Mortar Testing “Wrong Mortar Can Do More Harm than Good” Testing mortar on your building can be pretty technical. Your first step is to find a mortar testing company near you. A simple Google search will provide you with one or two. It’s always a good idea to give [...]

I’m Afraid of My Slip Cover “Design - An Anxious Opening” Not knowing what is behind the wrapping is always filled with anxiety when the “present” can cost you $. I did this project many years ago. The new owner of the building was a rookie investment broker looking [...]

Façade Structural Worries “Cracking in the Masonry” Pay attention to angled cracking and other slight deformities in the masonry. This project was highly suspect before we even began the design phase; however we did believe the façade was salvageable. The first two areas noted can be fairly typical, but [...]

Do Your Historical Research “How Do I Know When I Can Vary from Historical Significance?” Your downtown has most likely had a historical district review. Regardless of how old the review is, it will provide you valuable information on how to proceed with your façade renovation. Most of these [...]

Aluminum Storefront Windows “When Should I Replace?” Let’s begin by defining aluminum storefront window systems. These are the modern window systems typically used on the main level of your storefront. They are square in section and frame a double insulated window. Here is an example of a traditional single [...]