Practical Building Conservation

In five volumes, Practical Building Conservation provides a comprehensive and practical reference source for those involved in restoration, preservation, repair or maintenance of historic buildings. Architects, surveyors and building contractors will find it essential reading - whether they are responsible for repairing a large, historic site or part of the fabric of a small one. The authors consider the complete range of materials and the problems likely to occur with each. Chemical, mechanical and other forms of treatment are analysed with precise information on which form of restoration works best in each particular case. This is backed up by practical advice - covering everything from complicated repair processes (simply explained) to the removal of ground-in chewing gum from paving stones. Volume 1 Stone Masonry covers the repair and maintenance of stone. The book deals with diagnosing problems, routine maintenance, repair and replacement of all types of stone structures. Controlling organic growth is included as well as methods of grouting. Detailed sections explain the methods of repairing with mortar, masonry cleaning and its long term effects, and how to clean and treat marble and limestone. Finally the authors analyse the effects of masonry consolidants and colourless water repellent treatments. Volume 2 Brick, Terracotta and Earth covers the control of damp and the repair and maintenance of brick, clay and earth structures. The book investigates the causes of damp (with a fascinating case study), methods of mortar analysis and their advantages and disadvantages, and gives a guide to pointing stone and brick work. Next come detailed sections on the repair and maintenance of: â?¢ bricks â?¢ terracotta and faience â?¢ cob, chalk mud, pise and clay lump â?¢ earth floors â?¢ daub. Volume 3 Mortars, Plasters and Renders explores the use of lime, cements, mortars, rendering and plaster. It provides a detailed description of the use of hydraulic and non-hydraulic limes. Next comes an analysis of traditional and modern mortar additives, a guide to external renderings, to gypsum plaster and to lime washes and lime paints. Techniques are illustrated with two case studies. The first is the three-phase cleaning and consolidation of the chapel plaster at Cowdray House Ruins; the second is the remedial work on the lime plaster at Richmond Castle Cell Block. Volume 4 Metals covers the cleaning, repair and maintenance of metals. It examines the properties of metals, the corrosion processes leading to their deterioration, and the techniques for managing these problems. There are detailed chapters on cast iron (written in collaboration with Geoffrey Wallis), traditional copper roofing (written in collaboration with Dennis Toner), outdoor bronze sculpture, lead sheet roofing, lead and zinc sculpture. Volume 5 Wood, Glass and Resins examines the repair and treatment of timber and glass; a short chapter on the use of resins in conservation has also been added. The sections on wood analyse the problems of fungi, insects, and timer distortion and explore the use of substitute materials and finishes for external surfaces. Techniques for conservation of historic glass include an evaluation of cleaning methods, treatment of paint loss and how to protect glass from vandalism, breakage and the problems of variable climatic conditions. An important feature of this book is the 35 page Select Technical Bibliography representing all five volumes in the series.