Commercial Masonry Restoration
COMMERCIAL MASONRY REPAIR & RESTORATION
Masonry restoration is the art of bringing an existing masonry structure back to its original condition.
Keep in mind that masonry must carry the weight of everything above it, so when small cracks appear immediate action is required. Masonry is very rigid, for instance with a brick wall, any movement would cause the bricks and mortar to crumble.
Things like heavy snow, plant growth, heavy equipment working nearby, and thermal expansion and contraction (freeze-and-thaw cycles), can cause masonry to crack. Often when a crack begins it causes the masonry to shift. Since masonry and mortar is unyielding, this shift causes cracks to expand and may cause possible collapse or falling debris.
At PMR, our decades of experience and depth of knowledge ensure that our commercial masonry repair and restoration projects last.
Commercial
Building
Repointing
Repointing is the process of replacing the deteriorated mortar from the joints of a masonry wall with new mortar.
It is crucial to re-point when you notice missing or cracked mortar because if left unattended it could lead to water infiltration and ultimately internal damage.
Brickwork needs to be replaced when cracks appear in the brick just as when cracks appear in the mortar. Both the brick and surrounding mortar must be completely removed and replaced.
PMR has the depth of expertise necessary to ensure that repointing is done correctly.
Balcony Repair & Replacement
When it comes to commercial balcony repair and replacement, a skilled professional firm such as PMR is absolutely necessary.
Balconies have a lot of precise structural calculations and components to be considered to ensure that they slope properly and have the appropriate weight-bearing capacity.
If water is not draining properly from your balcony this could be a sign that the balcony does not have proper deflection and could be sagging. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the water does not drain into wall cavities.
Building Surveying & Investigation
Periodic building inspection can prevent costly repairs and eliminate safety hazards such as collapse or fallen masonry.
The Philadelphia Ordinance Administration now requires that historic structures built before certain years complete a comprehensive periodic facade inspection by a licensed professional, file a report of the results from the inspection, and make any needed repairs that are identified.
MASONRY CLEANING
Cleaning commercial masonry structures not only improves the cosmetic appearance, but also the removal of dirt, microorganisms and plant growth will prevent structural deterioration.
Properly selected cleaning procedures remove corrosion and damaging film without marring or defacing the masonry surface. Restoring the surface to its original color and texture is the goal of PMR’s cleaning process.
A comprehensive understanding of our cleaning processes enables our specialists to determine the most effective method available. PMR has developed the present methods from years of experience.
We also follow environmentally sound practices in the use of cleaning products. PMR complies with all environmental protection agency local and federal regulations.
Our experts start with water pressure and detergent, resorting to chemicals only when necessary. Proper cleaning will extend useful life while making the building more attractive and valuable.
Lintel Replacement
In older commercial masonry buildings, the steel angle above the windows and doors that supports the weight of the masonry above, may rust and swell. This process, known as rust jacking, exerts extreme expansive force both upwards and downwards creating structural cracks and heaving in adjoining masonry.
If not serviced, the deteriorating lintel will no longer function to support the brick or stone above and will compromise the structural integrity of the wall.
An experienced commercial contractor like PMR is required for this potentially hazardous job since bracing and shoring may be required to prevent catastrophic failure. Consideration must be given to replacing with the correct load bearing size galvanized steel lintels, flashings, end dams and weeps.
Expansion Joint Replacement
Concrete and masonry, like other construction materials used in commercial structures, expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes. These changes may produce cracks in hardened concrete and masonry, unless they are properly controlled.
Provision for proper locations prevents a concentration of crack producing stress forces.
PMR can identify potential areas of failure and install or repair adequate expansion or control joints.
CHIMNEY
REPAIRS
In contrast to a regular masonry wall, chimneys are more prone to deterioration because weathering effects have an increased concentration. Whereas a simple masonry veneer is exposed to the elements on one surface, chimneys receive adverse conditions from all angles.
Chimneys are also more susceptible to depreciation because the chimney is constantly exposed to extremes in temperature advancing the ill effects of freeze-thaw cycles or moisture expansion and contraction.
Additionally chimney damage is a more pressing or hazardous problem because not only must a building owner worry about fallen masonry from the full height of their building but also there is the aspect of fire safety.
A deteriorating chimney could allow a small spark to escape or even harmful smoke and gases to leak into the building. It is imperative that a responsible building owner has their chimney inspected frequently by a professional.
PMR has the depth of expertise necessary to ensure that commercial chimney repairs are done right – and done right the first time.