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News and Insights on the Masonry Repair and Maintenance of Institutional, Commercial, and Condominium Buildings in Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts

Volume 16 No. 1

Spring 2024

Welcome to the primiere issue of Masonry Solutions for 2024. Our keyword for this year is "trust". Since our inception in 1936 through four generations of family ownership, we have always been and will continue to be your trusted source for masonry restoration or repair.

In this issue, our Case Study article describes the first phase of major facade restoration project on a prestigious church building in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. Our Masonry 101 article describes how a back-up wall provides strength and stability to a masonry structure.

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Sincerely,

Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.

Case Study

Abbot Completes First Phase of a Major Restoration Project at the First Haitian Baptist Church of Boston

Abbot recently completed the first phase of a major restoration project at the First Haitian Baptist Church located in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. Abbot was contracted for the project via a referral from Wessling Architects (Braintree, MA) with whom Abbot has performed exemplary work over the years.

Extensive Brick Debonding

The first phase of the project focused on the rear of the building where it was apparent that large areas of the brick had debonded and were pulling away from the backup wall. So that Abbot could evaluate the extent of the debonding, Abbot erected pipe staging to access the entire wall allowing a series of test holes to be created in areas specified by the architect. Based on this evaluation, it was determined that certain areas needed to be completely demolished and rebuilt with new brick to match the color and texture of the existing brick. The back-up wall also required repair as needed.

Multiple Repairs

Abbot filled and parged any open holes while parts of the outer wall were being rebuilt. Abbot then cut and pointed the remainder of the wall. To complete the repairs, the roofing contractor (SRC Roofing Inc., Quincy, MA) installed a new gutter along the entire length of the wall as well as new downspouts.

Phase 2 Underway

Due to the Abbot’s proficiency and workmanship, combined with a smooth working relationship with the church personnel, Abbot was asked to continue working on the entire building. Abbot is currently working on phase 2, while plans for future phases 3 and 4 are underway.

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Founded in 1969, the First Haitian Baptist Church is a prestgious brick structure with two domed towers, a double-entrance stairway, and a row of five entrance arches situated beneath a stained glass window.

Masonry 101

Back-Up Wall

In our Case Study article, we mention the need to repair the back-up wall that supports the outer wall of the church building.

Back-up is a term used in the construction and building industry to refer to a support system that provides additional strength, stability, or protection to a structure or material. It can be an essential component of any construction project as it helps to ensure that the building or structure can withstand various external factors such as natural disasters, wear and tear, and other forms of damage.

Supports Floor and Roof Loads

The structural back-up of the building system is designed to support floor and roof loads and to resist lateral wind loads and seismic movement. As the exterior brick veneer is not in and of itself structurally sound, it is connected to the back-up via wall ties so that it transfers some of the load to the back-up.

Protects Against Moisture and Environmental Factors

Back-up can take many different forms depending on the specific needs of the project. In masonry construction, backup may refer to a layer of solid material such as concrete or brick that is placed behind a veneer wall. This layer provides additional support and protection against moisture and other environmental factors.

Ensures Building Safety and Longevity

Overall, back-up plays an important role in ensuring the safety and longevity of buildings and structures in the construction industry. By providing additional support and protection against various external factors, it helps to ensure that these structures can stand up to the test of time.

Connect With Us

A bbot Building Restoration Co., Inc.

28 Allerton Street

Boston, MA 02119-2933

Tel: (617) 445-0274 * Fax: (617) 445-0277

Email: steven@abbotbuilding.com