Page 13 - New England Condominium April 2019

NEWENGLANDCONDO.COM NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM - APRIL 2019 13 essary at one time regardless of the costs, ings, though we try to do it everywhere,” need to follow their guidelines. They are age on a regular basis. He says that when because if you don’t, each time you do says Bon. “Local landmark authorities will looking for the aesthetics, and may specify a replacement piece is needed, “we use the some portion of the work, you will have to insist on at least somewhat similar prod- put up and take down the canopy, which is ucts for repair. For instance, if you have a have to give them samples.” a very expensive proposition. “Once you’ve terracotta done the mobilization for the project, it’s ing, they want you best to finish it at one time,” he advises. And Then There’s Cleaning... In addition to damage that might need repairs. There are to be repaired, facades should be cleaned at other regular intervals to remove dust, pollution stains, and other aging factors that dull cotta and that the their original brilliance. Victor Cruz, a for- mer account manager with Cliffhangers, marks a Massachusetts-based firm that provides sion will approve, cleaning services for facades and windows but for the most throughout New England, said: “Different part officials want surfaces present different types of clean- ing problems; the most difficult surface to materials.” clean is stucco – but even glass can get per- manently stained. The frequency of clean- ing depends on the owners, but we believe a landmark, when it helps keep up curb appeal.” Landmarks Landmark buildings, common in all cities, present special challenges for fa- cade restoration. “Matching materials is especially important for landmark build- build- to use terracotta for any needed materials that mimic terra- Chicago Land- Commis- us to use the same Janczyk details the process: “If it’s the architect files for a permit with the Department of Buildings, they must brickwork. also file plans with the Landmarks Com- mission. Landmarks reviews it, and you should also be inspected for facade dam- that they want materials approval. We then same type of glass if available to get the Bon adds that “even when like replacement glass.” a building isn’t a landmark, a ers should keep in mind when it comes to good architect facade maintenance and restoration is that or engineer will attempt to facade must be kept intact and properly match materi- als to keep a more serious problems – and early signs facade look- ing uniform and attractive.” difficulty of seeing them from street level. He also points As with all major systems, it’s vital to keep out that due to your capital reserve adequately funded weathering and against a major problem, and to have in- normal aging, spections done regularly. And stop harping no brand-new on those sidewalk sheds – they’re there to brick will ex- actly match the patina of the old Bon mentions that glass buildings same kind of reflectiveness from the street. You don’t want the replacement to look What co-op and condominium own- like any component of your property, the maintained. Not doing so can only lead to of those problems are rarely noticeable to the untrained eye, to say nothing of the keep you safe. n A J Sidransky is a staff writer/reporter for New England Condominium, and a published novelist. “Different surfaces present different types of cleaning problems; the most difficult surface to clean is stucco – but even glass can get permanently stained. The frequency of cleaning depends on the owners, but we believe it helps keep up curb appeal.” — Victor Cruz