What is a Brownstone?
Serious question — What is the definition of a brownstone? Does the facade actually have to consist of “brownstone” (which I understand is a relatively low strength and easily worked sedimentary stone)? When I see brownstone facades being redone it looks like the workers mix up a mortar mix, add brown coloring and then apply…
Serious question — What is the definition of a brownstone? Does the facade actually have to consist of “brownstone” (which I understand is a relatively low strength and easily worked sedimentary stone)? When I see brownstone facades being redone it looks like the workers mix up a mortar mix, add brown coloring and then apply to the facade. Are there “brownstones” that have something other then actual brownstone but have this brown mortar applied as a coating? I have always followed the rule that what looks like a brownstone must be a brownstone, but I am realizing that I don’t actually know if there are rules to what must be under the surface for a building to qualify as a brownstone.
I fully realize my comments are generalizations, but up until recently (5 years give or take) no one really differentiated.
Buildings were buildings. As a kid it was “we live in a building”, not “we live in a brownstone”.
I’m going to pull my provincial card and revert back to “buildings” and refuse to use any construction material to describe one, unless specifically asked.
DIBS – My house was refaced just before I bought it. I always heard good things about Malik (other than trying to get them to return calls). One of the problems that I have noticed on many jobs is that the work looks great right after the work is done, however it discolors after a winter or two (something to do with the lime in the mix). I have an article at home (from the National Park Service) that describes the formula and how if differs from mixing cement.
Drive around landmarked neighborhoods and see who is doing the work. Ring doorbells and ask about prior (and current) work. Call the neighborhood associations. Tooooo much money to spend without doing extensive research.
Also remember if you live in a NYC landmark area or are on the National Register, you may qualify for grants, loans and/or tax benefits for facade restoration. see:
http://www.hdc.org/financial%20incentives%20brochure.pdf
dave – I posted this under the category “facade”. Click on the category link above and I think there are some recommendations that people have made.
Senator…did you ever have any brownstone facade work done?? If so, who did you use???
CMU – 8 years doesn’t seem to be too long for a 100+ year house – give it some time to rot! lol
seriously there are some ‘paint’ products that are designed to breathe – such as the thoroughseal that is commonly used on the brick backs of these houses. Years back (before latex) Oil paints were used and these caused the majority of the damage.
“Paint over a sandstone or brick is lethal; it can not breathe”
There are four contiguous houses on Carroll bet 6th/7th which are painted in various colors. It’s been at least 8 years and they look to be in great shape, and look beautiful. Are they really rotting inside?
I love their colors; the only thing I hate about this area is the acres of drab BROWN BROWN BROWN. There’s no reason to be stuck in historical aspic.
If I had the wherewithal, I’d colorize my “brown”-slurry before my block gets landmarked [ducks].
Christopher put in two cents and Dave put in fifty. Should I read something into this?
YES – Bigger must be better!!! – lol
A “proper brownstone” would have single panel lace curtains in the windows.
How do you define proper brownstone bobjohn??? 🙂
Well obviously she needs to change her moniker to rowhouselady 😉
Also, Christopher put in two cents and Dave put in fifty. Should I read something into this?