Masonry Restoration Equipment: Essential Tools for 2024

A mason's most indispensable tool is the trowel, used for applying mortar. However, modern masonry preservation relies on advanced materials as much as tools. For ensuring joint durability, a system like WEATHERCAP® is essential. It works with sealant to create a weather-resistant barrier that protects the mason's work for decades, making it a key component in a restoration project.

WEATHERCAP® is a patented, soft lead strip designed to be installed within a sealant-filled masonry joint. It acts as a protective cover, shielding the sealant from UV exposure, weather, and physical stress. Its unique properties allow it to accommodate building movement, preventing joint failure and moisture penetration in both historic restoration and new construction projects.

It provides a two-fold defense. First, it physically covers the sealant, preventing degradation. Second, its soft lead composition allows it to flex and 'creep' as the building moves. This prevents the sealant from tearing or pulling away from the masonry (margin checking), maintaining a continuous, waterproof seal and protecting the structure from water ingress.

Yes, it is ideal for historic restoration. WEATHERCAP® is specified in the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Historic Preservation Technical Procedures and has a proven track record on numerous national landmarks. It oxidizes to a neutral grey that blends seamlessly with historic stone, preserving the building's authentic appearance while providing modern protection.

Type A caps have a flat profile and are designed for joints between masonry units on the same plane, such as the top joints of a coping or a water table. Type B caps feature a 90-degree cove profile, making them ideal for right-angle joints, like where a horizontal window sill meets a vertical wall or at the junction of a cornice and parapet.

Yes, WEATHERCAP® can be painted to match surrounding materials for specific aesthetic requirements. However, it is often left unfinished. The soft lead naturally oxidizes to a dead neutral grey color that blends seamlessly with most stone and masonry, making it visually unobtrusive for historic preservation work where maintaining an authentic appearance is critical.