Existing Masonry Construction

Many of the finest and most architecturally significant structures under the jurisdiction of the Historic District Landmarks Commissions are constructed of brick, stone, or terra cotta masonry. Wood frame buildings often have masonry portions including piers, chainwalls, and chimneys.

The care of masonry (especially brick masonry constructed of the soft, red variety called "lake brick" which was commonly used in 19th century buildings) requires specialized professional knowledge which is outside the scope of these guidelines. The Vieux Carré Commission published a comprehensive guide to the preservation of brick masonry in 1980 titled "Vieux Carré Masonry Maintenance Guidelines." This reference, as well as the National Park Service publication, "Guidelines for Rehabilitating Old Buildings," is used by the Commissions to assess products and methods of work contemplated for existing masonry buildings. Contained in the Vieux Carre guidelines is a list of Do's and Don'ts for the maintenance of brick masonry structures typically found in New Orleans' historic neighborhoods. The list is reproduced here as a brief reference, but is not intended as an exhaustive treatment of the subject.

Masonry Maintenance Guidelines

Do:

• Retain original masonry and mortar, without the application of any surface treatment.
• Duplicate old mortar in composition, color, and texture wherever possible.
• Duplicate old mortar joints in size, method of application and profile.
• Replace deteriorating bricks with new brick matching the original in size, color, texture, porosity, and compressive strength.
• Repair or replace stucco with a mix duplicating the original in composition, color, and texture wherever possible.
• Clean masonry only when absolutely necessary, and always use the gentlest method possible.
• Repair or replace deteriorating material with new material that duplicates the old in color, size, and texture.
• Retain or renew the original color and texture of the masonry surface.

Don't:

• Do not apply waterproof or water repellant coatings or other treatments unless required to solve a specific technical problem that has been studied and identified. Coatings in general are unnecessary, expensive, and can accelerate deterioration of the masonry.
• Do not repoint with mortar containing large quantities of portland cement.
• Do not allow new pointing mortar to cover the edges of the brick.
• Do not use modern building brick in conjunction with softer older brick.
• Do not use stucco mix containing large quantities of portland cement.
• Do not sandblast or clean with any other type of pressure driven particle.
• Do not apply new material which is inappropriate or was unavailable when the building was constructed.
• Do not indiscriminately remove paint or stucco from masonry surfaces. This may be historically incorrect and may subject the building to damage.
• Do not allow vines and vegetation to grow on the walls of buildings.

The use of masonry in new construction and additions to existing structures is discussed in more detail in the section dealing with New Construction.