Crushed stone and masonry dust work equally well when bringing a brick path back to level.

Despite what we learned from the three little pigs, as they grow older, even the hardiest of brick buildings will require repair and restoration. The strict requirements of some historic districts have given way to lots of new tricks for dyeing and distressing new brick and mortar to closely resemble the older surrounding masonry.

Bob and Chris once again meet up with Cas Stachelberg from Higgins and Quasebarth to talk more about the fa�ade restoration. Higgins and Quasebarth is a New York City firm focused on the preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties. Stachelberg sizes up the restoration work by first describing the original high quality brick from the building's original use as a residence. The masonry works transitions to a more common brick with large mortar joints that was added when the building was converted to commercial use. Moving along the facade, Stachelberg points out the bluestone stairs, which were likely added during the building's commercial conversion. In disrepair, the stairs are now delaminating from decades of exposure to New York weather. The restoration expert also notes the brownstone sill on the other side of the building, which he believes was the building's original entrance.