In 2018, RDH assessed the condition of the Heritage building facades, including an up-close visual review from a mobile lift. The original sandstone exhibited various levels of erosion and surface scaling at-grade, likely due to rising damp and deicing salt uptake, and at upper cornice details related to wind and rain exposure. We provided a summary report of our observations and short-and long-term recommendations for repairs and renewal, including projected costs.
In 2023, RDH prepared the design and bid package for the Hockey Hall of Fame’s exterior maintenance repairs. The scope included local preservation of the sandstone masonry, repainting the wood sash windows, and minor repairs to protective sheet metal flashings.
The repair program, conducted in 2024, included proprietary mortar fills at small stone spalls, insertion of dutchmen stone repairs at larger spalls, and local carved stone baluster replacement along the parapet where original stone losses were not salvageable. Careful stone honing techniques were used to remove stone scaling. Localized deteriorated masonry joints were repointed with natural hydraulic lime mortar.
RDH also worked with the masonry trade to assess poultice desalination of salt-laden sandstone along sidewalk areas, as these stones demonstrated accelerated erosion deterioration due to salt hydration cycles with rising damp. Following the successful reduction of salt content, the masonry trade applied an appropriate silicate consolidant to reduce future erosion.
RDH worked with the building owner and masonry contractor to accommodate the museum’s busy summer tourist season and to demobilize the work prior to the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony in early November.
