FAILED INSPECTION Of The Tower! It Is WORSE Than We Thought. S4E39
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Inspection time! Putting Genie to work!
Venmo: @moorelandhouse
www.moorelandhouse.com
#historicpreservation #abandonedplaces #restoration
This is another restoration video of our historic house. We saw this historic house for sale that had wonderful stone masonry and was mostly a brick house. The Romanesque architecture was amazing for this cheap house. With the slate roof and the masonry repair we had to do it was a great renovating house. We have to cope with termites damage and termite repair. The stained glass and fireplace mantels were amazing. If you are looking for abandoned historic homes or abandoned places look no further. We don't have any scary stories but a virtual house tour of the Mooreland House aka Mooreland Mansion aka Harrodsburg Castle aka Ashfeld Manor is a great place to follow.
Our DIY historic preservation videos are not necessarily how to videos. We get a lot of inspiration from some of our favorite channels like Wild Wonderful Off Grid, Pure Living for Life, Onboard Lifestyles, Mike Haduck Masonry and many more. We love our little castle on the hill. - Навчання та стиль
Only because I saw what you did with the outside wall on the other side that I know you've got this! AND it will look better than it ever did!
It will really look better where the stones are missing already. =)
I am speechless and wish you the best as always.
Thanks!
Just when I look around at all the work I need to do in my house, one of your videos comes up and I feel so much better! You guys are so brave.
We have heard that from quite a few people. Janie from the League Kempner house in Galveston has even stated that in one of her videos.
It exhausted me to see all the work you have to do. Good thing you enjoy it.
Every once in a while we have to remind ourselves how much "fun" we are having but yes, we enjoy it. =)
I just read the tagline and was feeling a bit bummed for you but then I thought wait, it’s Frank and Kerry! With you two, everything is figure-out-able! And yes it will be fun! It always is.
We felt a little bummed but then realized that it was just another challenge that will make us stronger. =)
Luv those archways in the basement, never have seen anything like that in a house
They had to use arches in the brick to hold up the structure over openings.
I can't wait to see how you handle that tower. The detail is beautiful.
We are chomping at the bit.
You know, I watch you every week. I don't comment very often. I am just amazed at the skillset you have. That being said, what I truly love and I mean LOVE is number one that you are doing this and two that it is evident how much you love this home. Because of you , she is going to have a much longer, beautiful life and I just adore that. So many videos online of abandoned, left to die, homes and to see you two work on this one and just love her like crazy...is a true joy. Thank you so much.
And we LOVE the encouragement from people like you. It makes it so much more fun to share the journey with others.
Amazing you guys. Fascinating to see the roof from that lift. But the best part is the great attitude you show. Thanks for sharing your experience and inspiring us all to remember that it’s not so daunting if you make it fun. Cheers
That's a great way to think of it. Fun makes everything possible. =)
Wow, you two are hard workers. Be careful now. 😃
We will.
You're getting ready for a new adventure! I'm glad you've done this before. You know what's it's going to take to fix it. It will look wonderful once it's completed. 😊
Yes, we took another look at the first wall that we did and it is a bit smaller than the tower. It's gonna be a doozy. =)
I’m glad you guys are not easily overwhelmed! I would be overwhelmed. You guys just keep chipping away at it. I love going on this journey with you both.
We just figure it's like eating an elephant. We take it one bite at a time. =)
Everywhere you look are projects and many are pretty imperative. I think it would be difficult to prioritize. I imagine the list changes each time you’re there. It’s amazing to see the changes since you first began. You can tell when a building is loved ❤
Yeah, this project kinda jumped to the top of the list. =)
Wow, that tower is a mess! I know you will conquer it just like you have all the other projects. Looks scary to me but I know you will take it in stride.
Just another step in the process.
I’ve just shared this video with my sister she has a Tudor house here in England. About 10 years ago, she had her chimney fixed. Should I say she had builders in to do the work on the chimney that was required to stop a leak. Ever since then, water has been building up within the plasterwork of the house, not an actual leak, but the water not being able to escape. From your video I think it’s very clear that the builders use cement when Sisters house is 100% lime mortar. Also, now she can see from your video exactly what Problems cement can cause in a lime mortar building. So thank you.
Everything we have learned about lime mortar came from England. You guys are way ahead of the US on the lime mortar/cement mortar science. =)
@@moorelandhouse yes that’s very true. The problem is the average person doesn’t know about it and nor does the average builder. So your video has been very informative.
Congrats guys, my dad owned a smaller scale version of this from the 1880s and he sold it as he was tired of fixing it, but good luck, you will love that grand place!
Yes, these old houses take a lot of maintenance. We are trying to keep up with the maintenance and rebuild it at the same time.
Love hearing the train. Glad you were able to identify your next project !! Love youguys ❤
The trains go through Harrodsburg all day long. =)
I admire your steadfastness and your confidence that the Lord will help you accomplish this job too. God bless you and be safe! Thank you for sharing this remarkable journey with us.
Yes, we see God's hand in everything that we do. We are very truly blessed.
Happy Sunday!
Enjoy your week!
This will be an exciting year. You will figure it out. Maybe Frank will show his genius and create a solution or you will rent a larger lift just for the very tippy top. I know you will get it done, and we will be here waiting and watching your videos. ❤
We realized that we will be able to use the boom lift since it has a 1,000 pound capacity in the range we will be using it. Thanks for the constant encouragement.
That tower is going to be the biggest challenge yet. Might be worth investing in scaffolding for security and height. Can probably find a good deal on used scaffolding somewhere. Then, use Genie for the heavy lifting, etc.
Oh, we have plenty of scaffolding. We will use a combination of both.
@@moorelandhouse Once I posted that, I remembered you had some from the work you did on the front! Rooting for you!
Thanks!
In the old photo there appears to be a finial on the tip-top of the tower. Is it a lightning rod or weather vane?
Your energy amazes me@
Not sure but it is probably just a metal finial.
Ooooo. Another fun follow along adventure you’re providing. 😊
Yes, plenty of video content is on it's way. =)
So much to do, but if anybody can do it you will. I love the background sound of the USA train😊 such a specific sound ❤😊
You would love living in Harrodsburg then. There are trains going through town quite often. =)
When saw 'failed inspection', was shocked, just when Frank had Genie take him up, see why now.. Like old song, 'fun, fun, fun.(Beach Boys). A Huge Thank You for senic view of property & clear view of chimney...
We knew that we had a lot to do but we just didn't think it was this bad. Oh well, job security. =)
My mind is everywhere wondering how you will do this. I have complete faith in you both as always and I’m sure your plan is in place. Heights are definitely not my friend I will be ground crew 😂 this will be an adventure as Frank said shouldn’t be to hard 😊
Yeah, nothing we haven't done before but with a few new challenges. Height being the main one. =)
Hello, Wow this is going to be a whole years project. It will help the house so much ,you both will have to be very careful on this one. I have watch you form the begening and love your videos. Take Care
Yes, it takes a little longer when it has to be disassembled before it can be put back together. It should last forever after this though.
I enjoy it, was amazing to watch last time.
We actually have experience this time. =)
I love your outlook on things and making the most of what life deals us. Your optimism and seeing the silver lining is inspiring
Kind of my approach, take the lemons and squeeze them for every drop of lemonade you can 😉👍🏻
Enjoy the Sunshine and the Journey
Thank you so much! It makes it easier knowing we have thousands of people cheering us on. =)
Thanks for the ride y'all. We're excited to enjoy a few months of death defying action on the Frank and Kerry Daredevil Show. That tower is a real booger of a job. Huge! 🫣
So thankful I arrived ahead of the Doubting Thomases. I myself tend to waver between the Nervous Nellies and the completely confident crowd.
We fully expect to get a few comments about hiring professionals. =)
I’ve been worried about that tower, but am confident that you guys have it under control! Just be safe!
Do you think you will put the conical roof back on the tower? (I know…. Baby steps…. but I’m just excited!!!!) ❤
That's the plan! We like the original roof.
Wow! God bless you both! Thanks for the video!
Thanks! We are truly blessed. =)
Unrelated to this particular video, but I had Covid last week and lost my sense of taste and smell. I remembered that Kerry took zinc, and a deficiency can cause the loss of sense of smell, so I took some right away, and within two days could taste and smell again! I’m certain there’s a connection.
I’m glad the tower is getting some love this year. I’ve been a bit worried since the beginning when the rock wall fell. The height is definitely going to be an issue though!
Thanks for sharing the zinc story! The house is going to look pretty bad while we make it better though.
😬 i wasnt even in the bucket with you and that made me nervous. It will be a huge accomplishment once the tower is done.
I will be watching with my safety harness on. 😂
It isn't going to be fun on windy days. We might take those days off. =)
Wow, I can't imagine where one would start to rebuild the tower. I'm sure you folks will come up with a plan to do it, but it sure looks like a lot of work. Be safe folks, those heights scare me just looking at the video.
Yep, we learned last time that is just has to be done one brick or stone at a time. It's always a little unnerving to begin a project of this scope though.
Good morning!☀️🌞😃 Yay boxgutter! That tower looks like a ton of fun! Oh wait tons of fun!😅
Yes, tons and tons of it.
@@moorelandhouse and tons and tons and tons, but it isn’t anything you have done before. 🧱🧱🧱🧱🧱🧱🧱🧱
Truth!
You guys are made for each other
Well, we have been working on our relationship for over 37 years. We try to improve it a little every year. =)
Been catching up from the beginning since i saw your boiler pipe cutting. It's been addictive...
Welcome to the journey! It's been a fun ride for us as well.
Safety First, Second and Third!
🥰🥰🤗🤗😘😘🙏🙏
We might need to add a fourth level to this project. =)
I was getting the heebie geebies seeing you up that high, Sorry for all the work ahead. Love to watch you tackle it all though.
Yeah, it's been a while since we used the boom lift. It will take a little bit to get used to it again.
The detail on this house is just beautiful, its a proper showgirl!
Can't wait for the jigsaw puzzle to begin 😀
We are going to cheat on the puzzle and mark every stone as to where it belongs. =) That should make it easier.
That Cheat Code Ms Moorland Approves as Do We 😉👍🏻
The left side bay rebuild is better than the original and no doubt your rebuild of the tower will be too 😉
@@moorelandhouse the cheat worked out well last time, you knew exactly how it all went
It will be nice going into this rebuild with a little experience about what does and doesn't work. =)
you've got this!
Thanks for the confidence boost!
The outdoor work season has begun! Up close the tower looks bad, it is good that it survived the gale in the autumn, there is a lot of work ahead of you, but then it will be beautifully and above all solidly all done. The height still scares me! Kerry you are brave👍. Mia is resting . you need to rest sometime😻
Yes, by next winter we should have a solid tower again.
@@moorelandhouse I believe that will be the case. Good luck🍀🍀
You two seem admirably undaunted by the latest herculean challenge needed to save the Harrodsburg Castle but I know you will get it done. Looking forward to watching it all unfold.
Nothing really surprises us anymore with this place. =)
wow i remember the other side I am amazed how good you can take all of those stones down and put them back as they did originally you have a lot of skills great video wish they were longer take care
Luckily we have the luxury of a boom lift and don't have to do it the way they did 130 years ago.
My heart sunk when I saw the backside of that chimney and all those bricks crumbled, but the two of you just kind of chuckled in and said well that’s what we gotta do. The reason I watch your show you the house is amazing I mean amazing, and I’ve been drawn to old architecture, my whole life in fact, in college, every free subject I could take I took it in architecture. But your attitudes should be bottled and sold. Both of you are so lighthearted and and it seems like nothing gets you down. God love both of you. Now to the house. How in the world do you take all of those top heavy stones down to repair all that’s below? Where do you get your knowledge from that you don’t already own? How many years? I know you said 10 in the beginning but how many realistically now since you’ve kinda seen it all do you think it’s gonna take? Lastly, if I am still alive may I come to your home once it’s complete?
In order to hit the 10 year mark we will probably have to contract out the electric and plumbing work. We are on track other than that. As far as the stones, we just have to start at the top and take them down. The boom lift has the capacity to lift the largest stone and put it on the ground.
You will need some serious scaffolding that is fastened securely (level concrete footings) at the base, and higher to solid parts of the tower.
Oh, we have a lot of scaffolding. We are gonna try to use just the boom lift and skytrak. Scaffolding gets a little sketchy 60 feet in the air no matter how well it is secured.
Well...another big job for sure, but i already know yall are capable of getting it done. Its gonna be super interesting and satisfying to watch! Stay safe, y'all!
Thanks! We are glad that we are a little more experienced this time.
My hats off to you two. That is one daunting task you are about to tackle. Hopefully your previous stonework experience will make this go smoothly.
We did gain quite a bit of experience working on the other wall. We are glad we started with the "small" one. =)
You have a huge task ahead. Mercy!
Just a minor project. =)
Guys I'm full of confidence that you'll bring the tower back to full glory. I however would make a bit more pointy roof with slates on the tower, to increase curb appeal and less vulnerable than a flat roof.
We do plan on putting back the original pointy roof.
There is a channel on UA-cam Purnon chateaux being restored. They built temporary structure over the roof that protects and gives the workers a safe place to operate. It is above the roof and they can walk around on scaffolding and at the same time protects the open parts from rain. They replace stone facade and carve right in place. That might be a solution to the tower repair. They move the structure as they finish each section.
Yes, we have already started thinking about how we can build a temporary structure to protect the tower while we take the walls down. We watch quite a few of the chateaux videos. There are certainly a lot of them. Thanks for the information.
It looks to me that taking it down is going to be the main challenge, rebuilding it won't be easy but you two have a proven track record for the task so I am sure you will manage and return the tower to it's former glory.
Yeah, getting it all down without it falling down has always been the challenge with this project. Those stones are just sitting there and maybe even leaning out a bit.
Ii counlt even begin to figure out how to fix the brck wall, great work you guys do
We will just copy what they did 130 years ago. It lasted quite a long time. =)
Sad the former owners used cement to point those beautiful stones. It looks like a challenge and from watching your video's, I believe it will look wonderful when you have completed it. Looking forward to the outside tower renovation. Be safe.
Nobody really knew at the time. It has only been recently that they have started noticing how bad the practice was. There are many high priced masons that are continuing the practice even today. We aim to fix it though.
Can't get over the work and craftmanship that went into that masonry!! The way the stones were cut into the shapes!!! It would have been hard enough if they were just square cut!!! Have to say, I would be petrified to work those stones so high up especially. I sure hope you always have your cell phones with you when on that lift!! LOL.
We didn't notice for a while but the first floor stones are all rectangular and the rest of the way up are irregular shapes. They call it "rubble course". They just used whatever shape they had and made it fit. The fun part is trying to recreate their pattern. It has to be very precise for it to all work out 60 feet from the bottom stones. =)
Oh my. You have an incredible amount of work ahead. How long do you think it will take you for the restoration? Would it be safer for you to use scaffolding and the machines just for your safety?. Also will all the box cutters be replaced or will you use modern eavestroughs? Good luck with this.
The box gutters have to be replaced because of how they are incorporated into the cornice molding that surrounds the house. We think this might take most of the year.
U really see how Hugh the house is when u go up there.
Yes, it really gives it perspective.
I agree with those who commented that you two are brave and it is exhausting to see all that is before you, not to mention all that you have accomplished. Thanks for taking us along. Where is the neighbor cat that you have called Kitten?
Kitten was a stray that adopted us 3 years ago. She passed away at the end of last year. We don't plan on mentioning it in a video because we feel it is a very private matter to lose a friend like that. Thanks for remembering her.
At the 1311 mark I didn’t even realize there was a window to the left of the tower to the left due to the shade/dirt just remember slow n steady wins the race love u guys since of humor pls don’t change like a lot of UA-camrs once they start getting more n more popular
We don't plan on changing anything. UA-cam isn't our main focus, it is just something that we do in order for others to see what we are doing.
Shout out to the nice mowed grounds - from mowing last year. 🏰🌱🌱🍀🌱🌱
Oh, don't remind us that mowing season is just around the corner. =)
@@moorelandhouse They make real big lawn mowers -I know how it is because I have a lot to mow. I looked at ZTR mowers and they're real nice but we get so used to steering wheels It's hard to go to those arms. I say that because ZTR mowers have a lot of power and maybe several blades. A john deere at lowe's had a sign that said, "sit on me" because I guess they're comfortable. Let's see, you have Bertha, Genie - does the lawn mower have a name? ha ha. 😁
Kerry loves her 54 inch zero turn but she hasn't nicknamed it yet.
@@moorelandhouse Mr. lawn mower how do you feel about all this? They named the house they named the two lifts and i'm over here still pouting. Maybe you'll name yourself, you know, if your John Deere - Johnny, if you're a Murray - Murray. Craftsman threw me because it's really a trade, not a name.haha.
...Prayers over your safety and that God's blessing be upon you.
Could something be done starting with the inside brick, behind the stones, to strengthen the tower so that the outside stones could be left in place? I'm sure inside brick has deteriorated from water damage and needs replaced so an unlikely option.
We did something similar once we got near the bottom of the front wall we rebuilt. So, we will be able to do that but it won't be at the top.
It is exiting but also frightening. I hope a scaffolding company will sponsor you with scaffolding for the tower job. It will be huge, but you've got it.
We already have all the scaffolding we need. It is scattered around in different parts of the house.
I’m new to your channel…and my question is on the box gutters…will you be able to rebuild the the missing sections? How hard will it be to match or even do them? Very curious about them, because they are so ornate compared to modern rain gutters.
We will have to repair or replace all of the box gutters. We are still trying to figure out the best way to do it so they don't destroy the house again.
Please make a video on the history of this wonderful house and do you have any pictures of it's glory. I always want all the information of who lived there when they died and so on. Where is the house located.
We have never made a video of the history but we have all the information that we possess on our website www.moorelandhouse.com
It makes sense to me that the south side of the tower was so badly decayed. The sun hits the south side which causes multiple freezes and re-thawing in the winter months. I had this issue with an old brick chimney
Aha! Good point. Always good to hear from people that have been through the same things.
Will you be putting back the conical roof that was originally there? I am sure it would really make the house look, and feel just as it used to.
Yes, we do plan on doing that.
Can you save and reuse the chimney stones when you redo it or are they too full of moisture
Most of the stones are fine. They dry out pretty quickly when they are exposed to the lime mortar. We watched the front dormer stones dry out when we rebuilt that wall. They went from gray to off white gradually and they haven't turned gray again.
Quite the challenge
Yes, it will be. We do have experience now though so it will be a little easier.
your nephew braden here - you guys are doing a great job its looking really nice
Thanks Braden! It's neat that you are following along.
Do you have a picture of the stones that are missing on the tower when they were still in place ? I can not imagine the challenge of a reassembly without a pattern.
We do! We found a random fellow from one of the New England states that took pictures of that side of the house when he was driving through Kentucky in 2007. www.flickr.com/photos/mcgervey/2181703609
I know this is way in the future but were you going to restore the cap on the tower like it shows in the old pictures? When you compare the original and now you can really see that it's missing something. All we really know is that your summer will be very busy with masonry. Because of the way you're rebuilding you can be assured it will last another hundred years. 🙂 😉🥰😍😇
Yes, we plan on restoring the original conical shaped roof. We don't know why they changed it but they must have done it in the early 1900s.
@@moorelandhouse maybe there was a storm or something. I think it will look great when it’s replaced. Without it it’s like a bad haircut. LOL.
We hadn't thought of that. It might have been easier to flatten the roof than put the conical one back on.@@txborn668
You might have to take the roof off the tower to redo all the brick and stone work besides you need a new roof on it anyway.
Yep, we will probably build a temporary roof to protect everything while the walls are down.
You do have a lot left on the exterior, but we know you have the skills to get it done! I am curious how you will work safely up so high with those heavy stones as well. 😮
The boom lift is very capable of doing the job. It is still going to be a little unnerving working at those heights though. =)
Vines grow in the mortar cracks then water in winter freeze and expand destroying masonry !
You are absolutely correct!
Wow. Words fail me. Onwards and forward
That's a great attitude! Let's do this. =)
so the box gutters, and they way there were installed and "water proofed", seems to be a lot of what led to this old gal's demise. a design flaw? or just shoddy construction? will you be redesigning/rebuilding them or would the castle just be better off with some other sort of solution? (and where do you order Lime Mortar from?)
The box gutters are incorporated into the cornice moldings so they will have to be redone. If the box gutters would have been maintained, they would have been okay. Small leaks would have been okay but large holes were not. Hot lime mortar is just a mixture of quicklime and sand. We ordered a pallet of quicklime from a chemical company in Louisville. If you want to go down the "hot lime" rabbit trail, look up Nigel Copsey on UA-cam. =)
Did the box gutter cause the damage to the tower, or do you guys think it was the cement mortor?
It would have been a combination. The reason the section of stones fell was the fact that the water was trapped against the bricks by the cornice molding. Once the lime mortar deteriorated between the bricks behind the cornice molding, there was nothing to support the stones. At the top of the tower the lime mortar is deteriorated because of the cement mortar. It's all about how the lime mortar deteriorates when it is not allowed to dry out. That happens behind the cement mortar and the metal cornice moldings when the box gutters leak.
@moorelandhouse ok, that makes sense. It's really unfortunate that someone didn't understand how cement mortor works and also that the box gutters were not maintained. I'm very excited to see you guys finally tackle the tower . It is going to be a great series to watch.
Please consider using safety harnesses when you go up in Genie.
We do consider it every time. Sometimes it is necessary and sometimes it isn't.
I have thought the tower was in trouble since you took down the dormers but its worse than I thought. However it appears winter was not kind to it with the freeze thaw cycles this year. On the bright side she is in much better condition than when you got her. Please remove or cover that box gutter by the chimney you looked at first before it drip drip drips more water into the library wall destroying it. The wall is black because of the water getting in but you know that.
Yes to everything you said. We can tell who pays attention to the videos. =)
Just imagine builiding the tower in late 1800’s. Wowza, must’ve had A LOT of scaffolding. I’m not a historian but I don’t think that had a Bertha or Genie back then.
Yes, we often think of the scaffolding that must have been built. It would have been almost as much lumber as there is in the house.
Well, you are going to peg out your fun-omitor! Might have to look for a bigger size to measure the fun of the tower.
That's true! We might need to change the scale of the meter. =)
A pilot that doesn't like heights. 😂 Just kidding. You would never get me up there. Love the video's.
Most airplanes don't sway that much. =)
Why not get scaffolding around the tower to give you a safer & more accessible work space?
Will will use a combination of scaffolding and the boom lift. Scaffolding gets a little sketchy 60 feet in the air.
But it looks so high and scary. And those stones are so heavy. I know you will be careful but still 😬
At least we have some experience this time. =)
Just be really careful when you start this. Try to get help for the morter
Kerry has a new mixer for the mortar so it will go much quicker.
Just be aware that your safety is primary......assess and back outwhen it's too much
Absolutely! We don't push ourselves into anything we haven't assessed and determined that we are capable of doing. It isn't worth it for us to get hurt.
I recently found your channel. I am amazed at your drive and determination to restore that house. You are a great team! With all due respect, save your knees and get some good knee protectors! I cringe every time I see either of you kneel on a hard surface. Love your channel!
We are glad you found us! Thanks for the tip.
… sorry to find that there is all that rebuilding to be done… but none other is suited fir it than you… because you have the patience, temerity and the personality of mind… cheering for you… good day.
Thanks for the confidence boost!
I'm hoping someone has mentioned Bernadette Banner, a clothing historian, to you. She has her own UA-cam channel and she is very knowledgeable on dating garments.
Interesting. Frank has spent too much on orange shirts to switch to period clothing. =)
@@moorelandhouse i am laughing so hard. Sorry about that. That was supposed to be posted to another of the channels I watch. I enjoy watching your channel so much. It let's us understand that most places are salvageable. Keep up the great work. You too are amazing.
That's funny, thanks for the laugh.
I always wait to hear hey mia do you like your box. But not today. She was sleeping in her next best place. Ha ha
Minnie is the box lover. Mia likes to sleep on more comfortable places. =)
Not going to lie, those lifts scare the hell out of me.
They do sway a little at the top. It's interesting to trust that the 33,000 pounds it weighs is enough to counter balance the 300 pounds of Frank and Kerry on the end of the stick. =)
If you can avoid it try not to pull out any of the floor joists in the attic or anywhere else, see they way the joists go into the wall that's what's holding up your structure.If you do this your wall is in danger of collapse. These 19th century buildings were not built with frame structures that's why the walls are so thick.
Thanks for the tip. We have been rebuilding this house for almost 4 years and have become intimately familiar with the framing and structure. =)
The main issue with cement pointing on brick and soft stone (e.g. lime stone) is that it moves less than the stone itself, it's less flexible. That means if there's any movement, the stone or brick will crack. Trapping moisture isn't much of an issue as long as the stone itself is porous and realistically you don't want any water to get into the wall in the first place. Long story short, IMO the main culprit here is the plethora of leaks that allowed water to get into the walls.
The way the walls were built didn't exactly help either. That bit of the tower you showed looks like three independently built brick walls, the middle one being just bricks on edge, which means it has barely any strength. When it comes to rebuild that I'd strongly recommend either building it as one monolithic wall or using stainless steel ties to hold the skins together.
Actually, that has been the common thought about cement mortar and that is why many old buildings are falling down. If you want to do a deep dive on the science and chemistry behind it, look up Nigel Copsey on UA-cam or on Amazon. Limestone absorbs water. Just look at the front portico on the Mooreland House. The stones were reset in the early 2000s with cement mortar. There is a reason why all the stones turn grey. Lime mortar actually transports water molecules better than the limestone itself and therefor allows the limestone rocks to dry out. Long story short, putting cement mortar over lime mortar is a disaster.
That house is some can of worms. Someone from long ago must be watching over it to keep it just so till you come with Jeany to fix it. Will you be calling New York City for masonry and skyscraper help? I wonder if the State of PA has Grants to pay for strong scaffolding? I think this one needs extra people's help to be safe and a big crane to hoist the stone up and down. Stay safe both of you and wear harnesses to the tilt.
We already have lots of scaffolding and the Genie will be able to lift all of the stones. We are very blessed to already have some experience because we did another wall a couple years ago.
Do you contract people to do this work? Sorry, haven't gone back and watched previous videos.
No, we have done it all ourselves.
I'm thinking you are going to need lots of scaffolding.
Oh yes, we have accumulated a lot of scaffolding. =)
Gravity defiance work
Great way to put it. =)
I don't know how y'all get up that high. Scares me
Practice makes perfect. =)
As a kid my father always said "beware son, communism is the enemy!". He wasn't an old house owner. As a fellow old house owner and restorer we come to realize quickly that "WATER" is the enemy and how much of an old house is held together with nature's primal force, gravity. Funny story (looks like you need some humor), while touring Fallingwater a tour guide told us that Frank Lloyd Wright would tell the owners of the properties he designed that "if your roof leaks you have an interesting house". The owners of Fallingwater weren't impressed but I guess FLW could get away with it. You guys definitely have "an interesting house". Time to bring in a few local college weight lifters to help with those stones to get that tower stabilized. Well wishes from Pittsburgh!
Yes, water is the enemy. We have had people ask when we till get the house "water tight". We say that it is impossible but we can slow it down to "water resistant". =)
Oh my what a big job ahead! I know you got it and I look forward to seeing the progress. Why not ask for viewers to subscribe, like and comment to help with monetization? I'm sure this is all costing a fortune for you.
Almost everything is labor. It really isn't terribly expensive. The UA-cam thing is just so people can follow the journey, not for making money.