COMMERCIAL RESTORATION - MASONRY

What processes does commercial masonry restoration involve?

Commercial restoration of Masonry covers a wide range of services:

• Inspection and Consultation - Any project starts with consulting the experts!  Ameriseal is proud to offer free inspections and quotes on required work. We will evaluate the current state of the masonry, offer our solution, and a provide a quote for the cost of the work.  We also offer building inspections to catch damage as it occurs in real time.

• Cleaning and Repair - Due to the exposed nature of brick, stone, and concrete, they collect dirt, pollen, and absorb liquids.  As time passes this becomes more of an issue as discoloration or dullness starts to stand out, and cracks begin to appear from water damage.  Restoration involves deep cleaning these surfaces to remove as much dirt, oil, and plant life as possible.  Detergents and chemical reactions that will not harm the stone aid the cleaning process. 

• Tuckpointing - This is a word you'll hear often in the Masonry business, it is the process of replacing failing or cracked mortar joints with new mortar. This enhances the appearance and strength of the masonry and is critical to prevent the intrusion of water and to prevent any further damage. Also know as pointing, or repointing. Tuckpointing involves removing the old mortar between the joints of stone and brick with a chisel or saw depending on the space, then replacing it with fresh mortar. Mortar is a durable material and usually lasts between 20 and 30 years before needing to be repointed.

• Brick and Stone Replacement - The freeze-thaw cycle is a vicious weather phenomenon that cracks or chips brick, stones and concrete apart during early and late winter.  Water in liquid form enters the stone during the day time, then freezes overnight as temperatures drop, causing voids and chipping.  A brick or stone that is too damaged to remain useful should be replaced to keep the masonry strong and decrease the risk of injury.  Color matching, texture of the stone, and size take priority when choosing a replacement piece for damaged stone or brick. 

• Structural Reinforcement - Adhering to safety standards and local building codes occasionally means that a structure must be adjusted to ensure that its replacement is safely in place, and remains safely in place.  Supports, anchors, or both may need to be added to the structure.  These are often able to be hidden!

• Historical Preservation - The restoration of historic buildings requires maintaining the original design of the structure, including the type of materials and techniques used, while bringing the building up to modern building codes for historic structures, ensuring compliance with local municipals.  The changes made to Historic Buildings must be as close to the original as possible and intrude as little on the original design as possible.  We have a Historic Restoration page if your building has a legacy worth preserving!

• Facade Restoration - Ameriseal has been restoring commercial building facades for over 20 years, and have a reputation for our craft in masonry restoration across Ohio.  Not all companies are the same, and for this reason Ameriseal is called time, and time again across Ohio to restore the stone, brick and concrete that make up your building facade. 

• Sealing and Waterproofing - Waterproof coatings and clear overlays applied to masonry protect it from water intrusion and environmental damages. Water is the number one cause of damage to stone, brick, mortar, and concrete. These sealants are often silicone or urethane based and are designed to last around 10 years per application but variations in the climate of your area may give you more or less time than this.  Our Caulking | Joint Sealants page covers the importance of properly sealing your concrete, to protect against Ohio Winters.

• Maintenance Planning - Setting up a plan for continuing maintenance is important for continuing protection of the buildings masonry. Inspections and small repairs help to avoid larger issues that compound and cost more to restore. We offer building inspections and planned maintenance programs for all sized spaces.  We have an entire page dedicated to On-Going Building Maintenance and the repairing of small spots before they become big problems!

Ameriseal in action - New Construction Brick Cleaning