Project Profiles

Complete Masonry Restoration at International Airport

Western Specialty Airport — Joint between window and steel lintel before weeps and sealant were installed.

Western Specialty Airport2 — Before shot on front non secure side.

Western Specialty Airport3 — Foreman cutting out mortar for mock-up.

Western Specialty Airport4 — After installation of new weeps and sealant.

Western Specialty Airport5 — After repointing but before final brick wash.

Western Specialty Contractors - Minneapolis, Minn. branch recently restored the masonry facade of the former passenger terminal at Hector International Airport in Fargo, N.D. The 6,500-square-foot building is currently being utilized for office space.

With the restoration work focused near the tarmac, Western crews had to take great care to ensure that all worksite debris was thoroughly contained during the two-month project. Located at 1801 23rd Ave. N, Fargo International Airport is home to four airlines with non-stop service to 10 cities.

"We used our standard grinder with shroud and vacuum set up to remove the old mortar," said Minneapolis Branch Manager Mike Tripp. "But when any large debris fell from the brick facade, it had to be collected immediately and covered or disposed of due to the nearby pedestrians, aircraft and life flight helicopter taking off and landing at any given time. So, it was something that we had to be more cognizant of while working on the tarmac side."

The scope of the project included 100 percent tuckpointing of the masonry structure using a Type "O" historic pointing mortar replacement. Western crews also replaced 50 damaged bricks and six architectural concrete cap stones.

Improving the building's water mitigation system was also a priority on the project. Western crews installed tubular weeps, or vents, above each window steel lintel to assist with water drainage. The weeps were drilled directly into the mortar and installed every foot for about 500 feet.

To complete the project, Western crews replaced all sealants with 4,000 lineal feet of silicone, then thoroughly cleaned and sealed the entire building.

The project was completed in November, 2015. The architect on the project was T.L. Stroh Architects of Fargo, N.D.