Bronx, NY More than 20 specifiers from leading restoration design firms in the New York area participated in a hands-on AIA-credited workshop from Cathedral Stone Products, Inc., hosted by West New York Restoration Products of CT on January 12^th. “Quality results on masonry restoration projects depend on proper system design, quality materials, as well as knowledge of restoration techniques. That’s why we put so much emphasis on specifying, training, and applicator certification,” said Joe Sette, CEO of Cathedral Stone Products. The half-day workshop included an in-depth overview by director of sales Steven Cortazzo that detailed common problems of aging stone and masonry. “In the N.Y. area, we see a lot of deteriorating structures, and discoloration and staining of concrete and soft stone such as limestone, terra cotta and marble. We see masonry with fractures, displacement, bond separation and voids, and façades that need pinning or reinforcement. Cathedral Stone Products offers the systems approach to remediate all of the challenges a restoration project may present with the prime objective to restore the integrity of materials and the underlying value of the real estate,” he said. Cortazzo emphasized that restoration is generally less expensive than replacement if at least 50% of the original stone or masonry structure remains – and it may be the best or only option over large areas or where access is difficult or limited. The company’s systems were instrumental in restoring such landmarks as the Empire State Building, the Javits Center, the Washington Monument, Ellis Island, and the U.S. Capitol. Hands-On Experience During the workshop, participants applied Cathedral Stone’s restoration mortars to actual stone replicas. After smoothing the mortar, one specifier, who has used the products for more than five years, commented: “You can find another restoration product or two out there, but nothing is quite as good as Cathedral Stone Products. And their technical service is always there and very responsive when you need project support.” Workshop participants also watched Cathedral Stone Products Technical Advisory Team members Ken Saul and Dan Perakes demonstrate specialized cleaning and paint removal products, and learned how moldable mortars can replicate complex architectural details such as lion heads and finials. In addition, Opus Architecture Principal Michelle Quartin demonstrated how artisans can replicate the tone and texture of natural stone, or restore the look of discolored or weather-stained stone or masonry façades using color matched coatings and painting techniques. The in-depth workshop qualified for continuing education credits from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Restoration systems from Cathedral Stone Products include: surface preparation products, masonry restoration systems and mineral coatings, masonry restraining systems and tools, as well as technical support, laboratory testing and custom color matching services. Founded by Dennis Rude in 1982, Cathedral Stone Products is well known for their line of Jahn restoration mortars that can be custom blended for a specific project, as well as for potassium silicate mineral coatings that mechanically bond to masonry and create a breathable surface that resists airborne contaminants and will never crack or peel. Caption 1: Steven Cortazzo, director of sales for Cathedral Stone Products, Inc. (left) and CEO Joe Sette (far right) pause for a moment with West New York Restoration of CT principal Alfred Gallicchio (second from left) and senior estimator Kevin Crawford during the architectural workshop which reviewed stone restoration systems and gave specifiers hands-on experience. Now based in the Bronx, the exterior restoration company was founded in 1984 with the goal of providing high-quality contracting services. Caption 2: Design pros got hands-on experience in stone restoration at the Cathedral Stone workshop, including Jim Cicalo, principal of FSI Architecture, a full-service, NY architecture and design firm specializing in building renovations and historical preservation.