Preface vi

Contributors viii

1 The philosophy of repair 1
Michael Forsyth

2 Stone 5

Types of wall construction 5
Ian Williams

Oolitic limestone 7
David McLaughlin

Sandstone 20
Ian Williams

Granite 30
Robert Cotta

3 Brickwork 46
Mike Stock

4 Lime-based plasters, renders and washes 56
Rory Young

5 Concrete and reinforced concrete 92
Michael Bussell

6 Stone slate, clay tile and metamorphic slate 109
Christopher Harris

7 Cast iron, wrought iron and steel 123
Geoff Wallis and Michael Bussell

8 Understanding decay in building timbers 160
Brian Ridout

9 Timber 167
Charley Brentnall

10 Wattle and daub 178
Tony Graham

11 Sash windows 191
Gus Astley

12 Window glass 196
Michael Forsyth

13 Exterior colour on the smaller town house 200
Patrick Baty

Index 212

This book is the third in a series of volumes that combine conservation philosophy in the built environment with knowledge of traditional materials, and structural and constructional conservation techniques and technology:

• Understanding Historic Building Conservation
• Structures & Construction in Historic Building Conservation
• Materials & Skills for Historic Building Conservation
• Interior Finishes & Fittings for Historic Building Conservation

The series aims to introduce each aspect of conservation and to provide concise, basic and up-to-date knowledge for architects, surveyors and engineers as well as for commissioning client bodies, managers and advisors.

In each book, Michael Forsyth draws together chapters by leading architects, structural engineers and related professionals to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of conservation work. The books are structured to be of direct practical application, taking the reader through the process of historic building conservation and emphasising throughout the integrative teamwork involved.

The present volume – Materials & Skills for Historic Building Conservation – describes the characteristics and process of decay of traditional materials which inform the selection of appropriate repair techniques.

It provides essential information on the properties of the principal traditional external building materials. Their availability, sourcing and environmental impact is covered, as well as the causes of erosion and decay, and the skills required for their application on conservation projects.

It covers the main most commonly used materials and conservation techniques including stone, brickwork, lime products, concrete, iron and steel, timber, wattle and daub, and glass.

Thirteen chapters written by the experts present today's key issues in materials and skills for historic building conservation: Gus Astley, Patrick Baty, Charley Brentnall, Michael Bussell, Michael Forsyth, Tony Graham, Chris Harris, David McLaughlin, Brian Ridout, Mike Stock, Geoff Wallis, Ian Williams, Rory Young