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August 19, 2008
stoop advice
Hi, I own a brownstone and my stoop from the street to the first floor is not in good shape. Unfortunately, the previous owner painted the brownstone stairs and the paint is pealing and cracking, and the stairs are leaking and disintegrating underneath. I don't think i get to ppost more than one picture. I know I need a proper job, but don't have the $5-10k to get it done right before winter. I am wondering if there is a DIY stop-gap measure to take before winter comes to at least arrest the disintegration, maybe chip off the paint and seal somehow. I want to do as little as possible becuase I eventually want a pro to chip all paint from the stoop and resurface the brownstone.
thanks
Comments
Use Peel-Away to remove the paint as soon as possible. Removing the paint will allow the stone to breathe and help slow down the damage trapped moisture is currently doing. Brownstone needs to breathe, sealing in any manner is a terrible idea and should NOT be done.
If water drips and pools in a predictable pattern try using plastic cord (as a drip chain) and or temporary flashing to direct the water off/out/away from the steps.
Any time it rains, once it has stopped, push or mop any pooled water off the steps. Running a dehumidifier underneath the steps, if possible, would also help significantly.
Posted by: FenFen at August 19, 2008 3:33 PM
FenFen's right - the paint is making whatever problems you have worse. Definitely do not seal.
Most of the stone looks to be in pretty good condition below the paint. It looks as though it has a rusticated finish, which would be difficult to replicate. You might just need some proper pointing, with repairs to the underside. If its properly pointed, it should not leak. You'd probably seem some patching on the exterior where you are getting spalls from the water infiltration, but this is one case where chipping and resurfacing may be the wrong answer.
Posted by: WBer at August 20, 2008 3:27 PM
I had a guy do a bunch of paint stripping for me and I love him — probably my favorite guy I met throughout the gut renovation of my house. Really, he's meticulous, honest, reliable, does a great job and is just extremely nice. On top of that, his rates are very reasonable for stripping. He did all my window mouldings, many doors, and my staircase ... I'm sure he could do this for you. Anyway, his name is Rodney and his number is 347.707.9455.
Posted by: ridgewood brooklyn at August 20, 2008 9:42 PM
Original poster here. thanks for the comments.
I didn't know pointing was an option vs. what I assume is the more expensive chipping and resurfacing that I see more often. Maybe I should repost afterward, but let me first ask: if I removed the paint, how would I know whether i need the light repair (pointing) vs. the heavy (chipping and resurfacing)?
again, thanks
Posted by: luther924 at August 21, 2008 10:49 AM
Why not try to settle on the company you'll eventually hire to do the work & ask them what they'd recommend? I've been watching a similar project on my block - done by Historic Restorations - & they've done a beautiful, very painstaking job of it. They seem to be the kind of people who would give you the advice you need.
Posted by: Arkady at August 21, 2008 2:47 PM
Remove the paint carefully, with the lowest pressure wash you can, and then inspect the brownstone. If its crumbling off, you'll need to resurface. If its spalling at the surface, but sound underneath, you may not (nice benefit of the rusticated finish you have - its supposed to look rough). You really won't know until you get rid of that paint - just make sure that it is done carefully and gently - low pressure, soft bristle brushes, no metal tools, etc.
Posted by: WBer at August 21, 2008 4:59 PM
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