Don’t Know How to Maintain Your Brownstone? Try These Three Tricks

Owning a brownstone building in any neighborhood brings celebrity status with it. The beautiful texture of the stone, accented by the perfect windows, doors, fixtures, and trim, makes it beyond elegant.

However, what often goes unnoticed is the amount of effort that goes into the upkeep of brownstone properties. Compared to brick, brownstone has a higher rate of decay and deterioration.

And due to the buildings’ historical significance, keeping these brownstone properties intact is essential.

Luckily, building restoration services can help you maintain your brownstone property. Today, our experts have outlined a few tricks that will cut down maintenance costs and will stave off decay before it even starts to show!

1. Keep It Dry

Ensuring that there’s little to no moisture within your brownstone is the first step in preventing decay. Being exposed to inclement weather over long periods can lead to the brownstone absorbing moisture from the air.

Their susceptibility to rain and weather changes makes them prone to deterioration. One way to ensure the stone remains dry is by maintaining the gutter pipes to avoid leakages that might weaken the stone. Alongside, check for leaks on the roof to prevent water from reaching the brownstone.

2. Repointing Your Brownstone

Repointing is another way of waterproofing your brownstone property. It’s a building restoration service that renews the mortar base and joints where the brownstone sets. The gaps in the masonry units, caused due to weathering, are filled and reset to prevent water from entering and further weakening the stone's foundation. This requires the skills of a professional.

3. Composite Repairing

Much like the careful cleaning that’s required to prevent further damage to brownstones, composite repairing is a technique that specifically targets deteriorated sections of your brownstone. Performed by a professional, mortar-colored patches are applied to small portions of the decayed brownstone during the process to give it a visually pleasing finish.

Although these tricks will help you overcome decay, it’s essential to invest in regular checkups and restoration as well.

Hiring a professional restoration contractor for the upkeep of your brownstone is a worthwhile investment. And if you’re located in the Greater Boston area, AMN Masonry has been restoring commercial and historical buildings in the area for thirteen years!

Call us to get a professional opinion on the condition of your brownstone!