Lebanon, NJ Job


Job Description:

Repoint Historic Stonework in a Weathered Ridge Joint Profile with Exposed and Antiqued Coarse Aggregate Inclusions

The owner called to have LimeWorks.us come out to give some ideas on how to address a few areas needing patch pointing and the removal of some original external lime render and whitewash (AKA "Stucco over Stone"). Original Lime Render is supposed to be a sheltering coat to make more formal the crudely laid stone with very wide joint spacing and protect from the elements. This wall, however, is an inside wall and a prime feature of this internal space that was desired to be highlighted. The work we were called to look at was found mostly on a small peak within what is a planned bedroom and then potentially to also repoint small areas in the remainder of the other rooms. This posting is especially to highlight that the owner did not really know, as many still do not know, that the proper removal of all the ugly gray Portland cement mortar (which does nothing to accentuate the true colors found in any strata of stone) should be the first step to address historic rubble fieldstone properly when the work is going to remain exposed, seen and enjoyed. With products that LimeWorks.us sells to clean tenacious Portland cement from the pores of the stone faces, the beautiful colors which are inherent to a stone can be fully appreciated. The next step was to repoint the entire wall using Color Code DGM 100 in the ® Mortar line by LimeWorks.us and additionally add a percentage of larger aggregates to give both the muddy brown color often seen in the bedding mortar of historic stone walls which had clayey sand from the local creek used. This mix offers a more appropriate and complimentary texture and hue over the dark gray cement mortar caked on the faces of the stone and which were poorly finished. The DGM 100 mix is one of many choices to highlight the beauty of the stones and in this case the inverted "V" which we call "Weathered Ridge with Exposed Coarse Aggregate" was the joint profile used. This profile was used because it most closely resembles an authentic style of pointing work in the region and it was then antiqued to appear as old as when the work was first laid up. The contour of the new lime mortar joint work creates a sense of flow in continuity because it flows with the rubble stone joint to accommodate the size and positioning of the stones which can often be erratic and exceptionally wide. 		View Next Job


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Customer Comment:

The repointing work done by Dave, Charlie, and Abe is the highlight of our home renovation project. I highly recommend deGruchy Masonry Restoration

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Job Location Customer Comment
Pennsburg, PA Excellent, overall job, no complaints. All questions answered when asked.
Doylestown, PA GREAT CREW - GREAT JOB. PLEASE USE ME FOR A REFERENCE ANYTIME. DO YOU DO STONE WORK?
Coopersburg, PA My husband and I are very pleased with all the stone work. We have received many compliments from friends and family. I would have no problem working with them again. I would be happy to give them a reference if ever needed.
Doylestown, PA Andy and his employees are exceptionally kind, hard workers. The staff on-site was most helpful and friendly. The final result was a most beautiful restoration of our old home. Gail L. Sweeney
Easton, PA A job well done! This crew was hard working, reliable, and polite. Charlie, the project foreman, made it a point to keep me informed and up to date. Thanks to Andy, Charlie, Mike, and Donald, I now have a beautiful home. Dracie Lee Claus
Quakertown, PA Good Job !
Riegelsville, PA We are thrilled with our repointed springhouse.
North Wales, PA The work was done exactly as outlined in the proposal. The quality was excellent. I have yet to hear a parishioner say they did not like the work! You should be pleased with your work crew.
North Wales, PA Dear Mr. deGruchy, On behalf of St. Luke's Consistory and Congregation, I wish to thank you and members of your masonry firm for donating work on pointing some of the stone on our church. For a small Congregation such as ours, a gift of $320.00 means a great deal. Sincerely, Charlotte D. Burkart Consistory Secretary
Bethlehem, PA WORKERS WERE VERY COURTEOUS AND CONGENIAL. ALSO, THEY DID A VERY GOOD JOB CLEANING AFTER WORK WAS COMPLETED.
Center Valley, PA WORK WAS VERY PROFESSIONALLY DONE.
Coopersburg, PA WE HAD MANY CONTRACTORS DOING JOBS FOR US, AND WE CANNOT NAME ONE THAT COMES UP TO THE STANDARDS OF THE MEN AT DEGRUCHY MASONRY. THEY ARE HARD-WORKING, CONSCIENTIOUS, POLITE AND VERY DEDICATED MEN. JOB WELL DONE !
Quakertown, PA This job turned out to be so very much better than expected. I was amazed. I would highly recommend this to anyone.
Center Valley, PA We were very satisfied with the workmanship and cooperation by the deGruchy employees. Feel free to show our house to prospective clients.
Sellersville, PA Excellent workmanship. The workers were very hard-working and conscientious. Overall, we're satisfied with the job - house looks fantastic!
Quakertown, PA We have received compliments on your work from everyone who has seen it. We are very pleased - Excellent job, good company. Thanks to you and your staff.
Pennsburg, PA Excellent job
Easton, PA We couldn't be more pleased with the stonework, and the deGruchy team was extraordinary in its conscientiousness and attention to detail.
Pennsburg, PA This is the second time we have used deGruchy's service. He is reliable, prompt, honest - does all work complete within a reasonable amount of time. Also is neat, even to cleaning up after the project is completed.
Emmaus, PA Well pleased with job. Have had many compliments concerning the restoration of the original stone.
Orefield, PA These men have succeeded in having our dream come true - a beautiful stone house. Everyone involved was truly hard-working, punctual and responsible. You couldn't ask for a nicer job! Grade A+ 100% !! Milton Whitaker
Hartsville, PA Our house turned out beautifully! People we don't even know come up to tell us how great it looks. I would gladly recommend you to anyone needing masonry work. Thanks for a great job.

20 Years later we received another comment:
As the owner of this property, I can affirm that having Andy do this project was the best investment we made in rejuvenating our house. The craftsmanship and attention to detail continue to be evident to all that view the result.
Northampton, PA deGruchy Masonry is one of a kind. From the expertise of the owner, Andy, to the courteous and well-educated employees, we enjoyed having them at our house and would definitely recommend them. We love you guys!
Springtown, PA Your team did a beautiful job! They finished ahead of schedule and the clean-up job was impeccable. Well done!
Durham, PA We were impressed with the courteous nature of the workmen. They were friendly, yet professional. We've received more compliments about the stone work than any other restoration we've undertaken.
Quakertown, PA Workers were industrious, responsible, accommodating. Extremely satisfied with performance and end result.
Doylestown, PA Work was outstanding and extremely professional. The newly pointed area matched existing pointing exactly - color and texture were perfect - all requests were satisfied.
Chester Springs, PA We were extremely pleased with the work on our farm house and we've had absolutely no problems and our place looks great. We get compliments from everyone who visits.
Landenberg, PA Dear Andy, We are really pleased with the ''uncovering'' of the stone of our house after all these years - the whole job and final appearance has exceeded all our expectations. All the guys were very helpful, pleasant and professional, especially Charlie and Reds who saw the whole project through from the beginning. Thanks again. Sincerely, Martin Wells and Pat Walters
Chester Springs, PA THE WORK PERFORMED WAS DONE SO IN A PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS MANNER. THE WORKMEN WERE COOPERATIVE WHEN WORKING WITH ME IN THE CORNICE REPAIR AND GENERALLY SENSITIVE TO THE RATHER UNIQUE DEMANDS OF WORKING ON OLD HISTORIC STRUCTURES.
Frenchtown, NJ PLEASE THANK BILL, JEFF AND JIM FOR A BEAUTIFUL JOB! THEY WERE SO NEAT I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE THEY WERE THERE! THE HOUSE LOOKS GREAT!! REGARDS, MAGGIE PURCELL
Riegelsville, PA Great job - house looks excellent!
Quakertown, PA Chris and I want you to know how happy we are with the stone work and repointing that you and your team completed for us....it is outstanding! The ''special formula'' that you created for the pointing/repointing is perfect! Both the interior and exterior stone work is blended perfectly with the old...it is impossible to tell where the old ends and the new begins...an awesome match. The arch you cut through on the second floor...the basement exterior entry...the walk-in fireplace in the Pub...beautiful!...and your house-warming gift....what a great surprise, and a fabulous repointing job on the well! Please feel free to have any of your customers contact and/or visit us...we would be pleased and proud to show off your work!!! Sincerely, Chris and Drew
Washington Township, NJ Jim did excellent work - he was very conscientious! He advised me continuously as to what he was doing. The clean up was great, and the whole project went well! Jim is an asset to your company!!
Center Valley, PA Everybody really likes the job.
Sellersville, PA The job site was nicely graded. In addition to good work , they took care, left things in excellent condition and were helpful.
Phillipsburg, NJ THE WORK WAS BEAUTIFUL. THEY CAME WHEN THEY SAID THEY WOULD, THE CLEAN UP WAS IMPECCABLE, AND THEY WERE FUN AND A PLEASURE TO HAVE AROUND. WOW! JOHN MCKERNON
Pheonixville, PA The wall is beautiful. I like to touch it. Thank you all for a job well done. As you know for me, there's nothing like the deGruchy craftsmen at work. I have only one negative comment: ''When my nephew Bill Dibble asked them to move the wall back 6 inches, they refused! I wonder why? It seems like a resonable request to me!'' Best Wishes Nancy
Philadelphia, PA Dealing with deGruchy Masonry was a very pleasant experience for us. We are satisfied with the work done. Not only was deGruchy knowledgeable in the technical aspects of his profession and materials used, but he also took the time to help us better understand our building needs.
Coopersburg, PA They did a very professional job of reconstructing our stone steps.
Emmaus, PA Our masons, primarily Charlie and Mike, were very trustworthy and hard working. They were concerned about containing the mess which could easily have been terrible, as we had work done inside and out. Our end result is beautiful. The cars continue to slow down and look; some even stop to copy the name deGruchy off the sign in our yard. Gail Phillips
Quakertown, PA We couldn't be more pleased with your staff and quality of work. Jeff Edelman is extremely courteous and personable.
Danielsville, PA Dear Andy, Once again, Holly and I would like to thank you and your men for the terrific job you did in our attic stone wall and stone walkway projects. Everyone who has seen your stonework has raved about the level of craftsmanship that went into the stoneworking and pointing - with some of our ''old timer'' neighbors and friends observing that they thought the art of stone pointing a ''lost art'' until they saw our attic wall!
Whitehall, PA From our first meeting with you, through the last details being settled, our experience has been pleasurable. When we phoned you with questions, our calls were returned promptly. When you gave us a date that you would be here to work, you were here. Jeff, Charlie, Mike and Jim were always helpful, always very hardworking and we feel have done n excellent job. The farmhouse looks absolutely great! We're extremely pleased with our end result and with everything it took to get there! Sandra Greener
Wayne, PA Well run, customer oriented, hard-working, knowledgeable, organized and very pleasant crew who did an excellent job restoring and rebuilding a bulging stone wall and repointing my front porch.
Quakertown, PA Dear Andy, This is an extremely belated thank you for stabilizing the chimney on the train station. For about 6 months we were extremely concerned about the high winds blowing out the one corner stone causing the top plate to fall off and go thru the roof. Some time in the near future we would like to meet with you to discuss some of the other masonry problems with the station. Again thank you for being concerned about saving a piece of Quakertown history. Sincerely, Dick Mindler President
Riegelsville, PA YOU WERE PROFESSIONAL AND PLEASANT TO WORK WITH, AND WE APPRECIATED YOUR FLEXIBILITY. THANKS.
R.D.#2 Perkasie, PA A JOB WELL DONE! WORKED WELL TOGETHER WITH THE ROOFING AND WINDOW CONTRACTOR.
Pennsburg, PA Both Mike and Chuck were industrious - working steadily. Both men were neat and courteous.
Sellersville, PA The men are polite, reliable and conscientious.
Macungie, PA The entire job took a little longer than anticipated. Clean up was wonderful - much more than was expected.!
Oxford, NJ deGruchy Masonry did an outstanding restoration of our 18th century masonry structure. Every man on the job performed his tasks in a skilled and professional manner. We are very pleased and highly recommend this firm. Susan P. Morgan
Souderton, PA Andy, Thanks fo much for allowing us to make payments. We never would have been able to do the whole job if it were not for your allowing and working with us. Thanks again! Jeff
Springtown, PA The work was done while we were away - and we were delighted with the results upon our return.
Radnor, PA While everyone wants to believe that a stone house is maintenance free, after 90 years, this one needed some restoration. I was very pleased to have secured the expertise of your firm and the craftsmen that you had on the job. You and the team had just the right approach to handling each element of the job. We all enjoy seeing the final product. It is very nice to find a company that knows what they are doing and do the job as professionals. I enjoyed having the crew on this job! Thanks for your help.
New Hope, PA Wonderful, competent teamwork. Incredible craftsmen.
Durham, PA We are thrilled with our repointed springhouse.
Steve, Rob and Jeremiah transformed our old painted-stucco-over-fieldstone home into a beautifully pointed dwelling beyond our dreams. These men are very focused and thorough; their work habits are of a high standard. Unanticipated problem areas were dealt with patiently, carefully and expertly.
Doylestown, PA Andy and his employees are exceptionally kind, hard workers. The staff on-site was most helpful and friendly. The final result was a most beautiful restoration of our old home.
Durham, PA I had over 20 different contractors on my job and deGruchy was the most reliable and customer-minded of all of them. Everyone from Andy to the helpers were polite and a pleasure to have around my project site and home. There is enough room on paper, but I would gladly talk to prospective customers of deGruchy.
Erwinna, PA THE MORTAR MIX WAS EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED, AND THE HOUSE LOOKS WONDERFUL!
Philadelphia, PA Dealing with deGruchy Masonry was a very pleasant experience for us. We are satisfied with the work done. Not only was deGruchy knowledgeable in the technical aspects of his profession and materials used, but he also took the time to help us better understand our building needs.
Riegelsville, PA Totally satisfied with the professional workers and workmanship of the job. Just beautiful!
Lebanon, NJ The repointing work done by Dave, Charlie, and Abe is the highlight of our home renovation project. I highly recommend deGruchy Masonry Restoration
Ambler, PA Highest quality service! From start to finish communication was crystal clear with no surprises. Mortar was a near perfect match with our pre-existing mortar (1950s home). deGruchy Masonry has my highest possible recommendation. Thank you Andy, Charlie, Dave and Jeremiah!