Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The masonry restoration at Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, combined repointing, replacement masonry units, water drainage improvements, sealant replacement, cleaning and sealing. Western Specialty Contractors reported completing the work in two months on the 6,500-square-foot former passenger terminal, which was being used as office space at the time. The project was completed in November 2015 and focused on a facade beside active airport operations.
This case is useful because it shows how a restoration scope can address several failure points at once: deteriorated mortar joints, damaged bricks and cap stones, water at window lintels, failed perimeter sealants and soiling. It is one documented project, not a universal specification or a performance study.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What did the masonry restoration at Hector International Airport involve?
The reported scope covered the building rather than a small spot repair. Western Specialty Contractors described full tuckpointing of the masonry structure with a Type O historic pointing mortar replacement, replacement of 50 damaged bricks and six architectural concrete cap stones, installation of tubular weeps above window steel lintels, replacement of all sealants with 4,000 lineal feet of silicone, and final cleaning and sealing. The work took about two months.
The contractor’s project release supplies the quantities and methods. A Building Enclosure profile published in 2016 documents the same project with photographs. Neither source presents a cost, laboratory testing, product brands or measured post-restoration performance.
Popular on Amazon
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
| Reported item | Project detail |
|---|---|
| Building | Former passenger terminal at Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota |
| Area | 6,500 square feet |
| Mortar work | Full tuckpointing using a Type O historic pointing mortar replacement |
| Masonry units | 50 damaged bricks and six architectural concrete cap stones replaced |
| Drainage | Tubular weeps above window steel lintels, drilled into mortar at one-foot intervals for about 500 feet |
| Sealants | 4,000 lineal feet of silicone |
| Duration | Two months |
Why was a full facade approach important?
Masonry walls depend on more than the visible face of the brick. Mortar joints, individual units, projecting caps, openings and sealant joints all influence how water moves through and around the facade. Repairing only the most obvious cracked joints can leave another path for moisture at a lintel, cap stone or window perimeter.
The airport project addressed those interfaces together. Repointing renewed the joints; unit replacement dealt with isolated damaged bricks and cap stones; weeps provided outlets above the window lintels; and new silicone sealants renewed movement and weather joints. Cleaning and sealing were also included. The sources do not state that every component had the same cause of damage, so the scope should be read as the contractor’s project description rather than proof that one defect caused another.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFor owners, the practical lesson is to map the facade as a system before writing a repair schedule. A condition survey should identify mortar loss, cracked or spalled units, deteriorated caps, blocked or missing drainage openings, and failed sealant. The airport example demonstrates the value of recording quantities for each category instead of describing the job only as “masonry repair.”
What did the tuckpointing work consist of?
Tuckpointing removes deteriorated mortar from masonry joints and installs compatible replacement mortar. At Hector International Airport, the contractor reported full tuckpointing with a Type O historic pointing mortar replacement. “Type O” identifies the mortar type named in the project release; the documents do not publish its mix proportions, laboratory results or design rationale.
Mortar compatibility matters in historic masonry because a repair material must work with the existing brick and joint profile. However, this case does not establish that Type O is appropriate for every building. Existing masonry age, strength, exposure, prior repairs and local specifications can change the suitable mortar choice. A building owner should therefore require the restoration team to document why a proposed mortar matches the existing construction and to identify any mock-up or approval process used on the job.
The release gives one detail about removal: Minneapolis Branch Manager Mike Tripp said, We used our standard grinder with shroud and vacuum set up to remove the old mortar.
That statement describes the equipment used on this project. It should not be read as a mandate for every facade; access, joint width, historic fabric and site restrictions may call for different tools and controls.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Also popular on Amazon
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
Why were bricks and concrete cap stones replaced?
Repointing repairs joints, but it cannot restore a brick or cap stone that is itself damaged. The reported scope replaced 50 damaged bricks and six architectural concrete cap stones. These are separate quantities, which indicates that the contractor tracked unit replacement independently from mortar replacement.
Replacement units have to fit the surrounding work in size, profile, color and finish. The project sources do not identify the replacement brick manufacturer, dimensions, matching process or repair details for the cap stones. They also do not say whether the damage was caused by impact, freeze-thaw exposure, water entry or another mechanism. Those omissions are important: a future project should not copy the quantities or assume the same diagnosis without its own survey.
A useful specification separates selective unit replacement from repointing. It should state how many units are to be removed, how surrounding masonry will be protected, how replacement material will be approved, and how joints will be tooled to match retained work. The airport release confirms that this level of work was part of the completed project, but not the acceptance criteria used.
How did the project improve water drainage?
The contractor installed tubular weeps above window steel lintels. The release says the vents were drilled into the mortar at one-foot intervals for about 500 feet. Weeps give water collected within a masonry cavity or at a lintel path to the exterior; in this project they were specifically located over window openings.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe one-foot spacing and approximately 500-foot total are project measurements, not a general rule for all walls. The sources do not describe the wall assembly, cavity depth, existing flashing, outlet diameter or whether the weeps were replacing blocked openings. Those details determine how a drainage repair should be designed elsewhere.
When planning comparable work, owners should ask for a marked elevation showing every proposed weep location and for an explanation of how the openings connect to the drainage plane. The team should also confirm that drilling will not damage reinforcement, concealed utilities or historic masonry features. These questions extend the documented scope into a practical review process without treating the airport’s spacing as a universal standard.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
What was included in the sealant and cleaning work?
All sealants were replaced with 4,000 lineal feet of silicone, followed by cleaning and sealing of the building. “All sealants” indicates a building-wide replacement within the project scope, while the 4,000-lineal-foot figure gives the reported quantity. The release does not name a silicone brand, joint sizes, primer requirements, color, movement rating or warranty.
Sealant joints are distinct from mortar joints. They commonly occur where masonry meets windows, dissimilar materials or movement joints, so a sealant replacement schedule should identify each joint type and substrate. Before installation, an owner should require removal of unsound material, preparation instructions and a compatibility review for adjacent coatings and masonry. None of those product-specific details is published for Hector International Airport.
Recommended Free Tools
The sources also do not specify the cleaning method or the sealer chemistry. Cleaning can change the appearance of historic masonry, and sealing can affect vapor movement; therefore, a future specification should require a test area and written approval of the final appearance when the building’s character matters. That is a planning safeguard, not a claim about what was done at the airport.
How were airport work-zone hazards handled?
The restoration took place near the tarmac, where the contractor reported nearby pedestrians, aircraft and a life-flight helicopter. The release says large debris falling from the facade had to be collected immediately and covered or disposed of. This is an attributed description of the site controls used for this project, not a blanket airport regulation.
Mortar removal can generate chips and dust, making containment part of the work plan rather than an afterthought. The grinder shroud and vacuum setup cited by Tripp addressed debris and dust at the removal tool. The project report also emphasizes prompt collection of larger pieces because of the surrounding activity.
Owners working at airports or other occupied sites should put the control plan in the contract: access boundaries, pedestrian separation, aircraft coordination, debris collection, housekeeping frequency, emergency contacts and suspension criteria for changing operations. The airport case shows why a facade method statement must account for the surroundings as well as the wall.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Also popular on Amazon
- Toolwiz 17-inch magnetic sweeper maintaining a load capacity of up to 8.8 pounds provides a perfect solution to the problem of clearing small ferrous metal objects, such as nails, tacks, bolts, and metal shavings from workshops or garage floors.
- Convenient and portable：17” is good for home, small workshop, or small yard as it is space-saving and more reachable for narrow areas. Perfect for collecting nails or small parts in the car, under the table, and in other nooks or crannies.
- Upgraded Handle Design: The handle features a sturdy, non-telescopic design to completely prevent slipping during use. By simply adding or removing the extension poles, the height can be adjusted to 3 different lengths: 18.9" (48 cm), 32.5" (82.5 cm), and 42.5" (108 cm) from ground to top. This customizable height helps prevent back bending and muscle strain, making your cleaning tasks effortless
- Flexible wheels: Upgrade wheel screws to avoid being too tight to spin or too loose. More comfortable 3-inch rubber wheels roll smoothly on carpet, grass, concrete, and hardwood floors. Just push and pull this rolling magnet-sweeper to pick up metal nails easily.
- Lightweight materials: The magnetic nail sweeper's compact and lightweight design makes the sweeping can be done anywhere you want, Push or pull it under the furniture, passing through the workshop floor, driveway, mud, grass, and gravel.
How long did the restoration take?
Western Specialty Contractors reported a two-month duration. The release does not provide a daily sequence, crew size, weather allowances, permit timeline or hours of work, so the figure cannot be used as a reliable estimate for another building.
Schedule planning should instead begin with measurable quantities and site constraints. The airport scope included 6,500 square feet of facade, full joint work, 50 brick replacements, six cap stones, about 500 feet of weeps and 4,000 lineal feet of sealant. Access near the tarmac and the need for immediate debris control could affect staging and daily production. A contractor’s schedule should show how those quantities will be coordinated with airport operations and how weather or restricted access will be handled.
What can building owners learn from this case?
The project offers a concrete checklist for scoping masonry restoration without pretending that one airport determines every best practice:
- Survey the whole envelope. Record mortar joints, individual masonry units, caps, lintels, weeps, sealant joints and areas requiring cleaning or sealing.
- Separate quantities by repair type. Track square footage, linear footage, unit counts and drainage outlets independently, as the airport release did.
- Document compatibility. Require the proposed mortar and replacement units to be compared with the existing historic masonry. The reported Type O mortar is evidence of this project’s choice, not a universal prescription.
- Explain water paths. Show how weeps, lintels, flashing and sealant joints work together, and identify what is known versus what remains concealed.
- Specify containment. Include dust, falling-debris and housekeeping controls appropriate to occupied or operational sites.
- Set approval points. Use sample repairs or mock-ups where appearance, joint profile or cleaning strength is sensitive, and define who accepts the result.
- Request records. Ask for daily quantities, replaced-unit locations, weep locations, sealant footage, photographs and closeout documentation.
These steps make bids easier to compare and help an owner distinguish a complete facade program from isolated cosmetic repairs. They are process recommendations derived from the documented scope; they are not claims that the original project used every item on this checklist.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What does the published case study not tell us?
The two available sources are project reports, not an independent investigation. They do not publish construction cost, product brands, mortar test results, sealant performance data, water-infiltration test results, energy effects or a post-completion condition assessment. They also do not explain the design basis for selecting Type O mortar or the engineering details behind the weep layout.
That evidence boundary matters when using the project as a reference. It supports statements about the reported scope, quantities, location and duration. It does not support claims that the work solved a measured leak rate, extended service life by a stated number of years, met a particular code provision or represents the least expensive approach.
Also popular on Amazon
- APPLY TO MOST DRILLS : 6 pieces screw extractors work with any drill and all the screw size or bolt (3-12mm), These extractor tools are used to reverse the damaged screw counterclockwise until it is released
- The DIY Tools for Men-Men won't know they need screw extractor set until they have one! This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and Unique tool gifts for men women. The must have stocking stuffers for men, gifts for dad, husband, father, him, guy teens, adult, Boyfriend, son on Birthdays, Christmas, Fathers Day or anniversary. Perfect Holiday Gifts Guide
- HIGH QUALITY - This damaged screw remover tool kit is made from High-Speed Steel H.S.S 4341# , which have high hardness of 63hrc, it's durable and easily to remove any damaged screws.
- EASY TO USE: Just two simple steps to get the job done - drill a hole with a cutting size using the right size screw extractor and easily remove the screw or bolt using the removal tool Hardness 63-65HRC: Titanium hardened steel material, more durable than most screw extractors on the market, better hardness and durability than others, buy with confidence and complete peace of mind
- Cool Gadgets for Men Dad Christmas Birthday Gifts for Men and Women - Men won't know they need screw extractor sets until they have one! Every screw has the potential to rust and break, which can create a situation where it cannot be removed. Owning it, there will be no anxiety about rusty screws. This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and unique tool gifts for men women. A must have stocking stuffer for men on birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day or anniversaries, a gifts for dads, husbands, fathers, him, adults, boyfriends, sons. The best and most practical and surprising Christmas gifts
For a new restoration, those unanswered questions should be addressed by the owner’s consultant and qualified contractor through condition assessment, compatible material selection, site-specific safety planning and documented acceptance criteria.
What is the main takeaway from the Hector airport restoration?
The project’s significance is its coordinated scope. A 6,500-square-foot former terminal received full repointing, selective brick and cap-stone replacement, approximately 500 feet of tubular weeps, 4,000 lineal feet of silicone sealant, and cleaning and sealing over a two-month period. The work also had to control falling debris beside active airport and pedestrian activity.
For owners, the durable lesson is to treat masonry as an interconnected enclosure. Diagnose joints, units, openings, drainage and sealants together; quantify each repair; and tailor materials and controls to the actual building and site. The published record is detailed enough to show what this project included, but not broad enough to serve as a one-size-fits-all specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see photographs of the Hector International Airport restoration?
Building Enclosure’s April 2016 project profile includes photographs and captions showing restoration stages. The images supplement the contractor’s written release but do not add published cost or performance measurements.
When was the airport masonry project completed and reported?
The restoration was completed in November 2015. Western Specialty Contractors issued its project release on April 8, 2016, and Building Enclosure published its profile on April 22, 2016.
Were specific mortar or silicone brands identified?
No. The documentation identifies a Type O historic pointing mortar replacement and silicone sealant, but it does not name manufacturers, retail products or product data sheets.
Does the case study include a restoration cost or warranty?
No published cost, warranty term or independent post-project performance result appears in the supplied sources. Those items would need to be obtained directly for any new project or procurement decision.
