FAQs for your next Brownstone restoration project
- What exterior restoration or repair work may a brownstone need?
Over the years, a brownstone will need facade restoration and repair, stoop restoration and repair, cornice restoration and repair, masonry work, painting work including painting window grills, fence, cornices and railings, and occasional cleaning.
- What is the process of repairing or restoring a brownstone facade? What are the steps of a stoop restoration? What is the timeline of stoop restoration?
Brownstone restoration requires chipping of the top layer of brownstone. A new Scratch coat is added and then all brownstone layers are redone. For a stoop, it can take 2-4 months. For a new facade, it can take 6-9 months. For brownstone repair jobs, only deteriorated brownstone is chipped off and replaced with a new brownstone layer matching the color of the original brownstone. Time length depends upon how much of the brownstone is damaged.
- What is the process of restoring and painting stoop railings, fences gates, and other ironworks?
Dream construction starts the painting process by scraping off all the loose paint. Next, we sand the ironwork for a smooth surface and follow that up with primer. We finish the project with two coats of paint.
- Should I power wash my brownstone stoop steps? How to clean Brownstones?
Yes, you can powerwash brownstone. For damaged and weak brownstone, we recommend hand washing instead. For proper maintenance, regular cleaning is recommended. Brownstones can be washed with pressurized water or highly diluted muriatic acid solution.
- How to repair Brownstone steps? Cost to repair brownstone steps?
Brownstone stoop repair can be an affordable means to repair your brownstone steps. Rather than redoing your entire stoop, you can save money by doing a repair job to extend the life of your stoop. Consult with Dream Construction NYC to get a free quote to better understand the cost of a brownstone step repair project.
- What is the difference between restoration and brownstone repair?
Brownstone Repair – We chip off only weak and damaged brownstone and reapply the brownstone layer to that area. We will do all necessary repairs.
Full Brownstone Facade Restoration – We will chip off the top layer of the entire brownstone, and start from the scratch coat, and redo all the brownstone layers. Results in a brand new brownstone facade. It is a lengthier process and is ideal but can be costly.
If you stroll along a street in Brooklyn, you cannot miss the historic brownstone buildings. The elegant buildings with brownstone facades with their intricately carved masonry and moldings, detailed cornices, elegant stoops, and elaborate ironwork in their window grills, stoop railings, fence, and gates showcase a timeless charm that is iconic to Brooklyn’s architecture. There is now a resurgence of interest in these brownstone homes. With the historic charm that comes with these townhomes, there is also a fine balance of restoration and maintenance that is required to preserve the building’s heritage.
If you own a brownstone, it is important to know the relevant information to restore, repair, and maintain your home. Brownstone facade restoration is one of the most important aspects of maintaining the original characteristics of these townhomes. A complete brownstone facade restoration work is very extensive. For restoration of this kind, the entire top layer of the brownstone is chipped off, and the facade is built back up with the scratch coat and finished off with the final brownstone layers. This results in a brand-new facade. Brownstone facade repair is less extensive and is a spot treatment. If the brownstone facade is damaged or requires slight repair, some of the damaged sections are chipped off and the brownstone layer is redone maintaining the same color as the original facade. Cornice restoration is another component of brownstone maintenance and involves detailed craftsmanship. The elaborate ironwork in the brownstone stoop railings, fence, and window grills must also be painted and maintained to bring out the full aesthetic of brownstone buildings.
It is important to choose brownstone facade specialists who are knowledgeable and highly experienced in the brownstone restoration process. Dream Construction NYC is the leading brownstone restoration specialist based out of Brooklyn. Dream Brownstone Restoration takes pride in being involved with each stage of the brownstone restoration aspect with utmost detail and care.
Dream Construction NYC offers various services from brownstone facade restoration, masonry, cornice work, brownstone stoop repair, ironwork, and all exterior townhome restoration. Family-owned and operated with decades of experience, Dream Construction is familiar with the rich history of brownstones and shares the vision to restore each unique brownstone to its former glory. Dream Brownstone Restoration focuses on doing the brownstone restoration the right way.
