During a recent site visit in New York City, I encountered a unique learning opportunity. The building, adorned with several brownstones in need of repair, immediately caught my attention. Some stones were partially patched, revealing an inconsistency in the repair process – the cracks hadn't been squared off properly, resulting in patches too thin to maintain their integrity. It was here...
One of the most basic repairs an architect can specify is masonry repointing- removing the old mortar joint and adding in new mortar is also one of the most common repairs to be completed incorrectly. Over time, the mortar that bonds masonry together can begin to deteriorate, often crumbling, receding, or developing deep cracks. At this point, it is necessary to...
When the construction of a new condominium had compromised the structural integrity and waterproof qualities of the neighboring 120-year-old foundation wall, Scott Henson Architect was contacted to assist and monitor the experts repairing it to stabilize and prevent further damage. It was determined that, over time, cracks had developed throughout the foundation walls of the building leading to water infiltration damage,...
NYC Department of Buildings law requires that all big buildings (6 stories and higher) must have their facades professionally inspected every five years. This law was formerly known as Local Law 11 and was renamed as Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP). The current filing window for Cycle 8 has closed as of February 2019. The upcoming five year Cycle 9...