Practical Building Conservation: Mortars, Renders & Plasters

his volume, Mortars, Renders and Plasters, provides a broad perspective of contemporary conservation theory and practice not otherwise found in one publication, describing the history, physical properties, and deterioration of these important materials. Methods of assessing condition and evaluating options for treatment and repair are discussed, together with a range of practical conservation techniques and maintenance strategies. Contents: About this book; Using these books; Part I Materials and History of Use: Introduction; Mortars, renders and plasters: a historical perspective; Historic mortars: materials; Historic mortars: preparation. Part II Deterioration and Damage: Inherent causes of deterioration; Environmental causes of deterioration; Inappropriate intervention and use. Part III Assessment: Understanding buildings and their condition; Surveying mortars, renders and plasters; Symptoms and diagnosis of causes of deterioration. Part IV Treatment and Repair: Project planning and development; Mortars for conservation; Mortar design and specification; Preparation of mortars for conservation; Using lime mortar: good practice; Desalination; repointing; Conservation of render and plaster on solid background; Conservation of render and plaster on flexible support; Conservation of decorative plaster and render; Other treatments. Part V Care and Maintenance: Building maintenance. Part VI Special Topics: Paints for plaster and render; Decorative painting on plaster and render; Natural cements; Mortar floors; Ruins. Appendices; Glossary; Bibliography; Index. Reviews: [The Practical Building Conservation volumes] offer considerable information and advice on many aspects of conservation& Great emphasis is placed in all the volumes on making the reader familiar with the material in question, giving them as much information and direction as possible to allow them to understand what they are dealing with& gives a comprehensive 'hands on' approach; solutions are found, methods described and practical tips freely given. &should be kept on the bookshelf within reach of most practising professionals in the field.- Jane Jones-Warner RIBA SCA AABC IHBC, Member RIBA Conservation Group. NOTES ON VOLUME EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS Volume Editors: Alison Henry & John Stewart Alison Henry, co-author of this volume, is Senior Architectural Conservator with the Building Conservation and Research Team at English Heritage. A trained stone conservator, she has wide experience in private practice, higher education, and as a conservation officer. John Stewart is also co-author of this book and Senior Architectural Conservator with the Building Conservation and Research Team at English Heritage. With training in architectural history and conservation, he has been a conservator, conservation advisor, and lecturer for a variety of national and international institutions. Principal Contributors: John Ashurst & Richard Ireland John Ashurst, a principal contributor to this book and the principal author of the original Practical Building Conservation series, was a pre-eminent conservation authority and architect, both in the UK and abroad. Richard Ireland, plaster conservator in private practice and lecturer, advises on and carries out conservation of significant historic plasterwork in the British Isles. Other Contributors: Peter Ellis, Helen Hughes, Sophie Godfraind, David Mason, Tracy Manning, Robyn Pender, Sarah Pinchin, Simon Swann, Nigel Whitehouse, and Chris Wood. Imprint: Ashgate Published: March 2012 Extent: 654 pages Binding: Hardback