How to fix a hole in brownstone facade?

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/4f2449000f394-.jpg

Hi all, I have a hole in my facade where the banister should be anchored (see picture – I’ll also have to patch a few spots on the side of the column). I figured I’d try to fix this myself (until such time we’ll redo the facade), and have a few questions: 1/ What sort of cement should I use? 2/ What paint is typicallly used on brownstone facades? 3/ Can I do this while it’s (relatively) cold outside? 4/ If not, is there something I can put on the underlying brownstone to prevent it from deteriorating further? Thanks!

slightREobsession

in Exteriors 13 years and 3 months ago

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asia_2010 | 13 years and 3 months ago

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pls, contact Anthony the Mason… 347-307-4725…  his is really really good with figuring out the least cost to the client…  We had used his him on matching our missing brownstone facade.  Good luck!

bklyngirl | 13 years and 3 months ago

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I have the same problem after spending a boatload of moolah to redo my exterior.  I was told the problem was where the metal met the brownstone and the temps of the metal basically degrading the stone.  I have ot fixed mine and I guess I will peep Jim’s recommendation. Good luck.

dazednconfused2 | 13 years and 3 months ago

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See the LPC rowhouse manual: http://on.nyc.gov/xxLQOH, page 44, for a very specific mortar mix and instructions on how to apply it.  On page 18, they also talk about the process and state that it should not be performed unless the temp is above 45 degrees for 3 days before starting work, and obviously during, or the materials won’t cure correctly.   Now, you may not be landmarked, but the technique applies to all brownstones regardless of what neighborghood they’re in.

greenmountain | 13 years and 3 months ago

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The iron banister is expanding as it rusts, rusting inside the porous stone or concrete, and expanding.  This causes more cracking, more access to water and air, more rust.  Packing more cement around it will not last long.  Paint will prevent water vapor in your house from coming out.   Consider a different method of the securing banister: epoxy-sealed carbon steel in a new hole, or better yet, stainless steel.  Good luck.