Masonry Restoration

Graciano Corporation is a leader in masonry restoration, both interior and exterior. We maintain one of the most skilled workforces in the industry, and many of our journeymen are third-generation professionals.

Masonry restoration can significantly extend the useful life of historic landmarks, as well as business, public, industrial and municipal buildings. Graciano continues to be recognized for the excellence of our craftsmanship and the depth of our technical expertise by industry organizations and leading historic preservation organizations alike. Recent masonry restoration projects include Rockefeller Center, the MetLife Building and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Masonry Restoration Service Offerings

Moisture, pollution and exposure to the elements can all compromise the appearance of a building. They may also threaten structural stability, and ultimately hinder the usefulness of the structure. Graciano offers a complete range of masonry restoration services that renew the appearance of brick and stone surfaces and protect them from further deterioration.

Our range of Masonry Restoration services includes:

Masonry Cleaning
- Masonry cleaning entails the removal of dirt, debris, paint, and graffiti from the various surfaces of masonry structures. Commonly used masonry cleaning techniques include high and low-pressure washing and chemical cleaning. Regardless of the method used, special care is taken to avoid over cleaning — and possibly damaging — aging masonry surfaces.
Abrasive Cleaning
- Heavily soiled masonry surfaces may require abrasive cleaning to effectively remove deposits of grime, paint or graffiti. Abrasive cleaning typically involves high-pressure application of sand or another type of inert, abrasive material directly to the masonry surface. When the abrasive cleaning has been completed, the masonry surface is frequently rinsed with low-pressure water to remove any remaining dirt or cleaning materials.
Stone and Brick Restoration
- Masonry restoration involves the repair of existing masonry materials, or the complete replacement of damaged materials with new or reclaimed bricks or stones. Color and texture matching are key considerations in masonry restoration, as an accurate match can make areas of restored stone or brick blend in seamlessly with existing materials. To achieve an accurate color and texture match, it is frequently necessary to return to the original brick manufacturer for replacements, or to the original stone quarry where material for the existing stone components was cut.
Tuck Pointing
- Tuck pointing entails removing loose or cracked mortar from brickwork or stone installations and replacing it with new mortar to ensure structural integrity and to seal out damaging water and moisture. Mortar for tuck pointing must be carefully selected to ensure that its color and texture of the new mortar closely matches the existing material that was not compromised and did not need to be removed.
Waterproofing
- Waterproofing forms a barrier between water and masonry surfaces. The application of waterproofing materials seals stone or masonry surfaces, helps prevent potentially dangerous water infiltration, and helps prolong the integrity of mortars and structural components. Waterproofing agents are frequently oil-based, and can be rolled or sprayed on masonry surfaces.
Caulking
- Caulking is used to seal gaps between masonry surfaces, such as brick or stone, and other architectural elements, including window and door frames, decorative hardware or lighting fixtures. Caulking is most often applied with a gun, and is available in butyl, latex or customized formulations. The color of caulk is selected to match the surfaces surrounding the application site. When applied, the caulking gun is inserted in the gap to be filled. Caulking material is then injected into the void to seal the opening.
Grouting
- Grouting is used to seal the spaces between masonry installations such as tile or terra cotta. Grout may be colored to blend with the masonry materials, or can be used to create contrast within the masonry design. Grout is typically applied by had by filling the joints with material and then toweling it out over the adjoining tile or terra cotta. Once the grout has set, a craftsman returns to the area that was grouted and removes any excess material from the face of the installation. As grout is frequently porous, it must be sealed once it is completely dry to protect it from dirt infiltration.
Urethane Foam or Epoxy Injection
- Urethane Foam or epoxy injection is a cost-effective and permanent way to stabilize and seal cracked or compromised masonry surfaces. Depending on the size of the crack, urethane foam or epoxy is injected into the void and allowed to cure. Once hardened, these materials help form a stable subsurface to support masonry restoration operations.
EIFS Cleaning
- Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems cleaning, also known as EIFS cleaning, involves removing dirt and grime from the exterior surfaces of structures clad in Dryvit or other types of stucco-like materials. To avoid damaging the thin exterior skin of these structures, mild cleaning agents and low-pressure water is most frequently used to dislodge surface dirt. Manual cleaning is also used to remove dirt in hard-to-reach areas or intricate detail.

Graciano Corporation serves clients throughout the United States, and is bonded, licensed and insured in all states of operation. We maintain a comprehensive safety program in compliance with OSHA and MSHA Standards, and we are licensed to apply numerous state-of-the-art finishes, grouts and sealants.

Featured Masonry Restoration Project

The Cloisters Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art turned to Graciano Corporation to restore the complex masonry features of its magnificent gallery, The Cloisters. (view project)