Preserving the Past, Building the Future
Historic preservation involves performing repair methods that follow the National Park Service's Preservation Briefs, most importantly using time period appropriate repair materials and methods.
- Historic Preservation Expertise
- Professional Craftsmanship
- Outstanding Customer Service
Historic Preservation Services
Stone Rebuilding
When stone masonry has shifted, bulged, or deteriorated past the point of patching, it has to come apart and go back together correctly. TNT dismantles failing stonework and rebuilds it to its original line, plumb, and profile, using salvaged and color-matched units set in mortar compatible with the wall.
Brick Replacement
When brick faces spall, crack, or break away, replacing the failed units restores both the strength and the watertight envelope of the wall.
Crack / Epoxy Injection
Crack injection seals active leaks and structurally re-bonds cracked concrete and masonry from the inside, without large-scale demolition.
Water Repellant Application
A breathable penetrating water repellent reduces water absorption into masonry while still letting trapped moisture escape, protection without sealing water in.
Vertical & Overhead Concrete Repairs
Spalled and deteriorated concrete on walls, columns, and overhead surfaces is repaired with structural materials that bond, last, and protect the rebar.
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing renews the mortar joints that hold your masonry together and keep water out, restoring both strength and weather resistance before deterioration spreads.
Thru-Wall Flashing
Through-wall flashing intercepts water that gets into the wall and sends it back out, stopping infiltration at its source rather than chasing leaks.
Terra Cotta Repair/Replacement
Architectural terra cotta defines many historic facades. We repair and replace deteriorated units while preserving the building's original detail.
Stone Patching/Replacement
From chipped edges to spalled faces, we repair and replace architectural stone with color-matched materials and craftsmanship that blends in.
Stone Consolidation
Stone consolidation strengthens crumbling, friable stone in place, preserving irreplaceable original material rather than replacing it.
Project Scope & Budgeting Assistance
Define the right scope and budget before work begins. We help owners and managers plan masonry projects so there are no costly surprises mid-project.
Pedestrian and Traffic Coating Systems
Traffic coating systems waterproof the surfaces people and vehicles travel on, protecting the structure beneath parking decks, plazas, and walkways.
Parapet Rebuilding
Parapets are exposed to weather on multiple sides and deteriorate first. Rebuilding restores the roofline and stops water from entering the wall below.
Paint Stripping
Removing old paint from masonry restores the wall's ability to breathe and reveals the original brick or stone, done gently to protect the substrate.
Masonry Staining
Masonry staining permanently corrects mismatched or unattractive brick and stone color, chemically bonding to the masonry while keeping it breathable.
Masonry Investigations
A masonry investigation gets trained hands and eyes directly on your building to find what's failing, prove why, and define exactly what it will take to fix it.
Lintel Repair/Replacement
Lintels carry the masonry above your windows and doors. When they corrode or sag, the openings crack, and the fix protects the wall above.
Facade Stabilization
When a facade begins to bow, separate, or shift, stabilization re-anchors and secures the masonry before it becomes a structural failure.
Exterior Wall Coating
A breathable elastomeric coating protects and unifies an aging facade, bridging hairline cracks and shedding water while letting the wall breathe.
Why Historic Preservation Matters
- Maintaining Tax Credit Status
- Cultural & Historical Significance
- Educational & Research Opportunities
- Community & Social Benefits
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Our skilled team is here to bring your building to life. Contact us today to discuss your project!
FAQs
How does TNT work with State Historic Preservation Offices and preservation consultants?
We collaborate directly with SHPOs, preservation consultants, and architects throughout the project, providing documentation, mock-ups, and test panels as required. About half of our work is historic preservation, so these working relationships are well established.
Can modern repair materials be used on historic buildings?
It depends on the material and the building. Some modern products perform well and are appropriate, while others can cause damage to historic masonry. We select repair materials based on compatibility with the original construction, not simply what is newest on the market.
What is the typical timeline for a historic restoration project?
Timelines depend on the building's size, condition, and the scope of work. Our active field season runs from mid-February through the end of November, and larger historic projects are often phased across multiple seasons to align with budgets and preservation review timelines.
How does TNT balance structural repairs with preservation requirements?
Structural integrity and historic character are not mutually exclusive. We use repair methods and materials that meet structural requirements while respecting the building's original fabric, ensuring the work satisfies both engineering standards and preservation guidelines.
Does TNT have experience with churches, courthouses, and civic buildings?
These are among the most common building types we restore. Churches and government buildings make up a large share of our historic preservation work, with courthouses typically our largest projects by dollar value.
What grants are available for historic masonry restoration in Iowa and the Midwest?
Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois each offer state-level historic preservation tax credits, and many communities have local grant programs for historic buildings. Federal historic tax credits are also available for income-producing properties. We can help you understand what documentation your project will need.
How does TNT handle ornamental and decorative masonry on historic buildings?
We repair, replicate, and restore ornamental terra cotta, carved stone, corbelled brickwork, and other decorative elements using techniques and materials appropriate to the building's period. Where original elements are too deteriorated to save, we fabricate accurate replacements.
Can TNT restore buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
Yes. We have extensive experience restoring National Register-listed buildings including churches, courthouses, and civic landmarks. We understand the review processes and documentation requirements these projects demand.
What documentation does TNT provide for historic preservation projects?
Every project receives a closeout package with photography, warranty, and product data sheets. On historic projects, we provide additional documentation as needed to support tax credit applications, grant requirements, and State Historic Preservation Office reviews.
Is masonry restoration eligible for historic tax credits?
In many cases, yes. Federal and state historic tax credit programs can offset a significant portion of qualified rehabilitation costs on eligible buildings. We provide the project documentation these programs require, though building owners should consult a tax professional for eligibility specifics.
How does TNT match mortar and brick on a building that's 100+ years old?
We analyze the existing mortar composition, color, texture, and joint profile, then develop custom mortar mixes to match. For brick, we source salvage material or work with suppliers who produce historically accurate replacements to maintain the building's original character.
Does TNT follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation?
Yes. Our historic restoration work follows the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Roughly half of our total project volume is historic preservation, so these standards guide our daily work, not just occasional projects.