Number 4

A regularly-scheduled construction site meeting was held earlier this week.  Some major progress has already been reported, and there are some further decisions to be made:

Progress so far

• The interior masonry reinforcing and repointing is complete on the East tower.
• Removal of existing mortar on the exterior portions of the East tower is 95% complete.
• Mortar removal in the interior portions of the West tower is now complete, and masonry reinforcing is currently in progress (ie helical ties are being installed).  Here's how:

•  Removal of existing mortar in the exterior portions of the West tower is 80% complete.
• The floor of the belfry (in the East tower) has been found to be sloping inward.  In order to correct this, a set of 2x4 sleepers will be installed so that positive drainage can be achieved.
• Additional wood joists will also be installed below the belfry in order to provide additional support, and to ensure that the reversal of the drainage on this level does not occur.

 Further decisions to be made

• The wooden decorative pieces which have surrounded the towers at the belfry level have all been removed and lowered to the ground level.  Detailed inspection has revealed that they are severely weathered and not suitable to be reinstalled.  Decisions will have to be made shortly about whether they will be reconstructed in wood, fibre glass or aluminum.  Details about these options as well as pricing for each option are forthcoming.
• The fabrication of steel reinforcement bands and beams is in progress.  In addition, metal access ladders are being created to allow safe access to the belfry levels of each tower.  As soon as they are complete, and the repointing in the interior portions of the West tower are complete, they will be installed.
• A first attempt at the exterior mortar was applied in a small section on the tower, however the colour did not match our specifications, so a second sample is to be applied this week.  Upon approval of the colour match, the exterior mortar installation will continue.
• Below the belt courses in each tower, there are a series of blind windows.  The top parts of these arches will need to be tended to in order to repair some damaged brick and to ensure that the mortar on the inner wythes is not too badly damaged.  Any damaged areas (such as that depicted below) will need to be repaired before the repointing continues.

All the necessary material for the completion of restoration to the bell has now arrived, however work on the bell itself will not commence until the restoration of the brick work in the tower(s) is complete.  The only exception to this will be the installation of a conduit to allow for the power lines to safely reach the belfry levels.  This work will take place just prior to the dismantling of the existing scaffolding.

While in the course of our inspection this week, we also noted that there is significant deterioration to the framing around the rose window, which will also merit some attention in the near future.  This does not figure in the scope of the current restoration project, but will need to be attended to shortly.  In addition, there is evidence of some needed repair to the masonry atop the chimney which protrudes from the top of the rectory.  This too will be reserved for future projects.