Restoration Videos, September - November, 2019
These videos document the first-phase of a two-phase project to restore two primary structures (the Wax Shed and Honey House) at Hofmann Apiaries that had to do with the production of honey. As of early February 2020, there are still a few details yet to be finished, but the work is ninety percent complete.
Late August through October - 2019
Work begins on the wax shed
The wax shed's roof was in terrible shape. It was leaking in several places, much of the decking was rotten, and the ridge had sagged nearly four inches on the north end. It was so rotten that, though fair warning was given, one of the people taking mortar samples walking the east roof plane went through with one leg. We were all thankful that he didn't fall to the concrete floor below. Jim Jewison, one of the main contractors working on the project. straightened the building and the ridge line, and reinforced the entire north end of the building.
Late AugustWork began later than expected due to scheduling conflicts and bad weather. The first task was to build a mock-up of how chimney repair would look. Mortar width and color had to be established, and two variations of mortar were mixed and used in the construction of the mock-up.
The First Operation - 4/8/2019
The work on restoration can't begin until some important details have been confirmed. The chimneys and the roofs are the first things to receive attention; detailed, accurate information as to the composition and strength of the mortar, and the type/composition and color of the original shingles must be determined. To that end samples must be "harvested." The mortar samples must be sent to a testing lab for analysis, but the type, composition and color of the shingles can easily be determined in the field. The mortar samples are off to a lab in a couple of days. The video is self explanatory.
We Begin.
We have been fortunate to receive a major grant to begin the process of restoring these two buildings. We expect work to begin sometime in May. The is the first of a two-phase restoration and will include chimney repair, new roofs, many windows and other repairs. Please check from time to time, and check the News page as well. The images below are of the honey house and wax shed as they stand today.
