Brownstone step sealing

Good on you for recognizing the real stone. Too bad the quarry isn’t open still. I’m no expert but I feel sure there are sealers that still allow stone to breathe. But Arkady’s advice is encouraging although I have to say when we rebuilt our stoop, it did nothing to stop the dust below — even though the surface exposed to the elements is holding up just fine. Perhaps some local Medina old timer could advise you?

NeoGrec

in Brownstoner Renovation 10 years and 11 months ago

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chechak | 10 years and 11 months ago

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My daughter recently bought a 1893 brownstone in Sugar Hill, 147 Street. I am helping renovate and restore the property I want to use the space under the brownstone steps inside the gate to store the babys stroller and our bicycles. I put my bike there, and left it parked for 30 days. It is now coated with a fine brown dust that has molted down from the underside of the steps. In order to store stuff there i have to stop the dust from raining down. The top sides of the steps have been painted ( i assume multiple times over 120 years), but the underside seems to have gone untreated. Is there a sealer that can be applied to the underside to stop this dust from coating everything i put in this space? I’m afraid of upseting the natural breathing of the stone and causing irreperable damage to the stone. These are real brownstone not concrete or other faux brownstone material. I can see the quarry marks on the stone from below. FYI I’m from Brockport,NY; 15 miles from Medina,NY where the Medina Brownstone was quarried for hundreds of thousands of brownstone facades and stairs. Any help here?

catboot | 10 years and 11 months ago

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I don’t think you can seal it. Not sure that space was ever meant to store anything important. Ours is damp and filled with spiders.

Arkady | 10 years and 11 months ago

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I had my steps completely refurbished 3 years ago & now the space underneath is dry & nothing crumbles off the brownstone. Nothing was done underneath the steps.

arch007 | 10 years and 11 months ago

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I would fasten a sheet of thick plastic or fiberglass to keep the dust from coming down.