Historic building faades - New York Landmarks Conservancy

A historic building is a fragile resource that requires the finest care. Maintenance and rehabilitation of walls and facades call for a thorough understanding of the forces that cause deterioration, knowledge of the properties of building materials, up–to–date inspection tools and methods, and a solid command of renovation and repair techniques. In this complete reference manual, recognized experts provide state–of–the–art information and methodologies for the inspection, maintenance, and restoration of historic buildings of virtually every period, style, and material.

Each chapter opens with a general discussion of the facade material and the ways in which structural and decorative elements are vulnerable to an array of environmental forces. After a detailed investigation of tools and techniques for inspection, the text explores planning issues for the restoration or replacement of facade components. Special features include:

• Separate chapters on each major type of building material
  stone masonry, 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 help visualize technical information


• Selected success stories from preservation projects across the United States

For architects, building contractors, and owners of historic buildings, Historic Building Facades clarifies procedures, helps identify sources of deterioration, and offers solutions to even the most difficult maintenance and rehabilitation problems. It is also an excellent reference for building preservationists, architectural historians, and students of building design and preservation.