The National Park Service, a branch of the Department of theInterior, knows preservation. In its hundred-year existence, the service hasdealt with just about every problem an old structure can have. Whether it isremoving graffiti in Manhattan or rebuilding a barn in Oregon, the NationalPark Service knows what to do. Here are the official U.S. guidelines, a livelyand instructive collection of tried and tested knowledge and reliabletechniques, written by the top experts in the field. Over forty fully illustrated chapters addressing topics suchas: - cleaning and waterproof coating of historic masonry - roofing for historic buildings - the preservation of historic glazed architectural terra-cotta - exterior paint problems on historic woodwork- the preservation of historic barns - heating, ventilating, and cooling historic buildings - historic signs - applied decoration for historic interiors - using substitute materials on historic building exteriors - understanding old buildings - understanding architectural cast iron Every chapter is written with the utmost detail and clarity so that anyreader can perform the safest and most historically accurate repairs. The bookalso offers invaluable advice on what not to do that can save a homeownerthousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. Forthe hobbyist or the professional restorer, ThePreservation of Historic Architecture is the definitive government text onrestoring, repairing, and preserving old buildings.