Services
Our Areas of Expertise
Select a service to learn more.
- Exterior Building Cleaning
The effects of seeing a once dirty building after it has been cleaned is dramatic. The method that will be employed needs to be discussed with restoration professionals as damage can occur with improper techniques.
The popular methods of cleaning include Chemical, Water, Sandblasting.
Chemical Cleaning can be a very effective method if used by professionals. Chemical compounds such as detergents, bleach, hydrofluoric are sometimes used to react to the dirt and or oxidation to clean masonry and other surfaces. These are then rinsed away with water.
Low pressure water is used to soften the dirt and then is washed away, usually with high pressure. Sandblasting uses sand or other grit in a high- pressure air stream to wear away a surface or coating. For example a soft abrasive such as ground walnut shells can be used on delicate fixtures, while sand is used to clean steel, iron or other hard metals.
- Painting and Paint removal
Paint plays a vital role in the preservation of structures to seal out moisture, protect from U.V. damage and seal in evaporatives. We understand the importance of proper preparation, the types of specialty coatings needed for each surface and the professional application methods needed to ensure the preservation of painted surfaces.
Often, Paint must be removed prior to repainting or sometimes it is desirable to be remove entirely from the structure. We will use the method best suited for each application such as stripping, blasting, pressure washing or scraping.
- Tuckpointing (Mortar joint replacement)
Mortar joint replacement, also called Repointing, is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints of a masonry wall and replacing it with new mortar. Properly done,Tuckpointing restores the visual beauty and "color" of a structure. It also restores the physical integrity of the masonry units and walls themselves. Proper care to match the type of mortar, the color and type of joints are just a few of the considerations our professionals must make. Using improper mortar can cause damage to surrounding materials due to "spalling" or "cracking".
- Terra cotta replication
Our highly trained experts can repair these tiles, or replicate them for replacement. They are a brown or red colored fired clay product used to make tiles for roofing, flooring and for decorative purposes. They may be glazed or made to replicate natural stone. Historic structures may often have Terra Cotta building materials as they were popular from the time of the early European settlers through the 20th century.
- Stucco Finishing
Stucco is a mixture of cement, lime, sand and water. It is used as an exterior surface covering for buildings. Application is done in three coats to a total of 3/4 of an inch. The first coat is called the "scratch coat", it is left with a grooved finish to provide good adhesion for the thinner "brown coat". The last coat is called the "color coat", a thin layer that is colored and textured to match the building's architectural requirements.
- Concrete – Replacement or Repair
Concrete is a great material for many applications such as steps, floors, roofs, beams etc. It is comprised of cement, sand, aggregate, and water. It solidifies through a chemical process into a material with good compressive strength. It's physical properties make it difficult to repair though, unless handled by experienced craftsmen.
- Waterproofing (5 and 10 year warranties)
Waterproofing is a process where we apply a coating which acts as a barrier to moisture. A restoration expert should be consulted before any Waterproofing is done. The dangers if improperly applied include; condensation on the inside of the walls, ground moisture (rising damp) and leaks from other sources which may become trapped inside walls. This moisture could then freeze and cause "spalling" or "cracking" of masonry, wood may become rotted.
- Masonry New or Repair
We have skilled craftsmen who are expert in all types of Masonry using brick, stone, tile, block or other materials. Our masons have extensive training and experience to bring to any job no matter how large or small. One of our specialties is in the use of "Jahn Restorative Mortar" for the repair of stones which cannot easily be replaced. It requires specialized training which we have had several craftsmen complete.
- Roofing (Slate, Shingles, Ludowici tile)
A weather-tight Roof is basic in the preservation of a structure. During some periods in history, the Roof imparts much of the architectural character. We have experience with all types of roofing material and difficult applications such as church steeples.
- Stack/Steeple Repair
Our broad range of experience covers the restoration of many Stacks and Church Steeples.
- Reworking Exterior Lighting System
Many of our projects need repair, replacement or addition of Exterior Lighting Systems. Our trained consultants can help you bring out the best of your building features. Added security and safety are just some of the benefits to be realized.
- Replacement of Windows / Wood Restoration
The design, craftsmanship, and other qualities of a building's Windows may make them worthy of preservation. Windows are among the most vulnerable features of a building's structure. In restoration, a careful evaluation needs to be performed before restoration is begun. Such questions as: Are the units repairable? How long will the restoration last? Would an increase in energy efficiency be a consideration? are useful to answer. We will perform a careful inspection and discuss the different options with you.
- Ornamental Sheet Metal Restoration
Many restorations need to include Ornamental or decorative Sheet Metal features. Some of these include domes, sculptural elements, decorative gutters and downspouts. Popular materials for these items were copper, lead, tin and steel. Our craftsmen are highly skilled in the art of replicating the original decorative elements.
- Caulking
One of the easiest ways to help maintain the integrity of a building is to insure that water does not infiltrate the structure. Caulking is crucial in keeping joints sealed through the expansion and contraction of exterior surfaces. It should remain flexible enough to span the joint at all times. Recent advances in chemical compounds have brought us superior products that will last longer and remain flexible.
- Stone Restoration/Replacement
Stone is one of the most durable materials used in building construction. In spite of that fact, there are times when deterioration, water damage, defacing, spalling etc., warrant a removal and replacement of some or all of a structure's stone elements. When it becomes necessary, we have the experience and artistry to match and repair all types of stone work. Some types of Stone used commonly are Limestone, Granite, Sandstone and Marble.
News
MMI - Wins Two National Awards
The Associated Builders and Contractors has awarded Midwest Maintenance, Inc. the National Excellence in Construction Award for these (2) Projects:
St. Peter's Catholic Church, Steubenville, Ohio
Central Fire Station, Charleston, South Carolina
