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Abbot’s Experience in Historical Masonry Well Suited to Restoring Brick Victorian Homes

The Victorian era roughly corresponds to the time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain (1837-1901) during which period the styles known as Victorian were used in construction. During this time, industrialization brought many innovations in architecture….

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Sealing the Building Envelope: Consultants Can Play a Major Role

By definition, an “envelope” is an encapsulating covering such as an outer shell or membrane. In simple building terms, it consists of the roof, the above-grade wall system, and the below-grade wall system. The purpose of the building envelope is to protect the interior from external elements, including moisture, air, and temperature ingress and egress. The definition sounds simple enough, but in reality, because of the thousands of complex products and systems specified and the multiple trades involved, the probability of defects is relatively high…

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Maintaining the Historical Integrity of Boston’s Architectural Landscape

Architecture often defines a city. From modest brownstone structures to soaring skyscrapers, architecture covers a broad scope of engineering and design elements. Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. Since its founding in 1630, Boston has always been a melting pot of old traditions and new ideas. In the late 19th century, the city came into its own as a cultural and architectural center. During this flourishing era, Massachusetts College of Art, the nation’s first and only publicly funded art school, and the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the finest museums in the world, were founded...

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Water infiltration: Building Material’s Archenemy

Water infiltration is the archenemy of many building materials. Constant exposure can lead to erosion of masonry, sealants, and coatings causing deterioration or worse. Water can enter a building at floor levels, wall bases, and above windows, roofs, and pipes...

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Prepare to Repair

At first glance, estimating and bidding a major masonry restoration project may seem rather straightforward. Define the job, price the job, bid the job. While these are the keys to the process, the tasks associated with each of these fundamentals must be carefully planned to assure that the process is successfully executed...

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The Fast Track

At first glance, estimating and bidding a major masonry restoration project may seem rather straightforward. Define the job; price the job; bid the job. While these are the keys to the process, the tasks associated with each of these fundamentals must be carefully planned to assure that the process is successfully executed...

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To Preserve and Protect Boston’s Historic Districts

To help protect and preserve the unique historic and architectural character of Boston’s neighborhoods, the City of Boston hasdesignated nine local Historic District Commissions to review proposed exterior design changes to properties located within the boundaries of each of the following Districts:

  • Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District
  • Back Bay Architectural District
  • Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District
  • Bay Village Historic District
  • Historic Beacon Hill District
  • Fort Point Channel Landmark District
  • Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District
  • South End Landmark District
  • St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District ...

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Coming Full Circle – A Recurring Theme

Coming full circle is defined as returning to the origin of a project or situation. In terms of the service industry, coming full circle can refer to hiring a contractor back after successful earlier work. In its rich history as a successful masonry contractor, Abbot has been hired back on many occasions to work on new projects by existing clients. In some cases, this goes back a long way...

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