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.
CGfan: It seems odd to me to transform brick (which can be perfectly attractive) into “brownstone” in this manner. If the brick layer is just being covered up, why not start with something sturdier and cheaper (assuming there is a material that fits this bill)? I used to own a brick home and recall maintenance costs (repointing etc) being an issue, although perhaps if the brick is not exposed to the elements the maintenance issues go away. Maybe a lot of row houses were originally built as brick and then it became fashionable to turn them into brownstones. Does anyone know if there was a period when a lot of brick houses in Brooklyn were transformed into brownstones in this manner?
DIBS: Duly noted and thanks for the tip.
DIBS is right. Paint over a sandstone or brick is lethal; it can not breathe. Moisture gets below the surface and with the freeze/thaw cycle literally tears the surface away.
lechacal…when you start looking, try to avoid any place that has been painted over the brownstone. Even if the brownstone is in a state of decay (look at the pic of the foreclosure today) it is preferrable to one that looks more monochromatic because it has been painted. I learned these lessons the hard way.
Many homes I know of are made of brick and have that cement coat over it that transforms them into “brownstones”. That’s fairly common around here, at least. Nearly everyone I know calls those homes “brownstones” even if they are technically brick homes. Most people probably don’t even know the difference since true brownstones are sometimes coated with same material.
I have no idea why I keep double-posting everything. I am also misspelling everything and my posts are coming out as word salad. Pretty sure I’m having a dumb day.
DIBS: Totally agree on limestone vs. brownstone. I don’t know if I have ever seen a non-brownstone building being trasnformed into “brownstone” with an outer layer — but it strikes me that there is some real cache in many people’s minds about owning a “brownstone” so there could be some incentive to do so. I’m really just asking the question out of ignorance. If I want to buy a row house of some kind in the next few years, should I insist that anything called a “brownstone” be the genuine article? I think I have seen newer construction that has a brownstone look (not that I can remember where). Could people be doing things like applying a coat of slurry to a cinderblock wall? FWIW I agree with you on the merits to other styles.
DIBS: Totally agree on limestone vs. brownstone. I don’t know if I have ever seen a non-brownstone building being trasnformed into “brownstone” with an outer layer — but it strikes me that there is some real cache in many people’s minds about owning a “brownstone” so there could be some incentive to do so. I’m really just asking the question out of ignorance. If I want to buy a row house of some kind in the next few years, should I insist that anything called a “brownstone” be the genuine article? I think I have seen newer construction that has a brownstone look (not that I can remember where). Could people be doing things like applying a coat of slurry to a cinderblock wall? FWIW I agree with you on the merits to other styles.
lechacal – your question of is it “improper” – hard to say. Technically, I wouldn’t consider a 100% slurry job over brick to be a Brownstone (but I really don’t mind if a realtor advertises it as one).
Many of the realtors really just don’t know (many of them are calling limestone townhouses “Brownstones” too!).
lechacal…I think it is very rare to find a building that has been transformed finto a brownstone. Where are you seeing this? I think frame houses look great in clapboards and brick looks nicer for its more-Federal appearances as well. Brick is easier to maintain so don’y know why anyone would actually bother to “create” a brownstone out of something else. And, FWIW, IMHO, limestone looks better than brownstone and, all things being equal, usually commands a higher price. Limestone is more durable. A lot of “limestone” houses are oftentimes referred to as greystones and are oftentimes granite. They are in Chiacgo.