Atch_1_SOW_Repair_SAJO_Compound_Timber_Gates_-_Updated.docx

Repair Mission San Jose South and East Gates

Scope of Work (SOW)

Table of Contents

1.0 Project Description / Summary

2.0 Objectives

3.0 Background

4.0 Specific Work / Tasks

5.0 Optional Work / Tasks

6.0 Government Furnished Equipment / Materials / Other

7.0 Special Conditions / Requirements

8.0 Place of Performance

9.0 Performance Period / Schedule Requirements

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION / SUMMARY:

This Scope of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for repairing the South Gate and East Gate at Mission San Jose, part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The gates are historic wooden structures, and all work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, emphasizing preservation, repair over replacement, and use of compatible materials to maintain the gates' historic character, integrity, and functionality.

The South Gate exhibits binding on both leaves, requiring simultaneous closure; dragging on the sidewalk during operation; and improper seating into cane bolt locations when open, potentially allowing wind-induced movement causing reported safety concerns. The East Gate presents similar binding, dragging, and alignment issues. Repairs aim to resolve these problems while ensuring safe smooth operation, proper alignment, and stability without compromising historic features.

2.0 OBJECTIVES:

a. Restore proper alignment, operation, and security of both gates.

b. Eliminate binding, dragging, and misalignment issues.

c. Preserve original materials and features where possible, repairing rather than replacing.

d. Ensure gates operate independently or together as designed, seat correctly into cane bolts, and resist environmental factors like wind.

e. Maintain aesthetic and structural integrity matching the existing historic condition

3.0 BACKGROUND:

Initial repairs to the South Gate were completed in December 2025 addressing masonry repointing, timber replacement, and supplemental scope items; however, persistent issues with binding, dragging, and cane bolt seating have necessitated further work on both the South and East Gates to ensure full safety functionality and historic preservation.

4.0 SPECIFIC WORK / TASKS:

a. Pre-Work Inspection and Assessment

1. Conduct a thorough on-site inspection of both gates, including:

2. Measurement of gate dimensions (height, width, thickness) to confirm squareness and plumbness using a 4-foot level and plumb bob. Gates must be square within 1/8-inch tolerance across diagonals.

3. Assessment of wood condition: Check for rot, warping, cracking, or insect damage on all rails, stiles, panels, and braces. Identify any deteriorated sections requiring patching or splicing.

4. Evaluation of hardware: Inspect hinges, cane bolts, latches, handles, and any rods for corrosion, misalignment, bending, or wear. Measure hinge alignment (vertical and horizontal) to ensure pins are plumb and leaves are parallel within 1/16-inch.

5. Ground and sidewalk analysis: Measure clearances (minimum 1/2-inch from ground/sidewalk to bottom rail to prevent dragging) and check for uneven settlement or heaving. Note any sidewalk irregularities contributing to dragging.

6. Binding analysis: Open and close gates multiple times to identify friction points (e.g., top corners rubbing against posts or each other). Use a feeler gauge to measure gaps at binding areas (target uniform 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch clearance).

b. Gate Repairs – General

1. All repairs shall use in-kind materials matching the existing. Wood shall be kiln-dried, straight-grained, free of defects, and milled to match existing profiles, dimensions, and finishes (e.g., rough-sawn or planed as applicable).

2. Repairs prioritize patching, splicing, or consolidating deteriorated wood using epoxy consolidants (e.g., low-viscosity epoxy resin for penetration) and semi-rigid epoxy patching compounds for fills. Sand repairs smooth and match texture/color.

3. Avoid abrasive methods (e.g., sandblasting); use gentle hand tools for surface preparation.

4. Ensure all work maintains the gates' historic appearance: No modern alterations to design, scale, or finish unless approved by COR.

5. Apply water-repellent preservative (e.g., borate-based) to treated areas if approved, excluding painting or sealing unless specified.

c. South Gate Specific Repairs

1. Binding:

2. Rack the gate leaves back into square by temporarily clamping and adjusting with come-along straps or turnbuckles. Ensure diagonals match within 1/8-inch.

3. Plane or sand friction points at top rails/stiles (maximum 1/16-inch removal) to achieve 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch clearance from posts or opposing leaf.

4. If warping is present, splice in matching white oak braces (e.g., Z-brace or diagonal brace at 45-degree angle) using mortise-and-tenon joints secured with wooden pegs or galvanized screws (countersunk and plugged).

d. Dragging on Sidewalk:

1. Shim the hinge post, achieving 1/2-inch to 1-inch ground clearance. Recommend use of shims or other metal mounts if compatible with historic standards.

2. Sidewalk is uneven, ensure above clearance is made.

e. Cane Bolt Seating:

1. Realign cane bolts to ensure rods drop fully into ground receivers (minimum 6-inch embedment).

f. Overall Alignment:

1. Ensuring leaves swing freely without binding. Test for wind resistance by securing with cane bolts and applying simulated force (e.g., 20 mph wind equivalent).

g. East Gate Specific Repairs

1. Apply the same specifications as the South Gate, adapted to observed issues:

2. Inspect and repair binding at top by planning/sanding and adding braces if needed.

3. Address dragging by post adjustment or shimming for 1/2-inch clearance.

4. Correct cane bolt misalignment by straightening/replacing rods and adjusting receivers.

5. Ensure gates close independently or together without friction, with uniform gaps.

h. Hardware Repairs/Replacement

1. Tighten all loose hinges, screws, and fasteners using a ratcheting socket wrench (13mm for hexagonal bolts if applicable).

2. Replace corroded or bent hardware in-kind: Use Black painted steel matching original size, style, and finish (e.g., strap hinges 12-18 inches long, 1/4-inch thick).

3. If rods/handles are bent, straighten with minimal force; replace if deformation exceeds 1/8-inch.

4. Lubricate moving parts with graphite or silicone-based lubricant (non-petroleum to avoid wood damage).

i. Testing and Final Adjustments

1. After repairs, test gates for smooth operation: Open/close 20 times, confirming no binding, dragging, or misalignment.

2. Verify cane bolts engage securely and gates remain stable under wind simulation.

3. Adjust as needed to meet tolerances (e.g., 1/8-inch gaps, plumb within 1/16-inch).

4. Clean work area, removing debris and restoring site to original condition.

j. Materials

1. Wood: milled to match existing

2. Epoxy: Low-viscosity consolidant and semi-rigid filler (e.g., Abatron WoodEpox or equivalent).

3. Hardware: matching historic materials color, type and profiles.

4. Workmanship Standards: All work per NPS Preservation Guidelines: Repair using least invasive methods; match materials in design, color, texture.

5.0 OPTIONAL WORK / TASKS:

a. None.

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT / MATERIALS / OTHER:

a. Equipment: None

b. Materials: None

7.0 SPECIAL CONDITIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

a. Mission San Jose will remain open to visitors. Please ensure access is provided and visitor safety. Provide barriers around work area to limit visitors near the work site.

b. Workmanship Standards: All work per NPS Preservation Guidelines: Repair using least invasive methods; match materials in design, color, texture. Contractor Qualifications: Must have experience with NPS projects, historic preservation, and single-ply roofing systems. The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties viewed at: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standguide/ applies.

c. Dust protection must be provided.

d. Work shall be performed by qualified contractors experienced in historic preservation, using methods that prioritize stabilization, consolidation, and conservation. Coordination with Historic Preservation is required to ensure compliance with preservation guidelines.

e. Document findings with photographs (minimum 6 per gate: 2 before, 2 during, 2 after) and a condition report, including GPS coordinates or landmarks for reference.

f. Submit assessment report to COR for approval before proceeding with work.

g. Please comply with the SAAN Park Superintendents compendium found here: https://www.nps.gov/saan/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm

h. All work must comply with local, state, and federal building codes, including ADA accessibility standards and National Park Service (NPS) preservation guidelines for historically significant structures.

i. IBC 2024, with Appendices (International Building Code)

j. IEBC 2024, with Appendices (International Existing Building Code)

8.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

a. Mission San Jose - Indigenous Quarters complex - 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX (29.360875, -98.480096)

9.0 PERFORMANCE PERIOD / SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

a. Period of Performance: 60 days after contract award, contingent on material availability and weather conditions.

b. Submit detailed schedule upon contractor selection, including milestones for demolition, installation, and final inspections. Coordinate work to minimize disruption to facility availability, considering the facility’s public use.

c. Work shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and actual work dates and schedule shall be coordinated with the Park and approved by the CO or COR at least ten (10) working days in advance. NPS Facilities will remain open for visitor access, discuss alternate pedestrian traffic control.

d. NOTE: Since all work is on the exterior structure, the Park will consider expanding the work hours in general, if requested by the Contractor. No work shall take place on National Holidays. All material and equipment must be on-hand before any demolition or construction work takes place.

image1.png