First Presbyterian Church of Buchanan

Restoration Options

Bell Tower Update

After our congregational discussion, the session decided that in any event the current bell tower would be removed and any damage would be fixed. The options the session are currently examining is 1) take the current bell tower down and rebuild a sound replica of it; 2) take the current bell tower down and replace it with a new roof with a cross; 3) do some combination of both. We are working with church architects to receive their input so we can be certain that what we choose will be both architecturally sound and aesthetically pleasing. If you have questions or comments please speak with any member of session.

The Original Details

* Power washing

- Power wash the north elevation and north parapet coping walls and not all elevations.

Tuck Pointing failed mortar joints and some previously pointed discolored areas

- Grind, hammer or chisel out the failed mortar joint areas

- Remove dust via air or water rinse

- Pre wet the joints prior to mortar installation

- Install closely matching mortar to the existing strength and color

- Compress mortar into the joint and tool to match existing mortar joint

- Cure the mortar via water mist for a few days

- Clean mortar residue from brick areas

Seal movement cracks at random stair step cracking areas

- These areas move during our freeze thaw cycles and this procedure will allow these

cracks to move and keep the building water tight.

- Remove the existing cracked mortar to a depth 3/8 inch and width of 1/8inch

- Install a backer rod to stop three sided adhesion

- Install Tremco dymonic one part urethane sealant

- Tool smooth

- Apply sand to the surface to help the sealant blend into the existing brick and mortar

Pre cast exposed masonry (based on 10 square feet of repairs)

- Sound out the pre cast for delaminated and spalled areas

- Remove the failed areas down to a solid substrate below

- If re rod steel is rusted wire brush and apply a rust inhibited primer

- Install stainless steel anchor pins into the substrate and wire mesh steel for better bonding when patching material is installed

- Install either a pre bagged structural patching concrete material or a hand mixture of acryl 60, Type N masonry cement and sand.

- Hand trowel and carve to match existing pre cast shape

- Mist with water for proper curing

- Clean pre cast area of mortar stains

Bell Tower brick replacement (based on 1200 brick) failed brick above the roof line

- Cover the sanctuary and north lower vestibule roof areas

- Remove the failed brick by grinder and power tools

- Install a new brick closely matching the existing color ,size and strength

- Bed and point the new brick in fresh mortar, matching existing color

- Tool the new mortar joints to match existing mortar joint closely

- Clean the mortar residue from the brick faces

- Mist with water for proper curin

PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE THERE MAY BE HIDDEN DAMAGE WITHIN THE BELL TOWER'S CONSTRUCTION, WE CANNOT BE CERTAIN EXACTLY HOW MANY BRICKS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED IF WE DECIDE TO REPAIR IT. WE ALSO DO NOT KNOW IF THE ROOF LEAK ISSUES WILL BE RESOLVED BY SIMPLY REPAIRING THE BELL TOWER.

* Bell Tower Removal and "Cross "Installation

Remove the existing shingle roof and the four brick corner columns down to the existing flat roof line. Build a new wood structure roof to match existing looking roof with steel beams at the peak on the interior to except a new "Cross" that will be 12 feet tall by 7 feet wide penetrating through the peak... Apply wood decking on roof and gables. Install shingles on the roof and brick on the gable ends. Below the new roof line remove and replace failed brick.

- Remove existing roof structure

- Remove brick arches and brick corner columns down to existing bell floor line

- Construct new same pitched roof extending over the brick to create a good drip line

- Install new " Cross " through the peak of the new roof ( material will be 8 inch by 8 inch tube steel powder coated in bronze color

- Install new shingles on the roof

- Install brick on the gable ends

- Replace failed brick below the new floor line on the bell tower

- Clean area

PLEASE NOTE: WE BELIEVE THAT REMOVING THE UPPER PORTION OF THE BELL TOWER AND INSTALLING A NEW ROOF (WITH CROSS) WILL FIX THE LEAKS.

* Perimeter Sealant of the windows, glass block, doors and masonry control joints

- Remove and replace only the sealant that has failed

- Install a backer rod as required

- Install Tremco Dymonic one part urethane sealant

- Tool the sealant

Paint Window Steel Lintels

- Remove the rust with a hand scraper and wire brush

- Apply rust inhibited primer

- Paint ( color to be chosen by owner )

- Prep and caulk the steel lintels beyond the jamb heads in the brick ( allows for movement)

* Elastomeric Coating at the parapet roof walls at sanctuary and north entrance (color selected by owner)

- Protect the roof while work is being performed

- Clean the stone

- Repair the coping stone joints with a urethane joint sealant

- Install two coats of Elastomeric coating