Main Street Guidelines & Principals

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Maintenance of Materials

No business can look its best if the materials the building it's housed in are in poor repair. Here are some techniques to consider when maintaining the most common building materials.
Brick - Common problems include pitting, rounded edges, dirt, damage from moisture (particularly where walls meet the roof or near clogged drains), erosion of mortar. Solutions include cleaning with low pressure and gentle detergent. High pressure only serves to add to the pitting and erosion. Repainting should be done with care matching the style, size, color, and composition. Painting brick is never a good idea, because once painted, the surface cannot be restored. If bricks have already been painted, they should not be cleaned with chemicals.
Wood - Common problems include: deterioration, dry or split areas, water damage, lack of previous maintenance. Solutions include: replacing rotting or missing pieces, scraping thoroughly and painting, caulking and puttying around windows. If painting is required, scrape and sand all surfaces. Use 2 coats of prime, and a minimum of 2 coats final color.
Cast iron - Common problems include: telltale rust and surface discoloration, sagging cornices signifying deterioration in supporting frame. Solutions: contact a metal worker who can fabricate replacements and suggest additional action.
Decorative glass - Common problems: sometimes covered (check transoms or behind plywood), sagging. Solutions: for sagging glass, glass and frame may need to be reinforced. If the glass is leaded or stained, use the same metal between the glass panes as originally used. All glass should be kept clean with frequent washings.
Windows - Check wooden frames and sills. Solve minor problems with fresh coat of paint. Fill cracks with caulk or wood putty. Serious damage may require application of wood consolidate or replacement of frame. Loose or broken panes can be easily fixed. Soaping window tracks will ease opening and closing. If windows are painted shut, tap the sash with a hammer wrapped in cloth and carefully cut between sash and frame. If the mechanism is broken, call a builder. When replacing windows, try to match existing units without altering existing openings. If aluminum or metal clad were used, select a color that matches the building.
Stone work - Common problems: cracks, erosion from wind and water. Solution: Check with an expert!
Vinyl siding - Common problems: dirt, mildew. Solution: Wash every spring. Note: if you are making changes to your façade, we do not recommend vinyl.
Cornice maintenance - Upper facades are often overlooked when it's time to repair, but keep in mind that upper levels need work, too. Check wooden support structure for rot or insect damage. Look for remodeling which might be hiding an architectural detail. Paint sheet metal to prevent rust.
Replacing existing materials - Fake historic decoration is not recommended. Substitute materials should have the same look as whatever they are replacing: same texture, color, size, shape, and detailing.
Sidewalks - Keep free of weeds. Check for cracks, broken or chipped areas which could cause people to trip. Repair or replace areas that are your responsibility, check with the Department of Public Works to see where their maintenance ends.
In summary:
» Preventive maintenance costs less than rehabilitation!

Guidelines Introduction

For many of us the word village connotes a small ...