Preserving identifying visual aspects of buildings as an aid to preserving their characters well as understanding old buildings such as architectural investigation is the essence of historic preservation. In short it involves preserving original building materials or replacing them with the same/like materials. Historic preservation includes and is not limited to cleaning, waterproofing, repointing, conserving energy, roofing, abode buildings, historic glazed architectural terracotta, wooden windows, paint, structural glass (vitrolite and carrar glass), steel window repairs, exterior additions, concrete, plaster, stucco, HVAC, preservation of signs, painting, stained and leaded glass, landscape, controlling moisture,…….And the list goes on. All these items give one a sense of excitement and mystery when going inside an old building whether occupied or vacant because the materials and features resonate with the spirit of past people and events. When architecturally examined, this excitement can heighten because the unknown emerges with increasing clarity to reveal the lives of its occupants.

A weather tight roof is a basic in the preservation of a structure regardless of its age, size, or design. A roof imparts much of the architectural character of a building. However no matter how decorative the roof style, it is highly vulnerable and will eventually fail. A poor roof will permit accelerated disintegration of the basic structure. Before any repair work or reroof project occurs, the historic value of materials used on the roof should be understood, then a complete internal and external inspection of the roof should be planned to determine all of the causes of failure and to identify the alternatives for repair or replacement. One must therefore locate the problem, conduct historical research, appropriate alternative materials, guide precautions, and offer maintenance.

When deciding to use reclaimed slate or tile specific guidelines should be used to determine if the selected material is worthy of use. Once the determined quantity is found, the sample material should be inspected. This can be done by tapping with a hammer to make sure it still has a “ring” sound to it. Then the surface can be scratched with a pointed piece of metal. If the metal penetrates the surface it is too soft and questionable. Finally it can be tested in a laboratory to obtain a grade or classification based on water absorption and breakage strength to determine approximately how many years of life is expected. If the material passes their tests, its uses can be invaluable especially when trying to match an already existing roof for repairs and additions, especially when the material may no longer be manufactured. Just about any used slate/tile to match can be located. Finally, when using reclaimed material on a new projection, one can obtain an already “antique” look which can take otherwise years to obtain if new material is used.

Masonry, brick, stone, terra cotta, and concrete are found on nearly every historic building. Although generally considered “permanent”, it is subject to deterioration especially at its mortar joints. Repointing, also known as “pointing” or somewhat inaccurately “tuck pointing,” is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints of masonary walls and replacing it with new mortar. Properly done, repointing restores the visual and physical integrity of the masonry. Improperly done, repointing not only detracts from the appearance of the building, but may also cause physical damage to the masonry units themselves. A proper repointing job involves indentifying the problem before repointing, finding the appropriate mortar match, properties of mortar, mortar analysis, components of mortar, mortar types and mix, and execution of the work. Finally, a visual examination of the mortar and the masonry units must be made.

The inappropriate cleaning and waterproofing of masonry buildings is a major cause of deterioration of the Nations historic resources. While both treatments may be appropriate in some cases, they may cause serious deterioration in others. The reason for cleaning any building must be considered carefully before arriving at a decision to clean. Is cleaning being done to improve the appearance of the building or to make it look new? This so called dirty may actually be weathered masonry, and removing it will actually remove a portion of the masonry itself. Is the dirt and pollution actually harmful to the building? Improper cleaning can accelerate the deteriorating effects of pollutants. Therefore, one must evaluate what is dirt, what is the construction of the building, types of cleaning, planning a cleaning project, potential problems of cleaning, and problems of water repellant and waterproof coatings. Finally, one must be aware of the dangers of abrasive cleaning. For example, chemical or physical treatments such as sandblasting or any technique that physically abrades a building can damage historic materials. In essences, the surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken by using the gentlest means possible.

Paint applied to exterior building components must withstand yearly extremes of both temperature and humidity. While never expected to be more than a temporary physical shield-requiring application every 5-8 years, its importance should not be minimized. Because one of the main causes of deterioration is due to moisture penetration, the primary purpose of painting is to exclude such moisture therefore not allowing potential deterioration of decorative features as well as underlying structural members. Once one fully understands the purpose of exterior paints one can concern himself with treating painting problems, justification for paint removal, paint removal precautions, repainting for cosmetic reasons, conditions and treatments, selecting appropriate and safe methods to remove paint, and general paint type recommendations.

Almost all copper seams will need repairing at some point before their useful life expectancy. Due to freeze/thaw cycles and the temperature variations all metal seams such as copper will expand and contract causing separation thus allowing water to enter the underlying structure. Simple solder repair can be performed in place allowing many more years of service with little or no damage to underlying structures. Copper can be lead coated and/or pre-patinated. Lead coated gives added years to copper's service and achieves a warm dull gray color which will never discolor the surrounding structure. Some clients may wish to match an existing patinated color or may desire to achieve the patination without waiting 25 years more. Pre-patinated copper therefore will allow this.

Spikes and or needle strips made of stainless steel are often used to keep birds from landing on roof ledges, cornices, rafters, beams, window sills, and just about any building component. Their versatility covers all types of architecture and involves no use of chemicals, electricity, or upkeep, and is maintenance free. If made of stainless steel or transparent plastic they can be practically invisible to the eye. However, if improperly placed or fastened, these bird proof remedies may only serve to help hold an otherwise nonexistent nest in place. Sanctioned by leading bird and humane societies, these spikes and needles cause no harm to the bird. They simply prevent landing on building surfaces.

Lightning, an immensely bright spark or streak of light has terrified mankind for years. Although few deaths occur per year, the possibility of a lightning strike to a building, such as a small church is far greater. The provisions of a lightning conductor system will not prevent the occurrence of a strike, however its purpose is to direct the current discharged from the strike to the earth safely, protecting the structure and its occupants.

Also called gilding is the craft of decorating works of art and architecture using thin sheets of metal, typically gold or silver. Typically less than one five-hundredth of the thickness of a human hair is fixed in place with an adhesive and then protected with a fixative coating.

Protecting cultural landscapes, such as historic buildings and districts reveal aspects of our country's origins and development through their form and features in the ways they were used. It reveals much about our evolving relationship with the natural world. This includes wildlife therein and or an association with a historic event or activity. An example is a church exists today where a berry/corn farm or other small plant once prospered. This church may want to grow these in a specified area on its property because these crops once feed the local inhabitance. In addition, specific trees such as cedars may also have been present. Cultural landscapes include developing a strategy, historical research, seeking assistance, preservation planning, maintenance and implementation. Finally, cultural landscapes also include “today's” plants. Environmental assault may be the cause of a dying, or in decline landscape. It therefore can be replaced with genetically identical plants, engineered however to survive the changing environment.