rife masonry
Masonry Building Restoration Seattle
Unreinforced Masonry Restoration Seattle
If you have a one to five-story building with wood framing and unreinforced masonry walls, you should consider unreinforced masonry restoration. Unreinforced masonry restoration is the process of supporting existing unreinforced walls and parapets in order to prevent structural damages and safety hazards in the event of an earthquake or other risky environmental conditions. It does this by securing the unreinforced walls and parapets to the existing wood framing or anchoring / bracing them to the existing concrete.
Without unreinforced masonry restoration, older brick buildings with unreinforced walls are not only more susceptible to structural failure in the event of an earthquake but can present day-to-day safety risks for occupants and pedestrians. Visit our blog post to learn more about unreinforced masonry restoration.
Unreinforced Masonry Restoration Services
When undergoing unreinforced masonry restoration on buildings in Seattle, our masonry contractors perform the following services:
- Parapet Bracing
- Pinning & Doweling using all-threads and helical ties/stitching
- Diaphragm Strengthening
Benefits of Unreinforced Masonry Restoration
Unreinforced Masonry Restoration is the key to preserving the integrity of your brick building, mitigating safety risks, and extending its overall lifespan.
Mitigate Safety Risks
Being from the Seattle area, we are no strangers to earthquakes. With unreinforced masonry restoration, you can feel confident that any safety risks or hazards from potential earthquakes will be minimized.
Preserves Integrity
Unreinforced masonry is imperative in preserving the integrity of historic buildings in order to ensure that they remain standing for many years to come.
Historic Masonry Restoration Seattle
At Rife Masory, we understand the importance of our Seattle community’s historic brick architecture. From churches and temples to schools and notable homes, these longstanding structures are the embodiment of our city’s history. This is why our team of masonry contractors is dedicated to preserving the cultural presence and architectural significance of these brick buildings for years to come.
Without unreinforced masonry restoration, older brick buildings with unreinforced walls are not only more susceptible to structural failure in the event of an earthquake but can present day-to-day safety risks for occupants and pedestrians.
Historic Masonry Restoration Services
With historic masonry restoration, we aim to preserve as much as possible, only repairing and replacing what is needed and making improvements that connect the new with the old.
Common practices involved in historic masonry restoration include:
- Routing out all mortar on sky-facing joints
- Re-pointing
- Terra cotta and stone patching
- Sanded caulk joints
- Seismic retrofitting
Benefits of Historic Masonry Restoration
Historic masonry restoration is an important service that provides many benefits for property owners and community members alike.
Preserves History
Historic masonry restoration is extremely important when it comes to preserving the cultural and architectural history of our city. These structures offer a sense of identity, community, and pride for all who live and frequent the Seattle area.
Minimizes Safety Risks
As historic buildings age, they become increasingly unstable, creating safety hazards for occupants and pedestrians. With historic masonry restoration, these safety liabilities are minimized as your building’s structural integrity is restored.
Restores Integrity
The reality is that even though brick is long-lasting, it still breaks down over time. It is important to restore the integrity of your historic building to ensure its longevity, ensuring that you won’t have to rebuild in the future.
Fewer Maintenance Costs
By preserving the integrity of your historic building with routine maintenance, it is less likely to require extensive repairs or reconstruction. In contrast, neglecting it can lead to large-scale repairs and higher maintenance costs.
Experts in Historical Restoration Masonry
When it comes to preserving historic buildings, you need a thoughtful and experienced contractor to ensure that the correct practices are followed. At Rife Masonry, we are proudly certified in Historic Masonry Preservation by the International Masonry Institute. This means that not are our masonry contractors educated and up-to-date on industry standards and best practices, but they also have years of experience working with historic brick and masonry buildings.
Tuckpointing Seattle
Over the years, the masonry joints of brick walls can and will deteriorate, eventually leading to a full breakdown. Instead of neglecting your masonry and allowing this to happen, engaging in routine inspection and repairs is a more cost-effective alternative. This comes in the form of a restoration technique called tuckpointing. This process involves restoring at-risk, deteriorated masonry joints, ensuring that your brick structure stays solid, healthy, and functional.
The Tuckpointing Process
Here’s a brief overview of our tuckpointing process for masonry building restoration:
Our Masonry Restoration Work in Seattle
Rife Masonry specializes in restoring and reinforcing Seattle’s brick buildings. From structural repairs to historic preservation, we ensure lasting strength, safety, and craftsmanship in every project.
Preserve & Protect
Why Choose Rife Masonry for Historic Masonry Restoration?
Rife Masonry is your trusted partner for historic masonry restoration in Seattle. Our certified team has extensive experience restoring brick structures, including historical buildings and unreinforced masonry. We follow International Masonry Institute guidelines to ensure your building’s preservation.
Certified & Experienced Team
We are certified in historic masonry preservation, providing top-tier restoration services.
Expert Tuckpointing
Our team is skilled in tuckpointing, a crucial restoration technique that prevents further damage and strengthens masonry joints.
Comprehensive Restoration Services
From unreinforced masonry restoration to seismic retrofitting, we offer a wide range of services tailored to protect your property.
Preserving Seattle’s Heritage
We are dedicated to preserving the architectural history of Seattle by restoring its iconic brick buildings.
Masonry Building Restoration FAQs
What are some signs my historic building needs restoring?
Some common signs that your building’s masonry needs restoring include:
- Visible mortar deterioration
- Cracked or spalled masonry
- Water intrusion
- Efflorescence (visible white deposit on the face of masonry)
- Loose masonry
What are signs I need tuckpointing?
Common signs that you need tuckpointing for your brick masonry include:
- Cracked or crumbling bricks
- Holes in your mortar
- Weathered or disintegrating mortar
What are examples of unreinforced masonry?
Unreinforced masonry is found in many older historic buildings, churches, temples, homes, and other brick structures. An unreinforced masonry wall is simply one with no reinforcing steel, wood, or concrete beams holding it up to support its weight. For this reason, unreinforced masonry walls are typically not the strongest or most structurally sound type of masonry wall.
What is the difference between unreinforced and reinforced masonry?
Unreinforced masonry is when bricks or stones are held together with a material called mortar. Reinforced masonry, on the other hand, has additional support methods as the brick or stone units are embedded with steel, wood, or concrete reinforcement. The reinforcement helps to support the weight and make the structure more sound, making it less likely to collapse or crumble.
Schedule Your Masonry Building Restoration Today!
Don’t wait for your masonry building to deteriorate further. Schedule your masonry restoration today to preserve the strength, safety, and beauty of your structure. Our expert team specializes in unreinforced masonry restoration and tuckpointing, ensuring your building remains solid for years to come. Contact us now for a consultation and restore your masonry to its original condition!