Limestone Facade
The front facade of our landmark limestone has moved forward leaving about an inch gap above a 3rd floor window. The engineers said it’s all structurally sound and that the facade can be re-connected to the building with angle brackets and a stainless steel rod and the gap be filled with epoxy mortar. My question…
The front facade of our landmark limestone has moved forward leaving about an inch gap above a 3rd floor window. The engineers said it’s all structurally sound and that the facade can be re-connected to the building with angle brackets and a stainless steel rod and the gap be filled with epoxy mortar. My question is since this is a repair, does this need 1. Landmarks permission or 2. Work permit or both? Secondly can anyone recommend a stonemason to do this repair.
The limestone is merely a veneer on top of your structural (probably brick) facade. As such repair to said Limestone veneer is not structural work.
That said, you should get this taken care of quickly, as any gap can allow water penetration which will lead to more headaches. I would suggest consultation with someone familiar with the specific properties of limestone not simply brownstone or masonry repair in general because certain types of mortar or sealers could have adverse effects on the stone. The epoxy / steel rod solution is a good one though it will be hidden by how you ultimately close the gap you described.
Thank you Vinca , not what I wanted to hear but VERY Helpful
Hah! … and The Park Slope Civic Council wants to landmark the rest of Park Slope … No Thanks!!!
Structural repairs require a DOB permit, and if in historic district, DOB requires
you first obtain LPC permit. Your contractor will require drawings and specs from your engineer (who should be able to suggest some contractors for bid).
Additional LPC/DOB info at:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/rules.pdf
http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/workguide.pdf
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/reference/tppn0199.shtml
Don’t know about landmarks. This may fall under the category of an ’emergency repair’ that wouldn’t need a work permit, I’ve been told. basonas@aol.com is Basonas Construction.