U.S. Heritage Group helps specifiers and contractors navigate the challenges of masonry restoration projects by providing specialized consulting services:

1. PRE-PLANNING PHASE: Masonry Condition Assessment & Specification Review
-Identify Problem; Define Scope; Recommend Materials; Develop Bid Document

We work directly with specifiers to confirm masonry condition findings and to establish a clear scope of work for complex restoration projects. This service includes assistance in preparing the construction documents and/or reviewing the current specification requirements for the project.

2. PLANNING PHASE: Material Testing & Matching
-Identify Original Material; Define Replacement Mix; Produce Factory Product

U.S. Heritage Group, Inc. is a pioneer in the field of historic mortar matching and custom
material production. We bring together information from site evaluations, examination of
existing masonry wall design, and advanced material matching techniques to produce a
custom-blended mortar that is unique to the project. The resulting replacement blend
replicates the original mortar in both appearance and performance while meeting the
criteria of the National Park Service Preservation Brief 2, Repointing Mortar Joints in
Historic Masonry Buildings.

3. PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE: On-Site Contractor Training
-Define Repair Approach; Establish Performance and Matching Criteria; Field Mock-up Installation

U.S. Heritage Group jump-starts projects by training the mason contractor at the site during the installation of the mock-up samples, and our instructors demonstrate and teach the techniques that will be used to replicate the original techniques. The mock-up panel also provides a clear standard by which to judge the quality of the work performed onsite. U.S. Heritage certifies (with a test and written certificate), that each mason meets training requirements with regard to workmanship standards specific to the project. 

4. CONSTRUCTION PHASE: In-Progress Site Inspections
-Specification Compliance; Field Mock-up Approval & Review; Workmanship Quality; Material Profile, Texture and Color

U.S. Heritage Group provides site inspections that serve both the architect and the contractor.  These inspections are a useful way to assess the quality and consistency of the masonry work, which helps ensure that the contractors are meeting workmanship standards established during the training and installation of the mock up sample. Potential problems are identified in the early stages, and U.S. Heritage Group offers retraining in these areas before they become larger issues.

Our recent consulting projects include :

• The Darwin Martin House; Frank Lloyd Wright, architect. Buffalo, NY (1903-1905)
• The Old State Capitol, James A. Dakin, architect. Baton Rouge, LA (1849)
• Fayerweather Hall at Amherst College; McKim, Mead and White, architects. Amherst, MA (1894)
• Chicago Theater, C. W. & Geo. L. Rapp, architects. Chicago, IL (1921)
• Old Main, Universitty of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (1875)

To learn more , please call our office at 773-286-2100 or fill out our information request form .