The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious sign of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straight forward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for skill and experience. Good repointing practices guarantee the long life of the mortar joint, the wall, and the historic structure. This hands-on workshop introduces the basic principles and work practices needed to repoint vintage brick and/or stone structures using breathable lime mortar supplied by LimeWorks.us. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises cover the properties of natural hydraulic lime mortars; tips for selecting and mixing lime mortars; and cleaning, filling, repointing, and tooling certain mortar joints. Under the guidance of experienced masons from the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team, participants may potentially have the opportunity to practice the skills on historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. Prior masonry experience is not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
• Be aware of proper wall preparation to safely remove existing mortar and rake and clean joints without damaging the surrounding stone or brick.
• Know how to mix, place, and cure lime mortar properly.
• Recognize common pointing styles.
• Be able to fill, repoint, tool, texture, and brush mortar joints to simulate simple pointing profiles.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Companies or organizations with 10 or more participants may qualify for a training program at their location. Call 215-536-1776 for details.

As the number of historic buildings continues to increase, so does the demand for masons who have the necessary skill and knowledge critical to the preservation of vintage structures. A skilled and exacting mason can match rebuilt sections of masonry to the original in terms of stone type and size; patterns of jointing and coursing; and mortar color, texture, and profile. Properly done, repointing restores the visual and physical integrity of the masonry. Improperly done, repointing not only detracts from the appearance of the building, but may also cause physical damage and decay to the stone or brick. The ultimate success and performance of the repairs depends upon the proper selection of materials and the quality of the work performed by the masons. This workshop is designed to elevate the level of craftsmanship of participants by introducing the techniques needed to simulate special joint profiles such as ribbon, weathered ridge, beaded, and/or grapevine repointing. Regardless of the type of mortar joint being installed, it is essential that existing joint profiles should be followed where encountered in historic restoration projects. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises cover the properties of natural hydraulic lime, tips for selecting and mixing lime mortars, cleaning and filling joints, and consistently tooling and striking specialized mortar joint profiles. Under the guidance of experienced masons from the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team, participants may potentially have the opportunity to practice the skills on historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. The additional knowledge and skills may also enable attendees to cultivate a competitive edge in the growing preservation field. The difference is in the details. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
• Be aware of proper wall preparation to safely remove existing mortar and rake and clean joints without damaging the surrounding stone or brick.
• Know how to mix, place, and cure lime mortar properly.
• Recognize specialized pointing profiles.
• Be able to tool, texture, brush, and perform consistent striking sequences at the proper time in the curing process to simulate special pointing profiles such as ribbon, weathered ridge, beaded, and/or grapevine repointing.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

While cemeteries are often considered to be perpetual, their most prominent feature, the grave markers, are not. Additionally, deferred maintenance usually accelerates the deterioration of gravestones and monuments which can result in safety hazards. Our preservation practices attempt to keep gravestones and monuments from deteriorating further; respect the significance of original materials and details; and stabilize, repair, and retain features wherever possible to ensure their safekeeping for future generations. To understand basic preservation and stabilization measures, participants will be introduced to the LimeWorks.us Graveyard Kit and practice working with a combination of the products. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises review the steps to prepare a natural field-mixed glue to repair small, broken stone elements; using Waterglass to consolidate friable masonry; and choosing the appropriate products and techniques to patch, repair, and clean sensitive stones effectively without causing damage. Students are also encouraged to document any work they perform in the field. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
• Realize the importance of documentation and condition assessments.
• Be familiar with the conservation materials included in the LimeWorks.us Graveyard Kit.
• Know how to repair loose masonry joints and cracks.
• Recognize when to use Lithomex to patch broken or missing masonry details.
• Be able to work effectively with D/2 Biological Solution to clean discoloration and soiling caused by organic growth.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Companies or organizations with 10 or more attendees may qualify for a training program at their cemetery or location. Call 215-536-1776 for details.

A versatile building material, plaster was traditionally used as a protective and decorative coating for walls and ceilings. Plaster is much harder than drywall, creates a more durable wall surface, and is more adaptable for specialty design features like archways and curves. Original plaster work is a desirable asset to any period home, but may require maintenance and repairs to retain its elegance. This workshop will introduce students to our simple three-step method for plaster wall repairs. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises review the properties and benefits of lime-based plasters, basic wall preparation, and hawk and trowel application techniques. Participants will also become acquainted with TAKCOAT™ and TOPCOAT™—breathable, lime-based plasters from LimeWorks.us. Under the guidance of experienced masons, students will practice applying a transitional bonding or base coat of TAKCOAT™ on mock-up surfaces or historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. This lime-based material may be troweled directly onto most rigid substrates including wallboard, masonry, and painted surfaces. Attendees will also have the opportunity to apply a finish coat of TOPCOAT™ and work the material to achieve a smooth or textured surface. TOPCOAT™ dries as a neutral white but may be custom tinted to coordinate with any color palette. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
• Know how to properly mix and cure lime plaster.
• Recognize how to address cracks in existing plaster walls.
• Be able to work and finish edges and corners.
• Be proficient at basic hawk and trowel techniques to apply TAKCOAT™ and TOPCOAT™—the lime plaster system from LimeWorks.us.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Among the most dramatic of ornamental plaster forms are ceiling medallions and enrichments. Typically, medallions related stylistically to the cornice ornament also found in the room and could be created with or without a plain-run surround. These decorative units were generally attached to the substrate using plaster as an adhesive. Damaged ceiling medallions can be repaired by carefully removing representative plaster ornamentation and molding, recasting the elements, and replacing the new enrichments to align perfectly with the original pattern. This workshop will introduce students to the basics of mold making and casting replicas. Hands-on demonstrations and practice exercises include design considerations and applications for new ornamental plaster work, creating negative-form molds, mixing and pouring plaster into a mold to form enrichments, and ensuring the cast surface is free of air pockets and blemishes. Participants are encouraged to bring an object (no larger than a fist) to create a mold and produce a cast. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the steps required to copy missing details and create new ceiling medallions or plaster enrichments.
• Be able to create a silicone rubber block mold and produce a plaster cast.
• Know how and when to use sealers and release agents.
• Recognize how to remove the cast without causing damage.
• Be aware of the steps to assemble and install new ornamental plaster work to existing substrates and surfaces.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Rather than cutting out and replacing damaged or decaying brick and stone, impressive repairs can be achieved by using modern lime-based mortars. Lithomex is a state-of-the-art brick and stone resurfacing and repair material specifically designed to restore the profile, surface finish, texture, and color of the original masonry unit. This workshop will introduce participants to Lithomex and the basic techniques to achieve convincing and durable surface repairs for vintage masonry. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises review the deterioration phenomenon, selecting repair methods and materials, and procedures to work with Lithomex. Under the guidance of experienced masons from the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team, students will also have the opportunity to practice application techniques on mock-up surfaces or historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. The additional knowledge and skills may enable attendees to cultivate a competitive edge in the growing restoration field. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
• Recognize the properties of Lithomex that insure compatibility with the host masonry—breathable, porous, flexible, and harmonious thermal expansion.
• Be able to prepare the existing substrate to be repaired.
• Know how to mix and apply Lithomex to simulate the surrounding masonry.
• Review various methods used to finish or tool the Lithomex surface.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Lithomex is a modified lime-based mortar designed specifically to repair or simulate brick, stone, and terracotta surfaces. Unlike other products that trap moisture in the host stonework, Lithomex is flexible (with a very high modulus of elasticity), porous, and breathable; allowing water vapor to pass through the masonry to the atmosphere for long-lasting repairs. When applied by skilled craftsmen, Lithomex can simulate the color and texture of existing stone and brick while maintaining similar thermal expansion and weathering characteristics of the host material. Lithomex may be worked, tooled, dressed, and finished with traditional masonry tools, trowel edges, sculpting tools, sanding blocks, tungsten carbide abrasive sheet, and scratch floats. This comprehensive workshop will enable participants to go beyond the basics and learn techniques to hone their skills and elevate their craftsmanship. Technical knowledge and expertise are reinforced with lectures addressing the potential causes of brick and stone deterioration, design considerations, recognition of the aesthetic qualities of Lithomex, and understanding the properties that ensure compatibility with the host masonry. During handson demonstrations and extensive practice on mock-up surfaces, students are guided through the steps to apply the product properly and efficiently to deliver high quality work including carving details with small tools or chisels, tooling and finishing procedures, and color and texture simulation tips and techniques. Each student must successfully complete the hands-on skills and pass an end-of-class written exam to receive the Lithomex Installer Certification which is valid for 5 years. Prior masonry experience is required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
• Be able to prepare the host masonry.
• Be aware of the steps to mix, blend, and apply Lithomex for optimal durability.
• Know how to simulate stone and brick features, surface finishes, and false joints.
• Be acquainted with using the edge of a trowel or steel float to shape and form details and corners.
• Recognize how to achieve polished finishes by troweling after initial set.
• Appreciate how to rub down the repair to its final shape and profile by using abrasive pads, blocks, knives, or straightedges.
• Realize how to simulate an aged patina for the repair.
• Become a Certified Lithomex Installer (successful completion of the hands-on skills and written exam is required).

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Although generally considered permanent, masonry is subject to deterioration, especially at the mortar joints. Historically, lime mortar acted as a bedding material (similar to an expansion joint) instead of a glue for the masonry units so moisture was able to migrate through the joints rather than through the brick and stone. If the mortar does not permit moisture or vapor to migrate out of the wall and evaporate, the result will be accelerated damage to the brick and stone. Mortar that is stronger in compressive strength than the surrounding brick and stone will not be flexible; causing stresses to be relieved through the masonry units and leading to permanent damage to the brick and stone in the form of cracking and spalling. To prevent damage to vintage structures, the methods we support encourage the use of repointing mortars that are softer or more permeable than the surrounding brick and stone and no harder or more impermeable than the existing historic mortar. This hands-on workshop introduces the basic principles and work practices needed to repoint vintage brick and/or stone structures using breathable lime mortar supplied by LimeWorks.us. The lecture and demonstrations cover the properties of natural hydraulic lime mortars; tips for selecting and mixing lime mortars; and cleaning, filling, repointing, and tooling certain mortar joints. Then, the intense learn-by-doing opportunity lifts the bar for engagement and interactivity as participants work side-by-side with experienced masons from the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team to practice the skills on historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. Participants will gain an enhanced understanding of the built environment, greater appreciation of historic sites, and recognize the high level of craftsmanship that defines the masonry trade. If you’re a professional architect, pursuing a degree in historic preservation, or simply exploring your career options, this course will assist you in recognizing inappropriate, incompatible, and uncomplimentary repairs to historic masonry. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
• Appreciate the methods used to analyze the composition of historic mortars.
• Be aware of proper wall preparation to safely remove existing mortar and rake and clean joints without damaging the surrounding stone or brick.
• Know how to mix, place, and cure lime mortar properly.
• Recognize common pointing styles.
• Be able to fill, repoint, tool, texture, and brush mortar joints to simulate simple pointing profiles.
• Be acquainted with the steps to dismantle and reset loose bricks and/or stone.
• Realize when and how to clean historic masonry.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Students studying historic preservation at Bucks County Community College may qualify for a discount. Call 215-536-1776 for details.

Hempcrete is a sustainable, mold-resistant, rot-resistant, pest-resistant, fire-resistant, carbon sequestering building material that provides optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency. It’s an ideal infill for additions, remodels, retrofits, and new construction. This hands-on workshop introduces the basic principles and work practices needed to build with industrial hemp. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises cover the benefits of hempcrete as a building material, proper mixing techniques, installing a hempcrete wall, and various functional and decorative finishes to coat hempcrete structures. Under the guidance of experienced masons from the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team, participants will also have the opportunity to practice building hempcrete walls using chopped hemp hurd (the woody core of the hemp plant) mixed with lime binders provided by LimeWorks.us Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Understand the science of hemp hurd—what makes it carbon negative and why it’s such a great insulator.
• Recognize how to mix, form, and cure hempcrete properly.
• Realize the various applications for hempcrete including walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Be able to construct a slip form wall using hempcrete.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

As one of the few parts of a facade serving as both an interior and exterior feature, windows are nearly always an important part of the vintage character of a building. In most structures, windows also comprise a considerable amount of the historic fabric of the wall plane. Wood windows which are repaired and properly maintained will have greatly extended service lives while contributing to the historic character of the edifice. Now, you can put your piece of history back to work with a little help and a lot of guidance from our preservation specialists. The methods we support encourage the retention and repair of original windows whenever possible using old-fashioned craftsmanship combined with modern know-how. During the workshop, participants will practice hands-on techniques to restore a wood sash from start to finish, review routine maintenance measures that may extend the life of historic windows, and learn how to give old windows a thermal tune-up by adding weatherstripping. Prior woodworking experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Appreciate the steps to take a wood sash through the restoration process.
• Understand how to map and number windows prior to removal.
• Be able to disassemble, stabilize, and reassemble windows.
• Know how to repair or replace window chains or ropes.
• Be familiar with specialized epoxies to repair deteriorated window pieces.
• Recognize the materials, methods, and tools to safely remove old paint and glaze.
• Be aware of painting and refinishing tools, techniques, and materials.
• Realize how to reglaze windows and replace damaged glass.

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.

Older homes typically have many layers of paint and some degree of paint removal and disturbance may be necessary during renovation, repair, and maintenance projects. Completing the EPA Certified Renovator training is a crucial step in protecting your clients, your firm, your employees, and yourself. Our Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair & Painting course teaches participants how to perform and supervise lead-safe work practices effectively. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on training covers health effects, regulations, lead-safe work practices, dust and debris containment, cleaning verification, and recordkeeping practices. Each student must successfully complete the hands-on skills and pass an end-of-class written exam to receive a Certified Renovator certificate which is valid for 5 years.

After completing the workshop participants will:

• Appreciate the dangers inherent in lead paint, including the risks and difficulties associated with renovation projects that involve older structures.
• Understand the EPA and HUD rule requirements for lead-safe Certified Firms and Certified Renovators.
• Recognize if lead-based paint is present at a work site and plan the project so it is lead-safe.
• Know how to set up the work site so that dust and debris created by the work do not contaminate the property or leave behind lead-contaminated dust.
• Comprehend how to effectively clean up lead dust generated by the work performed, conduct a cleaning verification, and properly dispose of renovation waste.
• Grasp the importance of accurate recordkeeping and documentation of lead-safe work practices performed at each job site.

Craftwork Training Center is an EPA-accredited training provider for the Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair & Painting program (Certified Renovator).

The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.