ABCO Masonry has been in the masonry restoration and waterproofing business for many years. We have waterproofed many residential and commercial masonry buildings in and around Boston. If you already know that you have water related issues, please contact us today. We will be happy to evaluate your building and propose the best waterproofing course of action.

Waterproofing Facts

Although we have come across every type of problem that leads a building's water barriers to fail, some reasons are are more common than others. We will be happy to evaluate your masonry structure for waterproofing problems including these areas.

Roof Parapets

Masonry clad buildings with roof parapets, 40 to 50 years old have points of failure. These buildings usually have the roof parapets capped by stone work. The cap stones usually fail at the vertical and horizontal joints. The rear of the parapets is commonly exposed brickwork, with the roofing terminating at the base of the parapet. The solution to such a condition is to provide appropriate roof flashing on the backside of the parapet, tightly resetting the stone caps, and caulking properly.

Brickwork

Brickwork provides a rich and durable finish to any building. Unfortunately, if this brickwork is not properly maintained, every masonry joint as well as every brick can serve as a point of entry for water. Old mortar joints can deteriorate and crumble leaving a breech in the facade for water intrusion. Cracks in the masonry, originally hairline in size, over period of time, with moisture freezing and thawing, develop into larger cracks creating additional sources for leaks.

Ill-fitting Windows

Window wood frames, unless properly maintained, can trap moisture. The constant expansion and contraction of the wood due to weather conditions will stress the caulking that seals the joint between the wood and the masonry. Old caulking looses its flexibility, consequently, the movement of the structure will cause the caulking to literally fall off the joints, providing additional points of entry for water.

Contact Us Today

These examples are just some of the more common sources of failure. How they get treated depends on the location of the building, its age, its use, and its historical value. If you already know about your waterproofing needs or would like us to evaluate your masonry structures and provide a bid, please contact us today.