Forum: Facade
March 12, 2010
Cornice and Roof Repair
My front wooden cornice (not landmarked) needs serious repair and I'm looking for recommendations and any personal experiences, preferably recent.
Also would like opinions of Premier and Roofmaster -- again, recent experiences, preferably.
March 11, 2010
Silin Paint for Facade?
I know there are plenty of strong opinions about painting a brownstone facade here. I'm not looking for a debate on whether to paint or not. I understand all the problems that paint can introduce, etc. I'm trying to find out if anyone here has used Silin paint on their facade and how well it has held up over time--also if they have any contractors they'd recommend to apply it. This is supposed to be a breathable coating that is designed to work with stone and does not lead to the kind of deterioration usually associated with other paints.
According to the company, "These coatings have been in use in Europe for over 160 years. Silin® AZ Coatings are mineral paints, made with liquid silicate, a mineral found in stone, brick, terra cotta, mortars and plaster. Unlike latex and acrylic paints, they form a molecular bond with the masonry substrate. The coatings are 97% vapor permeable, which allows the masonry to respond naturally to water vapor and salts."
Anyway this seems like a great low-cost solution but I'd like to get a better sense of how this has held up over time from someone who has used it.
Thanks.
February 3, 2010
Looking for Cornice Repair
I need someone (who can scaffold) to repair holes in my cornice in which birds are roosting. Anyone have someone to recommend? Thanks.
January 15, 2010
Re-Brownstoning Landmark Bldg
Time to re-brownstone our landmarked four-story Greek Revival townhouse. We are complete novices and are looking for any advice, warnings, and specific recommendations. I couldn’t find a lot of relevant posts on the Forum, so recommendations for specific threads are most welcome. But from the posts I did find, and from friends’ recommendations, we have some potential contractors. Any experience with these?
Z Abedin
Edson USA
D&H Contracting
M&H Construction (or is that Contracting, a different company?)
Swiss Guild (no phone number for them)
One Capital Construction (Ted Wrzolek)
Costas (the numbers I have are not working)
Thank you in advance!
January 3, 2010
Siding/Facade Repair Rec. Needed
Hi there, we have a facade made of cement board shingles that appear to have been knocked loose with all the 50 MPH+ winds the past few days. One small piece of the facade had already fallen off and another much larger piece is hanging off precariously. Unfortunately this is 3 stories up and not accessible from either the windows or the roof so we would need someone with a lift to reattach it. We are looking to get someone to come and repair ASAP as well as let us know if there is a better way to secure these for the future. Any pointers are much appreciated.
November 11, 2009
Brownstone paint
The front of my brownstone had been painted years ago with a slightly textured paint. Over the years, many areas of the brownstone had degraded and I have had them chipped out and rebuilt. My contractor is now ready to prime and repaint the entire surface of the facade. He is recommending an option of either a Benjamin Moore exterior latex paint, Dunhams "Dunit" exterior latex paint, or a Thorocoat textured paint. Since the surface already has a texture, I think he is encouraging the Thorocoat so that the repaired areas match the previously painted areas. Any opinions on the subject? I know the general consensus on painting over brownstone is that it is akin to original sin, but this repair is what the budget would allow. For the brownstone painters out there, what coatings have you used and what do you recommend?
October 23, 2009
Architect Needed?
A reputable, specialized contractor is redoing my brownstone facade. Is there any need to also hire an architect to supervise? The contractor insists he knows what needs to be done, and he has done several. Landmark approval of the project is being sought.
Thanks for any input!
October 21, 2009
Major Facade Restoration
We are contemplating doing a major facade restoration on a 27 foot wide 5-story facade in Manhattan. It is landmarked and has an easement -- must be a careful, correct job. I am looking for a major, competent and experienced company to do the work.
Any recommendations??
October 7, 2009
Restoring Detail to Brownstone
I had the paint stripped off the stoop and pillars last summer - and resurfaced with brown-colored cement. I lost some detail in the process (blurred) and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for an artisan to come by and chisel back some of the details.
September 16, 2009
Scaffolding
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a scaffolding company? I have someone I like who is going to replace the rear cornice on our bstone but he only hires one company and their estimate came in very high. He is open to me shopping around. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks.