Identify    Stabilize    Protect    Repair    Replace in Kind

Identify, Retain and Preserve

-INTERIOR SPACES-

Identifying, retaining, and preserving a floor plan or interior spaces that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building. This includes the size, configuration, proportion, and relationship of rooms and corridors; the relationship of features to spaces; and the spaces themselves such as lobbies, reception halls, entrance halls, double parlors, theaters, auditoriums, and important industrial or commercial spaces.

In assessing the interior visual character of any historic building, it is necessary to ask whether there are spaces that are important to the character of this particular building, whether the building is architecturally rich or modest. A simple or utilitarian structure canhave just as much--or more--character as a grand space.

Altering a floor plan or interior spaces--including individual rooms--which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.

-INTERIOR FEATURES AND FINISHES-

Identifying, retaining, and preserving interior features and finishes that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building, including columns, cornices, baseboards, fireplaces and mantels, panelling, light fixtures, hardware, and flooring; and wallpaper, plaster, paint, and finishes such as stencilling, marbling, and graining; and other decorative materials that accent interior features and provide color, texture, and patterning to walls, floors, and ceilings.

This Minton encaustic floor tile was installed in the U.S. Capitol in the 1850s. Before undertaking any work more complicated than regular maintenance or a very simple repair on a significant historic ceramic tile floor, it is recommended that a professional conservator of ceramics, an historical architect, an architectural historian, or a chemist with particular knowledge and experience in this field be consulted. Photo: NPS files.

Altering features and finishes which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.

Replacing historic interior features and finishes instead of repairing or replacing only the deteriorated masonry.Installing new decorative material that obscures or damages character-defining interior features or finishes.

Removing historic finishes, such as paint and plaster, or historic wall coverings, such as wallpaper.

Applying paint, plaster, or other finishes to surfaces that have been historically unfinished.

Stripping paint to bare wood rather than repairing or re-applying grained or marbled finishes to features such as doors and paneling.

Changing the type of finish or its color, such as painting a previously varnished wood feature.

Stabilize

Stabilizing deteriorated or damaged interior features and finishes as a preliminary measure, when necessary, prior to undertaking appropriate preservation work.

Failing to stabilize a deteriorated or damaged interior feature or finish until additional work is undertaken, thus allowing further damage to occur to the historic building.

Protect and Maintain

Protecting and maintaining masonry, wood, and architectural metals that comprise interior features through appropriate surface treatments such as cleaning, rust removal, limited paint removal, and reapplication of protective coatings systems.

Protecting interior features and finishes against arson and vandalism before project work begins, boarding-up windows, and installing fire alarm systems that are keyed to local protection agencies.

Protecting interior features such as a staircase, mantel, or decorative finishes and wall coverings against damage during project work by covering them with heavy canvas or plastic sheets.

Careful documentation of a building's physical condition is the critical first step in determining an appropriate level of intervention. This may include documenting a particular problem, such as this cracked ceiling (left); or relating the historical research to existing materials and features (right). Photos: NPS files.

Installing protective coverings in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic to protect historic features such as wall coverings, parquet flooring and panelling.

Removing damaged or deteriorated paints and finishes to the next sound layer using the gentlest method possible, then repainting or refinishing using compatible paint or other coating systems.

Repainting with colors that are appropriate to the historic building.

Limiting abrasive cleaning methods to certain industrial warehouse buildings where the interior masonry or plaster features do not have distinguishing design, detailing, tooling, or finishes; and where wood features are not finished, molded, beaded, or worked by hand. Abrasive cleaning should only be considered after other, gentler methods have been proven ineffective.

Evaluating the existing condition of materials to determine whether more than protection and maintenance are required, that is, if repairs to interior features and finishes will be necessary.

Failing to provide adequate protection to materials on a cyclical basis so that deterioration of interior features results.

Permitting entry into historic buildings through unsecured or broken windows and doors so that the interior features and finishes are damaged by exposure to weather or vandalism.

Stripping interiors of features such as woodwork, doors, windows, light fixtures, copper piping, radiators; or of decorative materials.

Failing to provide proper protection of interior features and finishes during work so that they are gouged, scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged.

Failing to take new use patterns into consideration so that interior features and finishes are damaged.

Using destructive methods such as propane or butane torches or sandblasting to remove paint or other coatings. These methods can irreversibly damage the historic materials that comprise interior features.

Using new paint colors that are inappropriate to the historic building.

Changing the texture and patina of character-defining features through sandblasting or use of abrasive methods to remove paint, discoloration or plaster. This includes both exposed wood (including structural members) and masonry.

Failing to undertake adequate measures to assure the protection of interior features and finishes.

Repair

Repairing historic interior features and finishes by reinforcing the materials using recognized preservation methods. The new work should match the old in material, design, color, and texture; and be unobtrusively dated to guide future research and treatment.

In Preservation, an appropriate level of intervention is established prior to work in order to maximize retention of historic materials. (a) A conservator is applying adhesive to 19th century composition ornament that has delaminated from its wood substrate. (b) The compo fragment is carefully held in place until the quick-setting adhesive takes hold. Photos: Jonathan Thornton.

Removing materials that could be repaired, using improper techniques, or failing to document the new work.

-GUIDELINES-

The Approach

Exterior Materials
Masonry
Wood
Architectural Metals

Exterior Features
Roofs
Windows
Entrances + Porches
Storefronts

Interior Features
Structural System Spaces/Features/Finishes
Mechanical Systems

Site

Setting

Special Requirements
Energy Efficiency
Accessibility
Health + Safety