A Glossary of Historic Masonry Deterioration Problems and Preservation Treatments

Excerpt from A Glossary of Historic Masonry Deterioration Problems and Preservation Treatments To date, twenty historic masonry buildings have been recorded on the Census, reflecting a variety of treatments, masonry types geographical locations, and it is estimated that the project will ultimately include one hundred structures.

As the Census project has evolved, we have realised the need for a standard set of definitions for masonry deterioration as well as the preservation treatments prescribed. There is a plethora of terms used to describe proplems of historic masonry deterioration and preservation treatments. Because so many of these terms originate from different sources the architectural profession, the building trades and industry, and scientific fields suchas geology and chemistry – many of them are used interchangeably, often indiscriminately and incorrectly. As a result, the preservation architect or building conservator is left in con fusion, uncertain not’ only how to diagnose a problem, but what to call it, and whether to recommend a treatment.