How to preserve historic buildings
Quiz Questions:
The followings are:
Cleaning masonry surfaces with the gentlest method possible, such as low pressure water and detergents, using natural bristle brushes.
Repairing masonry walls and other masonry features by repointing the mortar joints where there is evidence of deterioration such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks, damp walls, or damaged plasterwork.
Removing deteriorated mortar by carefully hand-raking the joints to avoid damaging the masonry.
Duplicating old mortar in strength, composition, color, and texture.
Repairing stucco by removing the damaged material and patching with new stucco that duplicates the old in strength, composition, color, and texture.
Using mud plaster as a surface coating over unfired, unstabilized adobe because the mud plaster will bond to the adobe.
Removing sound stucco; or repairing with new stucco that is stronger than the historic material or does not convey the same visual appearance.
Applying cement stucco to unfired, unstabilized adobe.
Because the cement stucco will not bond properly, moisture can become entrapped between materials, resulting in accelerated deterioration of the adobe.
Patching concrete without removing the source of deterioration.
Altering wood features which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.
Replacing historic wood features instead of repairing or replacing only the deteriorated wood.
Changing the type of paint or finish and its color.
Failing to stabilize deteriorated or damaged wood until additional work is undertaken, thus allowing further damage to occur to the historic building.
Removing non-deteriorated mortar from sound joints, then repointing the entire building to achieve a uniform appearance.
Using electric saws and hammers rather than hand tools to remove deteriorated mortar from joints prior to repointing.
Repointing with mortar of high portland cement content (unless it is the content of the historic mortar). This can often create a bond that is stronger than the historic material and can cause damage as a result of the differing coefficient of expansion and the differing porosity of the material and the mortar.
Repointing with a synthetic caulking compound.
Using a “scrub” coating technique to repoint instead of traditional repointing methods.
Altering the roof and roofing materials which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.
Replacing historic roofing material instead of repairing or replacing only the deteriorated material.
Changing the type or color of roofing materials.
Failing to stabilize a deteriorated or damaged roof until additional work is undertaken, thus allowing further damage to occur to the historic building.
Repairing the structural system by augmenting or upgrading individual parts or features using recognized preservation methods. For example, weakened structural members such as floor framing can be paired with a new member, braced, or otherwise supplemented and reinforced.
Upgrading the building structurally in a manner that diminishes the historic character of the exterior, such as installing strapping channels or removing a decorative cornice; or damages interior features or spaces.
Replacing a structural member or other feature of the structural system when it could be augmented and retained.
Identifying, retaining, and preserving visible features of early mechanical systems that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building, such as radiators, vents, fans, grilles, plumbing fixtures, switch plates, and lights.
Stabilizing deteriorated or damaged mechanical systems as a preliminary measure, when necessary, prior to undertaking appropriate preservation work.
Protecting and maintaining mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems and their features through cyclical cleaning and other appropriate measures.
Preventing accelerated deterioration of mechanical systems by providing adequate ventilation of attics, crawlspaces, and cellars so that moisture problems are avoided.
Improving the energy efficiency of existing mechanical systems to help reduce the need for elaborate new equipment.
Removing or altering visible features of mechanical systems that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.
Failing to stabilize a deteriorated or damaged mechanical system until additional work is undertaken, thus allowing further damage to occur to the historic building.
Failing to provide adequate protection of materials on a cyclical basis so that deterioration of mechanical systems and their visible features results.
Enclosing mechanical systems in areas that are not adequately ventilated so that deterioration of the systems results.
Installing unnecessary climate control systems which can add excessive moisture to the building. This additional moisture can either condense inside, damaging interior surfaces, or pass through interior walls to the exterior, potentially damaging adjacent materials as it migrates.
Replacing a mechanical system or its functional parts when it could be upgraded and retained.
Installing a visible replacement feature that does not convey the same visual appearance.
Removing or radically changing architectural metal features which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.
Removing a major portion of the historic architectural metal from a facade instead of repairing or replacing only the deteriorated metal, then reconstructing the facade with new material in order to create a uniform, or “improved” appearance.
Radically changing the type of finish or its historic color or accent scheme.
Failing to identify, evaluate, and treat the causes of corrosion, such as moisture from leaking roofs or gutters.
Placing incompatible metals together without providing a reliable separation material.
Such incompatibility can result in galvanic corrosion of the less noble metal, e.g., copper will corrode cast iron, steel, tin, and aluminum.
Exposing metals which were intended to be protected from the environment.
Applying paint or other coatings to metals such as copper, bronze, or stainless steel that were meant to be exposed.
Using cleaning methods which alter or damage the historic color, texture, and finish of the metal; or cleaning when it is inappropriate for the metal.
Some historic building materials (insulation, lead paint, etc.) contain toxic substances that are potentially hazardous to building occupants.
Following careful investigation and analysis, some form of abatement may be required.
All workers involved in the encapsulation, repair, or removal of known toxic materials should be adequately trained and should wear proper personal protective gear. Finally, preventive and routine maintenance for historic structures known to contain such materials should also be developed to include proper warnings and precautions.
Identifying, retaining, and preserving a floor plan or interior spaces that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building. This includes the size, configuration, proportion, and relationship of rooms and corridors; the relationship of features to spaces; and the spaces themselves such as lobbies, reception halls, entrance halls, double parlors, theaters, auditoriums, and important industrial or commercial spaces.