A non-technical guide about caring for, adapting, expanding, and preserving older buildings.

Comprehensive, in-depth coverage from leading experts in thefield A historic building is a fragile resource that requires the finestcare. Maintenance and rehabilitation of walls and facades call fora thorough understanding of the forces that cause deterioration,knowledge of the properties of building materials, up-to-dateinspection tools and methods, and a solid command of renovation andrepair techniques. In this complete reference manual, recognizedexperts provide state-of-the-art information and methodologies forthe inspection, maintenance, and restoration of historic buildingsof virtually every period, style, and material. Each chapter opens with a general discussion of the facade materialand the ways in which structural and decorative elements arevulnerable to an array of environmental forces. After a detailedinvestigation of tools and techniques for inspection, the textexplores planning issues for the restoration or replacement offacade components. Special features include: * Separate chapters on each major type of building material--stonemasonry, brick masonry, terra-cotta masonry, cast stone, mortar,concrete, cast iron, sheet metal, and wood * An entire chapter on caulks and sealants * 35 original line drawings and 43 black and white photos that helpvisualize technical information * Selected success stories from preservation projects across theUnited States For architects, building contractors, and owners of historicbuildings, Historic Building Facades clarifies procedures, helpsidentify sources of deterioration, and offers solutions to even themost difficult maintenance and rehabilitation problems. It is alsoan excellent reference for building preservationists, architecturalhistorians, and students of building design and preservation.

Comprehensive, in-depth coverage from leading experts in thefield A historic building is a fragile resource that requires the finestcare. Maintenance and rehabilitation of walls and facades call fora thorough understanding of the forces that cause deterioration,knowledge of the properties of building materials, up-to-dateinspection tools and methods, and a solid command of renovation andrepair techniques. In this complete reference manual, recognizedexperts provide state-of-the-art information and methodologies forthe inspection, maintenance, and restoration of historic buildingsof virtually every period, style, and material. Each chapter opens with a general discussion of the facade materialand the ways in which structural and decorative elements arevulnerable to an array of environmental forces. After a detailedinvestigation of tools and techniques for inspection, the textexplores planning issues for the restoration or replacement offacade components. Special features include: * Separate chapters on each major type of building material--stonemasonry, brick masonry, terra-cotta masonry, cast stone, mortar,concrete, cast iron, sheet metal, and wood * An entire chapter on caulks and sealants * 35 original line drawings and 43 black and white photos that helpvisualize technical information * Selected success stories from preservation projects across theUnited States For architects, building contractors, and owners of historicbuildings, Historic Building Facades clarifies procedures, helpsidentify sources of deterioration, and offers solutions to even themost difficult maintenance and rehabilitation problems. It is alsoan excellent reference for building preservationists, architecturalhistorians, and students of building design and preservation.

Provides guidance to historic building owners and building managers, preservation consultants, architects, contractors, and project reviewers prior to treatment of historic buildings.

Although there are other books about renovating old houses, this is the first that prioritizes the identification and preservation of the historic, character-defining features of a house as a starting point in the process. That is the purpose of this book: to describe and illustrate a best-practices approach for updating historic homes for modern life in ways that do not attempt to turn an old house into a new one. The book also suggests many ways to save money in the process, without settling for cheap or inappropriate solutions. Scott Hanson is a historic-building preservation professional and has 40 years' experience rehabilitating historic houses. He has illustrated this authoritative book with hundreds of step-by-step photos, illustrations, charts, and decision-making guides. Interspersed throughout are photo essays of 13 restored historic houses representing a range of periods and architectural styles: Italianate, Victorian, Queen Anne, Federal, Colonial, Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, Ranch, Adobe, Craftsman, Shingle, and Rustic. With interior and exterior photography by David Clough, these multi-page features show what can be achieved when a historic home is renovated with a desire to preserve or restore as much historic character as possible.