Leaking Renaissance Stone and Pre-cast Concrete Details
Leaking Limestone, Renaissance Stone and
Pre-Cast Concrete Details
Renaissance Stone Cornice and Details in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood
Pre-Cast Concrete Details in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood
Limestone Leaks. Limestone is the traditional material used for decorative trim around windows and doors, as well as for cornices to add curb appeal on the front of buildings. Limestone is a natural material, it filters water through it slowly and the seepage typically isn't an emergency.
Contemporary stone products like Renaissance stone, which is pre-cast concrete, look like limestone – but it is extremely porous and one of the main entry points for moisture intrusion in newer construction.
Renaissance Stone and pre-cast concrete require extra care to reduce moisture intrusion.
Pre-cast concrete is installed everywhere you would expect to see limestone – parapet capstones, cornices, decorative details and bands in brick work and around windows and doors.
One way to tell if your building has Renaissance Stone versus limestone is to look for algae growth. While not attractive, algae grows on wet limestone because it holds moisture. It does not grow on Renaissance stone because the water goes straight through the stone and into your walls and roof system.
The jury is still out on whether or not Pre-Cast Concrete can be sealed successfully. It depends on who you ask. We say – it can not be sealed well enough to prevent moisture intrusion.
If a Renaissance Stone detail is not structural – We remove it, flash behind it to divert water to the exterior of the building and away from other "stone" block and brick, reinstall the "stone" AND attempt to seal it.
If a Renaissance Stone detail is structural – We attempt to seal it, then if possible design flashings, cornices or awnings to stop rain from hitting it or sitting on the structural detail.
