This book is a practical, state-of-the-art guide for contractors and home owners involved in maintaining, restoring and rehabilitating historic buildings, as well as a technical reference for architects, engineers, specifiers and building managers. It outlines procedures for conserving historic buildings and building materials, and includes step-by-step guidelines for conducting a structural building survey. It covers wood, stone, ceramic, masonry and metalwork, slate roofing, architectural glass, paints and coasting, and foundations and footings. Extensive illustrations and case studies complement the material.