Historic Building Architects’ Material Science Laboratory provides material characterization and analysis that not only assists in a remedial and preventive treatment plan tailored to your structure but also provides a better understanding of the architectural element’s original appearance and basic properties.

The Material Science Laboratory provides an analytical service for the interpretation and recommendation of historic building materials and finishes. The Material Science Laboratory has a large range of analytical services for the identification of historic building materials such as mortar and paint.

We specialize in the diachronic and synchronic interpretation of paint layers. The colors are documented using photo-micrographs and Munsell color notation. The key layers are also matched to Benjamin Moore paint colors for restoration purposes. The color scheme of a historic structure is interpreted by understanding the successive paint layers through comparative examination among the paint strata found in multiple samples taken from the site and a review of available historic written and photographic materials. The stratigraphic interpretation can be supported with analysis of the microstructure, chemical composition and historical research.

We also do extensive mortar and stucco analysis for replication purposes, water vapor transmission testing, and salt analysis. All testing and analytical methods comply to the American Society for the Testing of Materials Standards (ASTM) and/or the NORMAL standards.

Historic Building Architects’ Material Science Laboratory also provides coordination and interpretation of petrographic analysis and instrumental analytical methods such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD).

 
Micrograph image: Fountain of Light, Atlantic City, NJ
Fountain of Light, Atlantic City, NJ


Analytical methods include:

  • Gross cross-section examination and Munsell color notation is done with then Munsell system standards (ASTM D1535-97) in northern light against a neutral base for color measurement.
  • Reflected light microscopy (RLM) of cross-sections that are embedded in a mounting medium (Bio-plast ®) and photo-micrographed at low magnification under reflected light.
  • Qualitative micro-chemical spot tests are used to determine pigments and components in paint, mortars and stucco.
  • Permeability testing using RILEM tubes.
  • Gravimetric mortar and stucco analysis is done according to the ASTM standards.

We can also coordinate outside testing services for analytical methods such as:

  • Polarized light microscopy (PLM) of dispersed pigments, thin sections of mortar, stone and terracotta is executed to determine the micro-morphology, technology, ratios and type of materials used.
  • UV-Fluorescence light microscopy in combination with fluorochromes and staining techniques is applied to indentify a range of binding media in paint layers. UV-Fluorescence is also used to differentiate between inorganic materials such gypsum and calcium.
  • X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for the identification of crystalline materials.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) can be contracted for a better understanding of the structure and chemical make-up of some architectural materials.
  • Petrographic analysis can be used for a better understanding of masonry materials such as stone, brick, mortar and stucco.

Treatment development and recommendations:

An overall treatment plan can be developed for each project’s unique requirements based on condition surveys, analytical test results and the interpretation of historical research. Monitoring programs and treatment options can be developed and tested at the Historic Buildings Architects’ Material Science Laboratory before implementation in the field.

 

For additional information contact:

Christina Burris, Architectural Materials Conservator
Michael Calafati, AIA Principal
Annabelle Radcliffe-Trenner, AIA, RIBA, Principal

 

Micrograph image: St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Burlington, NJ
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Burlington, NJ

 

Micrograph image: First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ
First Unitarian Society of Plainfield,
Plainfield, NJ

 

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