Although most buildings in the district are of wood frame construction, there are a few brick, stucco and concrete block examples, and all rest on masonry foundations. Masonry must be cared for properly. Poor maintenance, cleaning or repair can result in extensive water damage and eventual structural failure.
(A) Repair. Deteriorated brick, stone, mortar and other materials should be replaced with material used in the original construction or with materials that resemble the appearance of the original as closely as possible. The advice of a skilled mason should be sought for major repair projects.
(B) Cleaning. Masonry cleaning should be conducted only to halt deterioration and by means such as low pressure water, soft brushes and/or appropriate chemical treatment. Sandblasting should not be used under any circumstances.
(C) Repointing. Original mortar joint size and profile should be retained and/or reduplicated in repointing. Mortar mixtures should duplicate the original in lime, sand and cement proportion and should duplicate the original mortar in color and texture.
(D) Stucco resurfacing. Repairs to stucco surfaces should duplicate the original in color and texture, if evidence exists. Smooth or heavy dashed surfaces should be avoided unless they were used on the original surface.
(E) Painting. The original color and texture of masonry surfaces should be retained and unpainted stone and brick surfaces should not be painted. The removal of paint from painted masonry surfaces should only be attempted if unpainted surfaces are historically appropriate and if removal can be accomplished without damage to the masonry.
(F) Resurfacing. Stucco, artificial stone, brick veneer or vinyl or aluminum products should not be applied over masonry surfaces.
(Prior Code, § 12-1666)
Cross-reference:
Chimney guidelines, see § 161.32