Restoring historic buildings across Milwaukee and the surrounding areas often comes with unique challenges that can’t be addressed through standard renovation practices. These structures carry decades, sometimes centuries, of craftsmanship, material use, and construction methods that require careful consideration to protect their original character. At Advanced Restoration, we’ve worked with many property owners and managers who seek to preserve the historic integrity of their buildings while bringing them back to life.
Material Matching Can Be Complicated When Restoring Historic Buildings
One of the most common issues during the restoration of a historic building is finding the right materials. Brick, mortar, and stone used in the early 1900s or even earlier often differ in texture, size, color, and composition from those available today. Using modern substitutes can lead to mismatches that change the appearance of the building or affect its structural behavior. Even a slight variation in mortar mixture or brick color can stand out, disrupting the visual harmony of the façade.
Advanced Restoration sources materials with great care to match original components as closely as possible. This step protects both the structure’s historical look and its long-term performance. Historic masonry preservation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about using materials that interact with the building the way the originals did, especially when it comes to moisture movement and breathability.
Uncovering Hidden Structural Damage
Many historic buildings appear sturdy from the outside, but they often conceal years of wear behind their walls. Water intrusion, foundation settling, or neglected maintenance can cause significant damage that isn’t always immediately visible. Once restoration work begins, uncovering these hidden issues can significantly alter the scope of the project.
For example, damaged load-bearing walls, failing chimneys, or deteriorated parapets are common in older Milwaukee structures. If these areas are left untreated, they can become safety hazards. When restoring historic buildings, the process often begins with a detailed assessment to catch underlying damage early. Advanced Restoration conducts a careful review before any surface-level work begins so that necessary structural repairs are addressed right alongside visual improvements.
Navigating Historic Preservation Regulations
Another challenge is meeting the standards set by local and national preservation guidelines. Milwaukee and many surrounding communities require approvals or permits before any changes can be made to buildings with historic status. These rules often cover more than just design. They can limit which materials may be used, how repairs are carried out, and whether updates, such as window replacements or entry modifications, are allowed.
Working with a contractor familiar with these regulations can save property managers time and stress. Advanced Restoration understands the importance of adhering to preservation requirements while also helping building owners move forward with updates that enhance the structure’s safety and functionality. The goal is to respect the building’s past while making it suitable for modern use.
Managing Moisture and Weathering Issues
Historic buildings in Wisconsin deal with extreme seasonal shifts. From freezing winters to humid summers, masonry materials expand and contract in response to changes in temperature over time. If past repairs were made with incompatible materials or if aging features, such as flashing or mortar joints, have deteriorated, moisture problems can develop quickly.
Restoration work often includes repointing, waterproofing, and brick replacement to protect against further weather-related wear. These are delicate steps that require attention to the original design while updating vulnerable areas. Advanced Restoration approaches moisture management with long-term performance in mind, especially for historic commercial and institutional buildings throughout the region.
Preserving Architectural Details
Decorative brickwork, hand-carved stone elements, and unique cornices are common in historic Milwaukee buildings. These architectural details often define the structure’s look but can be easily damaged by improper repairs or harsh cleaning methods. In some cases, past renovations may have already removed or altered these features, making accurate restoration more difficult.
Restoring historic buildings involves studying the building’s original design and employing preservation techniques that revive these details without causing further harm. Whether it’s carefully rebuilding a damaged archway or replicating a specific pattern in the masonry, retaining these features adds both value and beauty.
Restoring Historic Buildings with Care in Milwaukee and Surrounding Areas
Historic building preservation involves many moving parts, but the end result is well worth the effort. Restoring historic buildings helps protect Milwaukee’s architectural history, keeps structures safe, and extends their lifespan for future use.
At Advanced Restoration, we help building owners take on each challenge with confidence—from material sourcing to masonry repair and preservation planning. Visit our website to learn more about our historic building preservation services and how we can help you protect the character of your property.
