Explains the purpose of historic structure reports, describes their value to the preservation of significant historic properties, outlines how reports are commissioned and prepared, and recommends an organizational format for such reports.

A one-of-a-kind, step-by-step guide to compiling an HSR—a document crucial to every professional working on a historic property. Any architect, engineer, or preservation professional renovating a historic property must be familiar with the historic structure report (HSR)—a document that evaluates all aspects of a property to minimize damage during restoration. The only book of its kind, this practical guide walks readers through the process of compiling an HSR. From gathering historical and archival data about the property to analyzing its structural, mechanical, and electrical components to assessing the state of its interior finish, including wood, masonry, and metals, this book covers all the nuts and bolts of an expertly written, informative HSR. Explaining what information should be included in each section and how investigators can work together effectively as a team to produce a comprehensive, coherent report, this handbook is one no professional should be without.

The National Park Service, a branch of the Department of the Interior, knows preservation. In its hundred-year existence, the service has dealt with just about every problem an old structure can have. Whether it is removing graffiti in Manhattan or rebuilding a barn in Oregon, the National Park Service knows what to do. Here are the official U.S. guidelines, a lively and instructive collection of tried and tested knowledge and reliable techniques, written by the top experts in the field. Over forty fully illustrated chapters addressing topics such as: — cleaning and waterproof coating of historic masonry — roofing for historic buildings — the preservation of historic glazed architectural terra-cotta — exterior paint problems on historic woodwork — the preservation of historic barns — heating, ventilating, and cooling historic buildings — historic signs — applied decoration for historic interiors — using substitute materials on historic building exteriors — understanding old buildings — understanding architectural cast iron Every chapter is written with the utmost detail and clarity so that any reader can perform the safest and most historically accurate repairs. The book also offers invaluable advice on what not to do that can save a homeowner thousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. For the hobbyist or the professional restorer, The Preservation of Historic Architecture is the definitive government text on restoring, repairing, and preserving old buildings.

Collects some 30 papers dealing with philosophical, methodological, and technical standards in building preservation. The first section of papers present a general view of preservation. The second section offers papers which discuss the different approaches to preservation practice. The third sectio