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I have a customer with a sandstone or brownstone(not sure of the diffs.) Victorian that is slowly flaking away. This type of work(stone restoration) is not something i have ever done. But the customer’s who own the property have had me do several other jobs at this and other locations and trust and want my opinion on this matter. Anyone out there have any Ideas?
Thanks Ezra
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Well, it is entirely in the nature of sandstone to weather whether by mechanical or corrasion means. This is true especially when it is used as a dimensional stone. One big factor--a real biggee!--you don't mention is where is the home located. The environment is a huge factor. In the city, country? In the rust belt, marine environ, southern humidity?
Actually, my first sentence should not convey a sense of hopelesness; simply to note it is a natural process measured in long, long years, but "helped" by exposure to the atmosphere.
By "flaking" just what do you mean? Can you be more specific in what you see?
*my exp. with sandstone in ohio, 100/150 yr old bldgs. Flaking usually occuring at water inlet areas. freeze/thaw seems to be the culprit. Stop the water infiltration and the deterioration usually quits. sandstone appears pretty porous. Standing water that freezes might even do it. other enviro. factors could contribute i guess,but that seems to be mainly in discoloration. what do stone masons say? shoot, how bout all those sidewalks? there's standing water, freeze /thaw , bad air, salt. oh well, i tried.
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Rich, the home is located in central pennsylvania, 4 very different seasons per year. The flaking I mention seams to me to be what Calvin talks about in his post. The water is penetrating the stone and freazing and pushing thin layers off. The age of the house is in the range that Calvin mentions in his post. I understand basically what is happening in the freeze thaw process and that that is what is happening here. I guess what I am looking for is advice towards products such as concrete sealer is this the best solution or does anyone make something better suited to the task? Sorry I wasn't more clear the first time.
Thanks to both of you for responding and any other advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Ez
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I agree that freeze/thaw is the culprit. Sealing the cleaned surface is the first step. Some sealers will slightly darken the color. This suggests that they are very near or on the surface, making UV degredation a possible consideration. My tuckpointer recommends "MasonrySaver". I have been impressed with "Kleerseal" by VMC out of Dallas TX. These people are both knowledgable and helpful.
Best of luck, Rick
*ezra, think flashing if appropriate. and use a good caulk (urethane) which will bond quite well to sandstone. and look for water entry at maybe a diff. place than the damaged area. on occasion i have found water getting in several feet up from the problem. parapit flashing. windows etc. best of luck.
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I have a customer with a sandstone or brownstone(not sure of the diffs.) Victorian that is slowly flaking away. This type of work(stone restoration) is not something i have ever done. But the customer's who own the property have had me do several other jobs at this and other locations and trust and want my opinion on this matter. Anyone out there have any Ideas?
Thanks Ezra