I <Heart>Brownstones:Not Just a Pretty Façade

Friday, March 3, 2017

Generously hosted by

Michael DevonshireArchitectural Conservator

______________________Partner and Director of Conservation

Jan Hird Pokorny Associates, Inc. jhpokorny.com

Brownstone

Formation Cycle

Granite

Sandstone, Limestone

Marble,Slate,Gneiss

Why it’s “brown”

Rock faced

Scabbled

Punched

HammeredCombed

Chiseled

Margined

Inadequate choice of stoneHarmful extractionCareless shipmentInappropriate storage (cure)Bad workmanshipPoor placement

Acid rainDry depositionSalt crystalizationFreezing waterHygric swellingBiological attackThermal effectsMechanical damage

Inappropriate treatments

• Bacteria

• Algae

• Fungi

• Lichens

• Mosses

• Higher Plants

• Animals

• Test for salts

• Determine composition of material (chem/micro)

• Test soil for water level, drainage capacity

• Assess moisture level, porosity of material

• Monitor cracks, efflorescence

• Determine construction details

• Perform material analysis

(ex: infrared thermograph)

~END~

Thank you!