It isn't everyday we get to work on a historic preservation project especially one as significant as the Goshen Farms located on the river in Gloucester County. This house was originally built in 1755 and had several wings added on in the early 1920's. The latest "renovation" project took place nearly twenty five years ago when the current owners replaced the siding and had some roof repairs done. The siding was accomplished very well and is currently still in great shape. Unfortunately the roof repairs and the internal gutters have failed. Water has poured into the wall cavities (not so much into the interiors - which is why the owners went unaware) and caused some damage to some of the old framing timbers and other miscellaneous support framing members.
This is like going back to school again to remember all the terms used "back in the day" for framing and methods used. Many of these processes are just not used any longer. Like "Noggin". No this isn't your head! This is the brick and rock infill used in between the large framing timbers. Possibly this was used as insulation, but as many people argue about this as ideas of its originally intended purpose. Today we would never think about adding wet brick and mortar to the inside cavity of a wood frame structure. But it has mostly stood the test of time.
Our repairs involve limited disturbance of the noggin as the repairs are being performed. Some will be required to be removed but will be replaced back in tact as much as possible. This is a very delicate process and modern techniques to assist in further long range plans to prevent deterioration by separating the replaced brick with a barrier.
The timbers that require attention will also need to be carefully addressed. If it is an 8x8 oak timber, we don't want to replace it with a new pressured treated pine repair. The two different types of wood will also react to one another and cause potential cracking and spalding of the plaster on the interior. We need to get an oak replacement and have it pressure treated and put in place.....oh yeah, no steel bolts! As much as possible we are using the old world method of reattaching these new timbers to the existing structures. Dovetails, wood dowels, half dovetails, notches and many other than I have forgotten from my history class days in college. Of course all of these repairs must be structurally sound enough for an engineer to feel comfortable to place his stamp on them. McPherson Design Group is working with us on the project to issue we are successful in these repairs. Their history....in historic structural work...no pun intended...is well known.
There are a slew of other professional experienced in the historic preservation aspect contributing to the success of this project. Dovetail Construction out of Richmond is heading up the task of coordination in the field while others are handling DHR submissions and supplying materials necessary for the restoration of the project.
Enjoy the pictures as we continue the process.
