....Identify, retain, and preserve

Structural stabilization of masonry walls before rehabilitation.

Identifying, retaining, and preserving structural systems--and individual features of systems--that are important in defining the overall historic character of building, such as post and beam systems, trusses, summer beams, vigas, cast iron columns, above-grade stone foundation walls, or loadbearing brick or stone walls.

Removing, covering, or radically changing features of structural systems which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.

Putting a new use into the building which could overload the existing structural system; or installing equipment or mechanical systems which could damage the structure.

Demolishing a loadbearing masonry wall that could be augmented and retained, and replacing it with a new wall (i.e., brick or stone), using the historic masonry only as an exterior veneer.

Leaving known structural problems untreated such as deflection of beams, cracking and bowing of walls, or racking of structural members.

Utilizing treatments or products that accelerate the deterioration of structural material such as introducing urea-formaldehyde foam insulation into frame walls.

....Protect and Maintain

Using ultrasonic pulse velocity to determine thickness and soundness of solid granite column. Photo: Andrea Lazarski.

Protecting and maintaining the structural system by cleaning the roof gutters and downspouts; replacing roof flashing; keeping masonry, wood, and architectural metals in a sound condition; and ensuring that structural members are free from insect infestation.

Examining and evaluating the physical condition of the structural system and its individual features using non-destructive techniques such as X-ray photography.

Failing to provide proper building maintenance so that deterioration of the structural system results. Causes of deterioration include subsurface ground movement, vegetation growing too close to foundation walls, improper grading, fungal rot, and poor interior ventilation that results in condensation.

Utilizing destructive probing techniques that will damage or destroy structural material.

....Repair

Structural brace installed between piers as seismic reinforcement to be concealed within re-built wall.

Repairing the structural system by augmenting or upgrading individual parts or features. For example, weakened structural members such as floor framing can be paired with a new member, braced, or otherwise supplemented and reinforced.

Upgrading the building structurally in a manner that diminishes the historic character of the exterior, such as installing strapping channels or removing a decorative cornice; or damages interior features or spaces.

Replacing a structural member or other feature of the structural system when it could be augmented and retained.

....Replace

Installing a visible replacement feature that does not convey the same visual appearance, e.g., replacing an exposed wood summer beam with a steel beam.

Using substitute material that does not equal the loadbearing capabilities of the historic material and design or is otherwise physically or chemically incompatible.

Alterations/Additions for the New Use

The following work is highlighted to indicate that it represents the particularly complex technical or design aspects of rehabilitation projects and should only be considered after the preservation concerns listed above have been addressed.

Limiting any new excavations adjacent to historic foundations to avoid undermining the structural stability of the building or adjacent historic building. Studies should be done to ascertain potential damage to archeological resources.

Correcting structural deficiencies in preparation for the new use in a manner that preserves the structural system and individual character-defining features.

Left: Interior of 19th-century factory before rehabilitation. Right: Exposed structural system retains the historic industrial character after conversion to shops.

Designing and installing new mechanical or electrical systems, when required for the new use, which minimize the number of cutouts or holes in structural members.

Adding a new floor when required for the new use if such an alteration does not damage or destroy the structural system or obscure, damage, or destroy character-defining spaces, features, or finishes.

Creating an atrium or a light well to provide natural light when required for the new use in a manner that assures the preservation of the structural system as well as character-defining interior spaces, features, and finishes.

Inappropriate excavation causing damage to historic building foundation.

Carrying out excavations or regrading adjacent to or within a historic building which could cause the historic foundation to settle, shift, or fail; could have a similar effect on adjacent historic buildings; or could destroy significant archeological resources.

Radically changing interior spaces or damaging or destroying features or finishes that are character-defining while trying to correct structural deficiencies in preparation for the new use.

Installing new mechanical and electrical systems or equipment in a manner which results in numerous cuts, splices, or alterations to the structural members.

Inserting a new floor when such a radical change damages a structural system or obscures or destroys interior spaces, features, or finishes.

Inserting new floors or furred-down ceilings which cut across the glazed areas of windows so that the exterior form and appearance of the windows are radically changed.

Damaging the structural system or individual features; or radically changing, damaging, or destroying character-defining interior spaces, features, or finishes in order to create an atrium or a light well.