Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.

Founded in 1936, Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc., located in Boston, MA, specializes in restoring and preserving the integrity of the building envelope of aging and problem structures – whether large or small -- in the greater Boston area.  We also provide remedial weatherproofing services to correct construction deficiencies in newer structures.

Sealing the building envelope: consultants can play a major role

By definition, an “envelope” is an encapsulating covering such as an outer shell or membrane. In simple building terms, it consists of the roof, the above-grade wall system, and the below-grade wall system. The purpose of the building envelope is to protect the interior from external elements, including moisture, air, and temperature ingress and egress. The definition sounds simple enough, but in reality, because of the thousands of complex products and systems specified and the multiple trades involved, the probability of defects is relatively high…….read more

Maintaining the historical integrity of Boston’s architectural landscape

Architecture often defines a city. From modest brownstone structures to soaring skyscrapers, architecture covers a broad scope of engineering and design elements. Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. Since its founding in 1630, Boston has always been a melting pot of old traditions and new ideas. In the late 19th century, the city came into its own as a cultural and architectural center. During this flourishing era, Massachusetts College of Art, the nation’s first and only publicly funded art school, and the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the finest museums in the world, were founded. In addition, two of Boston’s grandest buildings, H.R. Richardson’s masterpiece Trinity Church, and the Boston Public Library, by McKim Mead and White, were designed and built. Many of the most significant American architects have strong Boston ties, including Charles Bulfinch, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frederick Law Olmstead, and I.M. Pei……read more

Water infiltration: Building material’s archenemy

Water infiltration is the archenemy of many building materials. Constant exposure can lead to erosion of masonry, sealants, and coatings causing deterioration or worse. Water can enter a building at floor levels, wall bases, and above windows, roofs, and pipes….read more

Prepare to Repair
Estimating and bidding a masonry restoration project is a complex process.

At first glance, estimating and bidding a major masonry restoration project may seem rather straightforward. Define the job, price the job, bid the job. While these are the keys to the process, the tasks associated with each of these fundamentals must be carefully planned to assure that the process is successfully executed...read more

The Fast Track
Getting Construction Done in a Timely Manner
The construction industry is a fertile field for colorful jargon. New words and terms spring up regularly, usually for promotional purposes or to gain an economic advantage. A popular term used over the past several years is “Fast Track” construction. It rolls easily off the tongue and conjures up images of expedition, economy, and efficiency. Fast Track is not a contractual arrangement, but rather an approach used to ...read more

To Preserve and Protect Boston's Historic Districts
 
To help protect and preserve the unique historic and architectural character of Boston’s neighborhoods, the City of Boston has designated nine local Historic District Commissions to review proposed exterior design changes to properties located within the boundaries of each of the following Districts: 

• Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District
• Back Bay Architectural District
• Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District
• Bay Village Historic District
• Historic Beacon Hill District
• Fort Point Channel Landmark District
• Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District
• South End Landmark District
• St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District .......read more

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