Preserving the Past with the Precision of the Future
Welcome to the Abstract Masonry Restoration resource hub. Whether you’re a property manager overseeing a historic landmark in downtown Salt Lake City or a homeowner looking to protect a brownstone in the heart of Boston, education is the first step in preservation.
For over 30 years, our craftsmen have specialized exclusively in the restoration of historic brick, stone, adobe, and terra cotta. We don’t do new masonry—we dedicate 100% of our focus to the art and science of healing old buildings. Explore our featured resources below to learn more about maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic beauty of your property.
Masonry Restoration FAQ
Common questions about preserving historic structures in Utah, Massachusetts, and beyond.
How do I know if my masonry needs professional restoration?
Keep an eye out for these warning signs that your building’s envelope is failing:
- Cracked or Crumbling Mortar: If mortar joints are receding or turning to powder, you need repointing to prevent water from entering the wall.
- Efflorescence: A white, powdery salt deposit on the surface of your brick or stone, indicating active moisture migration.
- Spalling: When the face of a brick or stone begins to flake or pop off.
- Cracked Masonry: Vertical or stair-step cracks often signal structural settling or lintel failure that requires immediate expert diagnosis.
What is Historic Mortar Matching and why does it matter?
In Salt Lake City and across the East Coast, many historic buildings use lime-based mortars that are softer than modern Portland cement. If a contractor uses modern, hard mortar on an old building, the bricks will crack because they can’t breathe or move. At Abstract Masonry, we perform detailed mortar analysis to ensure our custom mixes match the original’s color, texture, and—most importantly—its compressive strength.
Can you remove paint or stains without damaging the brick?
Yes. We utilize specialized, non-destructive masonry cleaning and paint stripping techniques. Unlike sandblasting—which destroys the protective fire skin of the brick—our chemical and low-pressure methods safely lift decades of paint, carbon deposits, and hard water stains to reveal the original masonry beneath.
Do you work on residential or commercial projects?
Both. Our portfolio ranges from multi-million dollar institutional restorations, like the Salt Lake Temple, to residential chimney repairs and historic home repointing. If your building has a story worth saving, we have the expertise to handle it.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We’re a nationally recognized firm with roots in two primary regions. We’re licensed masonry contractors in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico, and Massachusetts. Our team is equipped to mobilize for high-profile restoration projects across the country.
Our Locations & Service Hours
We operate two primary hubs to better serve our clients from the Rockies to the Atlantic. Our expert estimators and project managers are available Monday through Friday to discuss your restoration needs.
Western US Office
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Western US Office
681 S 4050 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84104 - (801) 758-2016
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Eastern US Office
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Eastern US Office
Boston, MA - Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Abstract Masonry Methodology
Key Services for Historic Preservation
Masonry Consultation
Every project begins with a thorough assessment. We provide detailed inspections, water intrusion analysis, and structural integrity evaluations to provide a clear roadmap for your restoration.
Seismic Retrofitting
Protecting Utah’s history means preparing for the future. We specialize in hidden reinforcements that strengthen historic walls against seismic activity without compromising the building's aesthetic.
Water Repellents
We apply breathable, vapor-permeable sealants that protect masonry from freeze/thaw cycles—the number one cause of masonry failure in high-altitude or coastal climates.
Specialty Materials
Our artisans are experts in working with difficult materials, including Adobe, Terra Cotta, Stucco, and Historic Concrete.
Ready to start your restoration project?
Don’t wait for a small crack to become a major structural failure. Trust the experts who have successfully completed over 2,000 restoration projects nationwide.
