Consider water methods first; it softens and rinses the soil in the gentlest manner for the building, the environment, and the applicator. Options are:
To protect masonry from damage:
- Identify nature and source of soiling material and prior treatments.
- Identify exact nature of surface and construction materials to choose correct cleaning process.
- Consider whether paint removal would damage the masonry surface and if the paint is an appropriate part of the home's historical style.
- Cover windows, doors, and other non-masonry features that could be damaged by chemical cleaners.
- Test cleaner on small, inconspicuous section!
A poultice treatment involves use of an absorbent material and liquid paste to draw out stains.
There are a number of reasons why abrasive methods (sandblasting) are not safe for historic masonry.
In most cases, waterproof and water-repellent coatings are NOT recommended for historic masonry buildings. A better way to protect from water damage is to keep the building watertight and in consistently good, general repair.
What if water washing is not appropriate for cleaning my historic masonry?
Chemical cleaners are another option for cleaning your historic masonry.
- Acidic Cleaners - use on non-acid sensitive masonry (granite, most sandstone, slate, unglazed terra cotta, cast stone, concrete).
- Alkaline Cleaners - use on acid-sensitive masonry (limestone, marble, glazed brick and terra cotta, polished granite).
- Paint removal is most successful with alkaline, organic solvent, or other chemical paint removers.
Cautions:
- Do not use in cold weather (same hazards as water cleaning).
- Test first: Chemicals can stain, etch, or burn the surface.
- Always rinse thoroughly and test the surface for a neutral pH.
Preservation - Slate Roof
How do I know when my slate roof needs maintenance?
Use binoculars to see what's going on in the fall, before the freeze/thaw cycles; and in the spring, see what the freeze/thaw did to your roof, checking for loose, cracked or missing slates.
It is also important to look in the attic for evidence of leaks, and to make sure gutters and downspouts are in good working order. If there is a leak, it is often the metal flashing at the seams, valleys and ridges of the roof is the real culprit. Slates usually outlive their flashing. Even copper flashing, the best in the business, typically lasts only 60 years (a spry and youthful age for most types of slate). Often, slate and wood shingle roofs are removed because of problems with flashings. A well-maintained slate roof should cost about $400 every couple of years to maintain.
Sindelar, who coordinated a City-sponsored workshop on slate and shake shingles in 2001, cautions that before replacing a slate roof with something else, "You have to look at the economics of it." Because building codes prohibit putting new roofing material over a slate roof, the existing slates must be removed before their replacement may be laid down. That cost should be factored in, he believes.
How do I know when my slates are beyond repair?
According to the National Park Service, if over 20% of the slates on a roof or roof slope are broken, cracked, missing or sliding out of position, it is usually less expensive to replace the roof than to execute individual repairs. This is especially true of older roofs nearing the end of their serviceable lives, because even the most experienced slater will likely damage additional slates while attempting repairs.
The slates reaching the end of their serviceable lives are flaking and crumbling. At that point layers of mud that make up the slate are separating.
Clay tile, which along with slate and wood, were one of the three acceptable roofing materials for new homes constructed by the Van Sweringen company, are also a roofing material of choice today.
Why should I preserve my home's slate roof?
Slate is one of the authentic materials that was often used in the construction of Shaker's homes. The City urges owners of homes with slate roofs to maintain them and consider carefully before replacing them with any other material.
Slate roofs can last 200 years or longer, depending on the type of slate used, the configuration of the roof and the geographical location of the property, according to a bulletin published by the Technical Preservation Services arm of the National Park Service. By contrast, the average life span of an asphalt roof is about 30 years.
Two additional factors help determine a slate roof's life span: how the roof was installed and how well it has been maintained. In Ohio, slate roofs on farmhouses and barns often date to the late 1700's and have been well maintained ever since.
Preservation - Tile Roofs
Do clay tiles break easily? How resistant are they to mold and lichens?
No, they don’t break or chip easily. The tiles, which are manufactured in Ohio from local clay, are made of dense materials which can be fired at a very high temperature, making them very hard and durable. They have very low moisture absorption, which means they are excellent in a freeze-thaw climate and also resistant to mold and lichens.
How long do tile roofs last?
Tiles can easily last over 100 years. New tiles have a 75-year limited warranty.
How long have tiles been used in Shaker?
As tiles were one of the earliest acceptable roofing materials, they are found on houses built as early as 1910. The past two decades have also seen an increase in the use of tiles.
I have an older tile roof that needs repairing. Will new tiles be compatible?
Tiles made today are manufactured from new larger molds that do not match the dimension of the tiles that would be found on older Shaker homes. Tiles matching the old dimensions are still manufactured but are more expensive. The City wants to create a database of every property in Shaker Heights with a tile roof so a local distributor may order special runs of the old tiles at a more affordable price. Please contact Planning (216-491-1430) for further details.
What colors can I use?
Many colors were used originally, including dark green and dark red. The Architectural Board of Review must review and approve the color (and design) before a permit to install a tile roof can be issued. Board members can also help in the color and selection process.
What is the cost of tiles relative to other materials?
The cost is comparable to slate. While more expensive than asphalt, which lasts approximately 15-20 years, tiles have the advantage of longevity. Tiles also have aesthetic value, adding to the appeal of the house.
What style of house looks best with a tile roof?
With the large selection of tile designs and colors, most of Shaker’s houses could look great with a tile roof. Not all tile styles may be appropriate; the architectural style of the house will help dictate the style most appropriate for that particular house. The Architectural Board of Review can help with selection. The Board’s approval is also required before a new roof can be installed.
Will the lighter colors discolor easily?
No. The color is guaranteed for the life of the tile, which is 75 years. They are ceramic-fired (like dishes are), which makes them colorfast.
Preservation - Window Replacement
If I do decide to replace, which is better, wood or vinyl?
Wood windows are the soundest option. They are structurally strong, weather well against the elements (many houses still have their original windows, which are averaging 70 years old), and they allow flexibility with exterior and interior color schemes. If a homeowner decides to install vinyl windows, the visual impact on the house can be great. The color selections are limited and the frames of the windows are wider, as vinyl is not as strong as wood. The wide frames make the new windows look very heavy and can create an unbalanced proportion to the appearance of the house. Shop around. Window replacements, regardless of material, can be an expensive project. Paying a little more up front for quality materials, flexibility in color and increased details will ultimately add value to your home.
Is a permit required if I decide to install new windows?
Yes. Depending on whether your windows will be replicating the existing ones or whether you are changing styles and sizes, you will need approval from either the Planning Department or the Architectural Board of Review.
Several of my windows are showing signs of wear and tear in various places. Does the entire window have to be replaced?
Not necessarily. Often only the defective parts of a window may actually need repair or replacement. Consult with contractors who specialize in older window repair before replacing the entire unit. The Planning Department can provide names of appropriate contractors, although we cannot make individual recommendations.
With the vast array of styles available, how do I know which is the most appropriate for my home?
Before undertaking any project, look at your house critically. Notice the fine details of craftsmanship and compare the new product against what is currently installed on your home. How drastic is the proposed change? There are a large number of window manufacturers that fabricate new wood windows that replicate those fine profiles found on older windows. Another important thing to do is determine the architectural style of your house. Most Shaker houses fall into one of three broad architectural styles: English, French and Colonial. Traditionally, the windows are the same color as the trim on the house. Shaker Village Colors describes these styles of architecture (along with other common styles) and shows the appropriate color schemes for these styles of houses.
