Frequently Asked Questions
What is your geographic service range?
We’re based in Chicago but we service projects across the country and ship materials nationwide. We do not currently ship to Canada or Mexico.
What is the custom material process?
Custom matching begins with determining the best material for repairs. If the material is Maintain mortar or Repair concrete, we begin with an aggregate match. Depending on the needs of the client, this might involve acid digestion or simply a visual match. Once this is complete, we will proceed to a paste color match. If the material is Conserve stone repair, there is no aggregate matching involved and we then begin the paste color matching process.
Once we have achieved a match that meets our internal standards, we will send a picture of the original sample and suggested match to the customer. Samples of the proposed repair material are also available for customer use in reviewing on site. (For some products this may entail an additional fee.) At this point, the customer may decide whether they would like to dial in the color further or proceed with a mock-up of the proposed material.
Keim stain matching begins with determining the closest colors to the sample provided. These must then be ordered directly from Keim. Once the material is delivered, we will then evaluate the colors and work on creating a repeatable application which mimics the original material.
Do you have minimum quantities?
No, but some products have set up and blending fees, and pricing is generally tiered based on quantity.
Do you work with homeowners?
Centurywerks works with professional installers and specifiers only. Homeowners may purchase our Maintain mortars online or through our Chicago distributor, Henry Frerk Sons.
Conserve stone and Repair concrete repair products are for professional use only.
Can you match materials using photographs?
Photographs lack the definition and accuracy required for materials matching. We require either representative, physical samples of any material we match or material specifications.
Does Centurywerks perform repairs?
We are material suppliers and therefore do not perform repairs. We will perform specialized applications and repairs for established customers upon request if we have the capacity.
Where are you located?
We are located in Chicago. We are a material matching laboratory and industrial production facility, so if you are a professional installer or specifier who would like to meet with us to submit or review a sample, please call 773-389-4300 or submit an information request form online.
We encourage customers to first visit our local distributor Henry Frerk Sons for consultation and assistance. Henry Frerk Sons is open from 6:30am-3:00pm Monday-Friday and 6:30am-11:30am on Saturdays during the construction season.
Can you refer me to contractors for my project?
We can provide contact information for contractors who use our materials, but we can’t guarantee a contractor’s work or make recommendations.
Can you do training sessions for installers?
Please send an information request form. If we are unable to perform training we will provide recommendations for outside trainers.
How do I test the compressive strength of a historic mortar?
There is no ASTM standard test to determine the compressive strength of an extracted sample. The standard test for compressive strength is ASTM C-109 “Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars” which involves compression testing a set of 2 inch cubes. Obviously, this procedure doesn’t translate to smaller, irregular samples pulled from a wall. Some testing facilities offer compressive strength testing for historic mortars but such proprietary tests rely on undisclosed methods, meaning that the results can’t be independently verified or analyzed and it’s impossible to determine how sound the methodology is.
Where do I send samples for matching?
Our mailing address is
CenturyWerks
3210 N Troy
Chicago, IL 60618