Mined primarily in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Michigan, the brownstone has been a popular building material since the 19th century. Owing to its elegant architectural appeal, brownstone is also one of the most important determinants of real estate value.
What Is Brownstone?
Brownstone refers to a close-grained and soft sandstone. When the stone is first cut, it is a subtle shade of pink, but over time, it progresses into a chocolate brown shade largely due to the hematite iron ore’s presence.
The exact color varies from quarry to quarry and even at different locations within a quarry. Depending on the concentration of the minerals, clay, and other components—the color can vary between pink, red orangish, and purple-ish.
In real estate, the term ‘brownstone’ is also used to refer to a rowhouse or a townhouse built of brown sandstone. The brownstone is particularly characterized by its Italianate details and doorways surrounded by foliated molding.
What Makes the Brownstone Stand Out?
Brownstones give your home the quintessential Brooklyn look and are full of charm, to say the least. They have an inherently vintage feeling that may resemble a Victorian-era museum repositioned in a modern living space. Together with the wood-framed houses, the romantic beauty of a brownstone makes the entire neighborhood stand out. Brownstones also offer a picture-esque walking tour for anyone with a strong affinity for style.
Since brownstone is relatively soft, it’s also easier to carve into a more diverse set of decorative architectural details. Despite all the glamour, brownstone is a far more affordable building material than marble, limestone, and granite.
Brownstone Restoration
If you’re a proud owner of a brownstone, you need to put in the right amount of effort in its upkeep and maintenance.
To make the brownstone last long, get the roof inspected periodically and keep an eye out for leaks. Get rid of excessive vegetation. It might look pretty, but the foliage can easily trap moisture and keep the walls from drying out. Fill pout the open joints to prevent the water from getting through the windows and doors.
You’ll also need to get a qualified mason to repoint any missing, broken, and loose mortar joints. Make sure the repointing mortar is more porous and softer than the home’s original brownstone. If it’s too hard, it’ll further deteriorate the brownstone. The mason will also help you remove excess dirt buildup and maintain the brownstone in good condition. If you’re getting composite repairs and have difficulty getting the colors to match, get the composites applied to the stone unit’s full face. Don’t apply composite repairs to the individual stone units.
If you’re looking for commercial brownstone restoration services, AMN Masonry has over 13 years of experience in this department. Take a look at our masonry services if you’re based in Boston or the Greater Boston Area.