Rife Masonry
Historic Preservation
Restoring the Legacy of the Sprunk House
A Masterclass in Masonry Restoration
Team
Project
The Sprunk House
Location
Seattle, WA
Origin
1931
The Challenge
A Historic Façade Facing Critical Failure
Perched on a Queen Anne hillside with breathtaking views of downtown Seattle, the James A. Gibbs house stands as a testament to 1931 architecture. This historic residence, known as the Sprunk House, features a distinctive terra cotta exterior that was showing alarming signs of distress. The corners of the south elevation were plagued by cracking stones and delaminating glazes, a condition that was visibly worsening and threatened not just the building’s appearance but its very structural integrity.
Our investigation revealed that poorly executed past repairs were the primary culprit. Modern, rigid tile grout applied in previous repairs created stress points that didn’t expand and contract with the historic terra cotta, causing significant cracking. Meanwhile, non-breathable paint trapped moisture, causing the original glaze to fail and separate from the terra cotta body. The failing units posed a direct risk of spalling, where pieces could break off and fall, while the compromised façade allowed water intrusion that threatened the home’s underlying 1930s structure.
The Solution
The Rife Masonry Solution
Our approach began not with a hammer and chisel, but with a scientific diagnosis in collaboration with esteemed engineer Becky Wong of WJE to analyze the root causes of the failure. This partnership allowed us to move beyond simple repairs and develop a holistic solution that would restore its beauty and ensure long-term structural integrity.
01
Engineered Structural Reinforcement
We rebuilt the terra cotta’s strength from within by carefully dismantling the failing corners, numbering each stone for precise reinstallation, then drilling and installing stainless steel all-thread secured with high-strength epoxy. This internal reinforcement added crucial tensile strength to ensure the fragile blocks could withstand environmental stresses for decades.
02
A Meticulous Preservation & Craftsmanship Approach
We repaired cracks and spalls using Conproco Matrix, a specialized patching material compatible with historic masonry. Our artisans then painstakingly blended Conproco Terracolor pigments to replicate the original 1931 tones, ensuring virtually invisible repairs that maintain the façade’s authentic character.
03
Future-Proofing with Modern Materials
To prevent recurrence, we fastened the restored units using custom stainless steel clips and created flexible expansion joints with Dow Corning 795 structural sealant. These joints and newly sealed surfaces allow the façade to expand and contract naturally while providing a watertight seal against future damage.
The Outcome
A Restored Façade with Guaranteed Longevity
Today, the south elevation of the Sprunk House is secure, watertight, and aesthetically seamless. Our engineered approach, combining deep material science with dedicated craftsmanship, successfully addressed the root cause of the deterioration, transforming the failing corners from a structural liability into a showcase of correct historic restoration.
This project represents more than just a repair; it is a commitment to stewardship that has averted the risk of catastrophic material failure and water damage, safeguarding the legacy of the James A. Gibbs house. The restored terra cotta now stands as a proud example of how thoughtful preservation can protect our most significant architectural treasures for generations to come.
Seattle's Trusted Masonry Experts
For over 25 years, Rife Masonry has provided expert masonry services for the greater Seattle area. From historic preservation to seismic retrofitting, our union-trained craftsmen deliver exceptional results on every project.