George Yonnone's Notebook & Portfolio

Project Standards, Solutions & Other Subjects.

Since 1970, George Yonnone Restorations has specialized in antique timber frame repairs for America's unique and irreplaceable historic buildings. Experience has shown that the restoration of historic timber frames is a job that requires long study and complete dedication. In this Notebook, George shares that experience in an ongoing series of Notebook entries in order to, among other things, furnish proven solutions to common problems and to raise standards among mechanics in the field. Because experience is our most reliable teacher, all statements and assertions in this Notebook are supported by examples from actual projects.

Barn Stone Foundation Collapsed.

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Leaning Lee, MA barn.

This job couldn't be done, but we did it anyway. The stone foundation of this Lee, Massachusetts timber framed barn had a collapse so catastrophic that the rear of the building fell into the cellar hole.

Collapsing Sills, Cracking Plaster.

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Collapsed Sill.

As the picture shows, the sill rotted from the outside in, damage invisible from the cellar, causing serious cracks in the interior plaster archway over the parlor. The sill damage to this 1850's Tivoli, NY Italianate residence was serious enough to allow the wall studs to "roll" outward, without support.

Monumental Wood Column Restoration.

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George assembles column.

Large wood columns can almost always be restored rather than replaced. No materials available today are as durable and rot resistance as the original first growth lumber from which these columns are made. For this reason, restoration of wood columns will give the most years of trouble free satisfaction.

Structural Repairs Eighteenth Century Grist Mill.

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Period Ashley grist mill photo.

The work that we did to Colonel Ashley's colonial grist mill shows the necessity of experience and expertise in the preservation of historic buildings. This pre-Revolutionary, 18th century building continued to function as a mill up to 1955.

Timber sill replacement. George at work.

George Yonnone (pronounced ya-NO-nee) Restorations performs reliable expert restorations and inspections of historic timber framed structures, anywhere in the United States. With four decades of experience in preserving America's historic structures, we are the historic timber frame experts!

To talk to George Yonnone, Owner, about the condition of your antique building, call him at 413-232-7060 or contact him by email. Our mailing address is:

George Yonnone Restorations
POB 278
West Stockbridge, MA 01266