Practical Building Conservation, English Heritage Technical Handbook, volume four (4) : Metals

In five volumes, Practical Building Conservation provides a comprehensive and practical reference source for those involved in restoration, preservation, repair or maintenance of historic buildings. Architects, surveyors and building contractors will find it essential reading - whether they are responsible for repairing a large, historic site or part of the fabric of a small one. The authors consider the complete range of materials and the problems likely to occur with each. Chemical, mechanical and other forms of treatment are analysed with precise information on which form of restoration works best in each particular case. This is backed up by practical advice - covering everything from complicated repair processes (simply explained) to the removal of ground-in chewing gum from paving stones. The other volumes in this series include: stone masonry; brick, terracotta and earth; plasters, mortars and renders; wood, glass and resins and in Volume 5 there is a comprehensive technical bibliography. Volume 4 Metals covers the cleaning, repair and maintenance of metals. It examines the properties of metals, the corrosion processes leading to their deterioration, and the techniques for managing these problems. There are detailed chapters on cast iron (written in collaboration with Geoffrey Wallis), traditional copper roofing (written in collaboration with Dennis Toner), outdoor bronze sculpture, lead sheet roofing, lead and zinc sculpture.

John and Nicola Ashurst share a wealth of experience in architectural conservation and these volumes demonstrate a detailed and practical knowledge of their profession.