Practical Building Conservation

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; metals; wood, glass and resins and in Volume 5 there is a comprehensive technical bibliography.Volume 3 Mortars, Plasters and Renders explores the use of lime, cements, mortars, rendering and plaster. It provides a detailed description of the use of hydraulic and non-hydraulic limes. Next comes an analysis of traditional and modern mortar additives, a guide to external renderings, to gypsum plaster and to lime washes and lime paints.Techniques are illustrated with two case studies. The first is the three-phase cleaning and consolidation of the chapel plaster at Cowdray House Ruins; the second is the remedial work on the lime plaster at Richmond Castle Cell Block.