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News and Insights on the Masonry Repair and Maintenance of Institutional, Commercial, and Condominium Buildings in
Eastern Massachusetts
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Volume 11 No. 4
September/October 2019
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In this issue, we again deviate from our normal format and bring you a
Case Study article on a recent parapet wall repair project on several one-story commercial buildings precipitated by
an accident that occurred in the local area where a parapet wall collapsed onto a nearby sidewalk injuring several people.
Following this dangerous incident, the owner of these nearby buildings was alarmed by the potential of a similar incident with his properties and immediately sought to have the parapet walls of his storefronts inspected and repaired to assure safe conditions.
We trust that you will benefit from the information provided in this publication. If you have any comments or questions, or would like an estimate on a masonry repair project, we can be reached by telephone at 617-445-0274 or at our web site at www.abbotbuilding.com.
Sincerely,
Michael Norman, President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
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Case Study
Abbot Repairs and Replaces Deteriorated Parapet Walls in Several Boston One-Story Commercial Storefronts
Abbot recently completed a repair project on the parapet walls on several one-story commercial buildings located at 1-9 N. Beacon Street, 429-491 Cambridge Street, and 1688-1692 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston's Brighton section. The project was precipitated by an accident that occurred on Harvard Street in Brighton/Alston where a parapet wall collapsed onto a nearby sidewalk injuring several people.
Following this incident, the owner of these nearby buildings was alarmed by the potential of a similar incident with his properties and immediately
sought to have the parapet walls of his storefronts inspected to assure safe conditions.
Based on their outstanding reputation in masonry restoration in the Boston area, Abbot was contacted by the owner to inspect his walls, make remedial recommendations, and develop a repair plan.
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1688-1692 Comm Ave, Brighton, MA (before)
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| 1688-1692 Comm Ave, Brighton, MA (after) |
As the parapet walls on the Commonwealth Avenue buildings were severely deflected, Abbot determined that the walls had to be completely removed down to the tops of the storefronts and replaced. The scope of the project was as follows:
- Removing the original masonry brick and concrete back-up block down to the original steel supports.
- Removing the steel and replacing it with new, galvanized steel angle iron with flashing to protect the back-up block from water intrusion.
- Rebuilding the masonry with new back-up block and brick veneer to match the color of the original brick.
- Finishing the tops with new pre-cast capstone.
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1-9 N. Beacon St, Brighton, MA (after)
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For the nearby properties at 1-9 N. Beacon Street and 429-491 Cambridge Street where the severity was not as extreme, Abbot repointed the parapets, replaced damaged brick, and repaired some of the pre-cast stone. In addition, on the N. Beacon Street side, Abbot coated the pre-cast stone with an elastomeric coating.
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429-491 Cambridge St., Brighton, MA (after)
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It is significant to note that the owner was so concerned about the safety issues that he authorized Abbot to initiate the Commonwealth Avenue project during the cold winter months to prevent the problem from becoming more severe. To accomplish these objectives, Abbot accommodated the owner by erecting enclosed scaffolding with heaters so that the work could begin immediately.
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Abbot Building Restoration Co., Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 ยท Fax: 617-445-0277
info@abbotbuilding.com
www.abbotbuilding.com
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