Large Scale Central

Maintainence on Jigstone buildings

Tools and Tips
#1

I have some very large Jigstone structures on my pike, and they are good but will require maintainence over time.

With weather, out in the real world, and the fact that most Jigstones are moulded from a cement that is basicly of a Gypson base; the bottom layer of stones soon degrade due to moisture. This is not good with Winter freezing ahead.

I’m experimenting with the use of a premixed patching cement, that I picked up at Home Despot. I take a small artists’ trowel…a very small flexable “Knife” …and fill in any absesses along the base of the Jigstone walls. I run it up about a half inch, making it look like a bit of the foundation is showing.

I also give all the buildings a coat of a readily available latex clear sealant that are used on decks.

I try to cover all of my Jigstone buildings, well before frost hits them, in order to allow them to dry out, to prevent frost damage.

Anyone else with experiences with their Jigstone buildings ?

Fr.Fred

#2

Fred,

Out buildings are not as big as the IPP&W’s, but we also try to give all the buildings a coat of Thompson’s Water Seal each spring. I would suggest on your buildings, that you cover them good from the top, but somehow leave ventilation underneath to allow them to breath and expell any moisture. I have seen boats that have had a real bad experience by being totally sealed. It is like a cloud has formed inside and it becomes its own llittle weather pattern and there seems to be a “monsoon season” included in that system.

#3

That is a very important point, Ric.

We do store them under cover with good ventilation.