M & T Bank

The M&T Bank Building fronts the north side of the Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. The original 3-story Indiana limestone building was designed between 1933 and 1935. The building was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1979. The condition of the limestone was found to be in varying degrees of deterioration including discoloration, efflorescence, cracking, granular disintegration, blistering, flaking, and peeling.

We were contracted to perform material testing, which focused on the deteriorating columns flanking the entrance and on blocks abutting the handicap access ramp. Areas without deterioration were used for comparison. Several test-methods were used including infrared thermography, water absorption, and salt characterization. Additionally, original architectural drawings were studied to consider engineering and drainage factors. The findings were detailed and provided to the client, including recommendations for treatment and photographic documentation.