Masonry Magazine November 2012 Page. 38
Patching: Extending the life of masonry
BY STEVE FECHINO
Images courtesy of Cathedral Stone Products Inc.
www.cathedralstone.com
36 MASONRY November 2012 www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry
PATCHING OF MASONRY MATERIALS DURING A NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT is typically a line item that was not planned during the estimating phase of the project. Understanding the products commonly available for patching, capabilities, compatibility and limits of each product will enable you to make better choices when selecting the products required for each patching condition.
Masonry restoration contractors typically are experts in the field of patching as a major portion of their business can be repairing historic structures with deteriorated stone, concrete and terra cotta. The patching of stone on a building under construction may have several steps that are different from patching an existing masonry restoration project. This is due to color matching, stone preparation, pre-patch cleaning and moisture content of the substrate.
Though products have different characteristics and uses, the substrate in all cases must be free of loose and damaged material, greases, bituminous coatings, plant growth, paints and sealers. Proper preparation of the base material will ensure the best possible bond for the patching material.