Tim Rea
Oregon Branch Superintendent, Technical Waterproofing
Historic Masonry Instructor | Façade Restoration Specialist | IMI-Certified Preservation Mason
Tim Rea is a highly experienced masonry restoration specialist with 32 years in the trade, including over 20 years in supervisory roles. He currently serves as Oregon Branch Superintendent for Technical Waterproofing, a commercial union contractor specializing in historic façade restoration and exterior envelope repair.
Tim was among the first restoration masons from the West Coast to complete the International Masonry Institute’s Historic Preservation Certificate Program at IMI’s Bowie, Maryland facility — a credential held by only a select group of preservation professionals nationwide.
His areas of expertise include:
- Historic façade restoration and envelope diagnostics
- Mortar formulation and mix design, including NHL-based, lime-rich, pozzolanic, and hybrid mortars
- The lime spectrum, lime cycle, and differences between calcium hydroxide putty and bagged lime mixes
- Traditional pointing vs. true tuckpointing techniques
- Restoration strategies for natural and manufactured cements, including:
- Rosedale Natural Cement
- Parker’s Roman Cement
- Vicat Prompt Natural Cement
- Ciment Fondu (calcium aluminate cement)
- Application of mineral coatings, waterglass technologies, and breathable finishes
- Lime injection techniques, historic stucco systems, and mold-run fabrication
- Extensive knowledge of a wide range of masonry substrates, including:
- Limestone
- Sandstone, with focus on regional types such as Chuckanut and Tenino
- Cast stone
- Architectural terra-cotta
- Low-fired historic brick through to modern unit masonry
Tim also understands field and lab testing of mortars, and is skilled in field identification of historic mortar types and application techniques. His evaluation approach combines practical jobsite knowledge with preservation science.
Notable Projects:
- Watzek House chimneys (National Historic Landmark)
- Hope Abbey Mausoleum
- Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art courtyard
- University of Oregon Heritage Project, including restoration of Villard Hall and University Hall, a combined National Historic Landmark
Tim previously taught for the Pacific Northwest Preservation Field School at the Cotrell House in 2018. His teaching blends historical context, technical depth, and hands-on field techniques — offering students both an understanding of material theory and the ability to apply it in real-world preservation work.