The crews of J.B. Leslie Masonry Contractors finished
cutting out the old deteriorated masonry joints on Pemaquid Point
Lighthouse week ending July 20, 2007. With this work completed, the next
phase of the restoration project is to repoint the 1835 tower with
historically accurate natural cement, which is set to begin on July 23rd.
“The process of cutting
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
The process to cut out the old
deteriorates mortar joints on the tower
has been completed
out the old joints
was a tedious and delicate job,” said Bob Trapani, Jr., American Lighthouse
Foundation executive director. “Jim Leslie’s masons were extremely careful
not to damage the historic granite façade of the lighthouse, while working
to remove all the deteriorated mortar between the stonework until they
reached acceptable depths where hard mortar could be found. As expected, the
lower portion of the tower’s stonework was more intense when it came to
cutting out the old joints.”
Trapani went on to
note, “We are looking forward to having the Maine Historic Preservation
Commission and Building Conservation Associates
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Old mortar was cut out to varying depths
on the tower's stonework until hard
mortar was reached in every joint.
inspect the lighthouse restoration work completed to
date, which will occur during a site meeting on July 24th. I
can’t say enough good things about the work of J.B. Leslie Masonry
Contractors at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse – the historic beacon is going
to be as good as new when this project is completed.”
