Practical Building Conservation Stone Masonry

Conservation Basics examines the evolving theories and principles that underpin building conservation in England in the 21st century, and looks at their application in practice. The process of conservation planning for the maintenance and repair of historic buildings and places is described in detail, and is illustrated through case studies. Topics include understanding and assessment, surveys and recording, ecological considerations, planning and managing maintenance and repair programmes, risk management, specifying works, and contract procurement.

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.The other volumes in this series include: stone masonry; brick, terracotta and earth; plasters, mortars and renders; metals.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.

Whether you are an artisan, an architect or a homeowner, The Stone Restoration Handbook demonstrates the best approach and techniques to use when preserving and repairing historic buildings. It introduces the materials and the processes, and explains the proven methods to conserve, repair and restore stone, masonry, statuary and monuments. This new book is packed with illustrations, examples and advice on stone selection and working, lime and mortars, pointing, cleaning and repairing mortar and stone. It guides you through assessing the job on the first site visit through to discussing the options and difficulties you can face. This is essential reading for those who care for and repair historic buildings and monuments. Contents include: surveying for a conservation report; setting up workshop and tools; stone selection and working; lime and mortars; pointing; repairing mortar and stone; cleaning; consolidation; casting and scagliola. Superbly illustrated with 564 colour photographs.

Practical Stone Masonry is the first major book in nearly seventy years on the craft of the stonemason. Today the work of the stonemason is almost exclusively confined to the repair of historic buildings, requiring a full working knowledge of the detailed traditional craft practices relating to repairs. This book addresses that need. It covers the basic methods of working stone, the making of specialized tools, and, for the first time, a full analysis of the procedures for setting-out for repairs. A broad description of the nature and problems of stone also includes guidance on selection. In addition, the authors look at the causes of decay in stone and outline methods for repair of both stone and mortar. "Practical Stone Masonry" contains essential advice for working masons and apprentices, and all those engaged in planning and supervising such works. It includes: the basic methods of working stone; how to make specialized tools; the procedures for setting-out for repairs explained; and, the nature and problems of stone plus a guide to selection.

Mortars, Renders and Plasters provides a broad perspective of contemporaryconservation theory and practice not otherwise found in one publication, describing the history,physical properties, and deterioration of these important materials. Methods of assessing condition and evaluating options for treatment and repair are discussed, together with a range of practical conservation techniques and maintenance strategies.

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.The other volumes in this series include: brick, terracotta and earth; plasters, mortars and renders; metals; wood, glass and resins and in Volume 5 there is a comprehensive technical bibliography.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.

One of the problems which beset the practical conservation of stone buildings is the fragmentation of the disciplines involved. This book, with both volumes now available as one invaluable paperback, brings these disciplines together by the involvement of contributors with different experiences and approaches to the same material. Part one is an introduction to the complexities and background history of stone conservation followed by the most comprehensive description yet produced of the building and decorative stones used in the British Isles. In part two, practitioners involved in stone conservation describe ways in which major structural masonry problems, secondary building problems and different stone surface conditions may be treated. A variety of building types and environments has been used to ensure that the broad scope of common problems is covered. This second part of the book will be of practical value to art historians, archaeologists, architects, surveyors and engineers, masonry contractors and sculpture conservators in solving problems and in learning to use each other's skills and experience.