Miller Hall has served as the focal point of the Waynesburg College campus since its construction in the late 1800s. The structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, requiring all restoration work to comply with Secretary of Interior standards for the treatment of historic properties -- standards that govern material selection, application techniques, and the degree of intervention permitted on a historic fabric.
By the time Graciano was engaged, Miller Hall had deteriorated significantly. Mortar was rapidly failing across the exterior, decades of grime had accumulated on the stone surfaces, and water infiltration continued despite a recently installed new roof. Graciano conducted a careful mortar analysis before proceeding, ensuring that the replacement mortar composition matched the historic material in hardness and porosity -- a critical requirement on a National Register building where incompatible mortar can cause irreversible damage to original stone.
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- Mortar analysis and compatibility testing
- Raking and repointing of all mortar joints
- Stonework and stone patching with special patching material
- Masonry surface rehabilitation
- Chemical cleaning of stone surfaces
- Masonry cleaning throughout
- Individual brick replacement
- Brick facade rebuild
- Sealants application
- Clear penetrating breathable sealer applied to all masonry surfaces
- Waterproofing
Mortar Analysis and Repointing
Graciano's team raked deteriorated mortar from all joints across the building exterior and repointed using a mortar mix formulated to match the original in composition, color, and mechanical properties. On a National Register building, using a mortar that is harder than the original masonry units can cause stone spalling over time as thermal movement stresses transfer into the stone rather than the more sacrificial mortar joint. The mortar analysis performed before work began ensured the replacement material was appropriate for Miller Hall's historic stone.
Stone Cleaning and Surface Rehabilitation
Decades of grime were removed from the stone using chemical cleaning methods appropriate for historic masonry. Special patching material was applied to deteriorated stone areas, matched to the original in color and texture. Individual brick units that had failed beyond repair were replaced with compatible materials. Following all masonry repairs and cleaning, a clear penetrating breathable sealer was applied to all surfaces -- providing protection against water infiltration while allowing the masonry to breathe and not trapping moisture within the wall assembly.
About Graciano Corporation
Founded in 1916, Graciano Corporation is one of the oldest and most experienced masonry and concrete restoration firms in the United States. With offices in Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY, and Florida, Graciano has extensive experience with National Register historic properties and Secretary of Interior standards compliance. The company is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise performing approximately 90% of all work in-house with its own skilled craftsmen.