From removing graffiti in Manhattan to rebuilding a hops barn in Oregon, the National Park Service-a part of the Department of the Interior-has faced just about every problem an old structure can encounter. Here for the first time is a collection of their hardwon know-how and official guidelines, written by the top experts in their respective fields of preservation.
Forty-two fully illustrated chapters include:
-- cleaning and waterproof coating for historic masonry
-- repointing mortar joints
-- maintaining historic adobe buildings
-- the dangers of abrasive cleaning
-- repairing historic wooden windows
-- rehabilitating historic storefronts
-- repairing wooden shingles
-- preserving barns
-- repairing stucco
-- using substitute materials on historic building exteriors
-- mothballing historic buildings
-- understanding architectural cast iron
There's even a chapter on repairing vintage signs. Each subject is treated with the utmost care and discusses the safest and most historically accurate repairs. Perhaps just as important as the valuable advice on how to undertake various projects, the guides also give invaluable advice on what not to do-based on years of preservation experience-that can save a homeowner thousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. For the student or the professional restorer, THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE is the official government text on saving old buildings.
Forty-two fully illustrated chapters include:
-- cleaning and waterproof coating for historic masonry
-- repointing mortar joints
-- maintaining historic adobe buildings
-- the dangers of abrasive cleaning
-- repairing historic wooden windows
-- rehabilitating historic storefronts
-- repairing wooden shingles
-- preserving barns
-- repairing stucco
-- using substitute materials on historic building exteriors
-- mothballing historic buildings
-- understanding architectural cast iron
There's even a chapter on repairing vintage signs. Each subject is treated with the utmost care and discusses the safest and most historically accurate repairs. Perhaps just as important as the valuable advice on how to undertake various projects, the guides also give invaluable advice on what not to do-based on years of preservation experience-that can save a homeowner thousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. For the student or the professional restorer, THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE is the official government text on saving old buildings.
Price: $24.95
As both a practising architect and a researcher, Berge introduces us authoritatively to issues such as using raw materials from renewable sources, and the possibilities of designing and manufacturing reusable building materials. The alternatives to modern building materials are outlined and discussed from an ecological perspective.
This new edition of Barry’s Introduction to Construction of Buildings adds considerable new material but remains based on the original concept of explaining construction technology through key functional/performance requirements for the main elements common to all buildings. Of particular note in this new edition are a fully integrated approach to environmental issues and construction sustainability.
Essential data on construction materials for practising 
This new edition of Understanding Housing Defects has been extensively revised and includes new and revised graphics, many more photographs, and an extended text. The book is a natural companion to The Construction of Houses (first published in 1990 and now in its 3rd revision). Understanding Housing Defects provides a concise, coherent and comprehensive introduction to the causes, investigation and diagnosis of housing defects.
Here within a single volume is provided the essential information on the properties of traditional building materials. Each material is considered in the constructional sequence: wall materials, roof coverings, wood and timber framing, metals and finishes.
Essential data on construction materials for practising 
This new edition provides a detailed reference source of the use in residential buildings of materials known or suspected to harm health and the environment. Alternative materials are evaluated using unique data sheets which compare environmental impact, cost, health, safety and technical performance providing building and construction professionals and other practitioners with the facts they need to make the right selection.
The aim of the "Watching" series is to draw attention to some of the very interesting items around us, things that perhaps we don't notice as much as we might. The first was "Bridge Watching", and when this was put "on the Net" it produced, to the surprise of the author, such a pleasant flood of e-mail that another was written, called "Water Watching". This, too, was kindly received. So it was tempting to continue with the theme. "Roof Watching" is an invitation to look at the top covering of buildings! Our eyes are set in our faces so that they look horizontally. Hence, in the ordinary way, people mostly look straight ahead, and don't look up as much as they might. If they did this too much they might not see objects at ground level, and so bump into things, of course; on the other hand, there is a good deal above eye level that is worth seeing. It is not only the outside of a roof that is of interest. Inside they're all sorts of intriguing things. If you hadn't thought much about it before, you may be surprised at what goes on inside the roof space, and what holds it all up. So, inside and outside, the roof is worth some attention, not only when complete, but during its construction, too. A building site can be worth a visit at any stage of the construction. It is particularly so when the roof is being built. The variety of shapes, textures, and colours of the covering provides a fascinating display to delight the eye and enchant the enquiring mind. Knowing something of the "why" and the "how" can add much to the absorbing pastime of just looking at roofs.
When it comes to building or remodeling a home, it is easy to feel bombarded by the countless choices that have to be made. Now, anyone can forgo hours of research and endless footwork by picking up a copy of House About It. From doors and windows to flooring and plumbing, House About It is an all-in-one, totally empowering, homeowner's bible packed with innovative ideas and details to help increase the value, comfort and aesthetics of your home. Looking for windows that are self-washing or an elevator that runs on a vacuum? Can't decide between wood and coconut palm flooring? Want to install an outdoor fireplace? This book is concise and informative, exciting and cutting edge, and profiles countless products to build a 
This simple-to-use, practical guide to altering or extending property is invaluable to all those who are trying to ensure that the processes involved are carried out efficiently and cost-effectively. For those working or planning to work in the construction industry, it will remind them of the pitfalls of local requirements, building control and planning.
Complete set of blueprints and maps of the massive abandoned Kings Park Psychiatric Center, on Long Island. It includes maps of the labyrinth of steam tunnels, architectural drawings of every building, and footnotes of interesting details.
This book helps you protect the significant financial stake you have in your house.