Own a historic Hummelstown brownstone and noticing crumbling mortar or drafty windows? You are not alone. Local sandstone and wood windows can last for generations, but our freeze–thaw climate is tough on them. In this guide, you will learn how to diagnose common issues, choose compatible repairs, understand permits and incentives, and plan a smart project that preserves character and value. Let’s dive in.
Know your Hummelstown brownstone
Hummelstown is known for its local brownstone, a dense sandstone quarried here and used on many late 19th and early 20th century buildings. You can spot it in carved trim and full façades around town. If you own one of these homes, you are a steward of a distinctive local material with real heritage. Hummelstown brownstone’s history explains why details matter.
Our region sees four full seasons with regular freeze–thaw cycles. Moisture that enters joints or stone, then freezes, expands and can cause spalling and joint loss. This is why breathable materials and good water management are essential in Central PA’s climate. See local climate data near Harrisburg for context in this Penn State resource.
Masonry basics: diagnose before you fix
Common signs of trouble
Look for recessed or missing mortar, flaking or spalling stone faces, hairline cracks, displaced units, white efflorescence, and biological staining. Also check for hard, shiny patches or smeared joints from past repairs. Many of these issues stem from trapped moisture or incompatible materials. The GSA’s sandstone guidance outlines these patterns.
Why it happens here
Moisture plus freeze–thaw drives much of the damage you see on brownstone in Hummelstown. Salts from deicing or past materials can worsen the cycle. Breathable mortars and gentle cleaning help the wall dry out between weather events, which reduces stress on the stone. Local climate realities make compatibility even more important.
Repair principles that protect stone
The preservation rule of thumb is simple: fix the cause and use compatible materials. For soft sandstone, that usually means a mortar that is weaker and more vapor permeable than the stone. Hard Portland cement mortars can trap moisture and push damage into the stone itself. See the National Park Service briefs and lime mortar prep steps before you start.
Repointing and stone repair the right way
Repointing steps that work
Start with a mortar analysis to match composition, color, and joint profile. Remove deteriorated mortar by hand to proper depth, protect edges, and repoint with a compatible lime-based mix. Work within safe temperature ranges and keep new joints damp cured. Mockups and small test areas are good practice and often required. See the NPS Preservation Briefs for repointing guidance.
Stone stabilization, patching, and cleaning
Stabilize loose units, patch small losses, or use a dutchman repair where a piece is inserted to match the original color and texture. Replace only severely deteriorated units with carefully matched stone and test for salts. Clean gently. Start with water and soft brushes, then test any stronger method. Avoid acids and abrasive blasting on brownstone. See GSA advice on resetting sandstone units and NPS cleaning guidance in the Preservation Briefs.
Budget ranges to plan around
Repointing costs vary widely with access, height, and scope. Nationally, ranges of roughly 3 to 20 dollars per square foot are commonly cited for masonry repointing. Whole façades can reach the tens of thousands depending on scaffolding and details. Review the cost drivers and ranges in this repointing overview, then get multiple local, itemized bids that specify lime mortar and protection protocols.
Windows: repair first, then boost efficiency
Why repair often beats replacement
Historic wood windows are typically repairable and long lived. Sash repair, new glazing putty, and weatherstripping can extend service life for decades at a lower cost than full replacement. The National Park Service prioritizes repair because it keeps historic fabric and appearance. Explore NPS’s Preservation Briefs on windows and weatherization before deciding.
Easy energy wins without losing character
Storm windows, interior or exterior, are a cost-effective way to improve performance. A well-fitted low-e storm window can approach the thermal performance of a new replacement, at a fraction of the cost. Add weatherstripping, tune sash weights or balances, and reglaze where needed. See the Department of Energy’s guidance on storm windows and energy savings.
When replacement makes sense
If frames are severely deteriorated, or if you need egress or safety changes, replacement may be necessary. Match original sash lines, muntin patterns, and profiles closely, and consider wood sashes with insulated glazing on street-facing elevations. Expect local review if the exterior appearance changes. For design considerations, see NPS guidance on sustainability in historic buildings and check with the Hummelstown Codes and Zoning office about approvals on the borough’s permit page.
Permits, reviews, and incentives in Hummelstown
What triggers permits or review
Hummelstown has a Historic Overlay and Demolition Overlay. Routine maintenance may not need a permit, but exterior alterations that change materials, profiles, or structure typically do. Always confirm permit requirements and submittals with the borough before starting masonry or window work. Review the zoning regulations on ecode360 and contact the borough via the Codes and Zoning page.
Tax credits and what they cover
Federal and Pennsylvania historic tax credits primarily apply to certified historic structures used for income-producing purposes. They do not generally apply to owner-occupied single-family homes. If you are planning an income-producing rehabilitation, coordinate early with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Learn more about the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit.
Your step-by-step project checklist
- Identify conditions. Photograph areas with failing mortar, spalling stone, and window decay. Confirm if your property lies in a local historic overlay using borough resources on the Hummelstown site.
- Consult the borough. Call Codes and Zoning to confirm whether your scope is maintenance or an alteration, what approvals are required, and the expected timeline.
- Investigate with specialists. Hire a mason or preservation architect for a condition assessment and mortar analysis. Have a window restorer evaluate repair scope and options. The GSA and NPS recommend mockups and testing on historic masonry.
- Get multiple written bids. Require mockups, specify lime or custom mortar mixes, and list protection and curing protocols. For windows, request line-by-line quotes for repair, storm windows, and replacement with matching profiles.
- Secure permits and approvals. Submit drawings and photos to the borough. If you seek tax credits for an income-producing project, coordinate with PHMC before work begins.
- Oversee work and document. Require proper temperatures and curing for lime mortars, protect from weather, and ensure gentle cleaning. Keep photos and records for warranties and any incentive reporting.
Final thoughts
With the right plan, you can update your Hummelstown brownstone in a way that performs well and honors its character. Focus on compatible materials, gentle methods, and a repair-first mindset for both masonry and windows. A thoughtful approach protects your investment and the borough’s architectural heritage.
If you are weighing upgrades before selling or want to understand how preservation-minded work affects value, connect with Ajay Patel for local, practical guidance.
FAQs
Do you need to replace historic windows in Hummelstown brownstone homes to be energy efficient?
- No. Repair plus storm windows or interior retrofit can approach new window performance at lower cost while preserving character, according to the Department of Energy.
Why is Portland cement mortar a problem on Hummelstown brownstone?
- It is harder and less permeable than many historic sandstones, which can trap moisture and accelerate spalling. A compatible lime-based mortar is typically recommended.
How much should you budget for repointing and window work on a brownstone façade?
- Repointing is often 3 to 20 dollars per square foot depending on access and scope. Window repairs can be a few hundred per sash, while full replacements are several hundred to a few thousand per unit.
What Hummelstown permits might you need for masonry or window changes?
- Maintenance may not require permits, but exterior alterations that change materials, profiles, or structure typically need zoning review and a building permit. Always confirm with the borough.
Do Pennsylvania or federal historic tax credits help owner-occupied homes?
- Generally no. Credits primarily apply to certified historic structures used for income-producing purposes. Consult PHMC if your project may qualify.
