surface of face <br /> brick may expose the more porous inner portion of the brick, which may lead to <br /> ' spalling or mortar joint deterioration due to moisture penetration and subsequent <br /> freezing. <br /> Repointing of brick masonry is a waterproofing procedure and not a solution for <br /> structural problems. The repointing process is a critical procedure which should be <br /> done in carefully selected areas with great care. Minimal repointing appears to be <br /> ' required at this time. The extent of masonry restoration and repair will be minimal. <br /> Existing brick units can be reset, the wall pushed back into line and the cracks <br /> stitched together. <br /> r <br />