Maintenance of Historic Buildings
A Practical Handbook
Jurgen Klemisch
Hardback £35.00 $70.00
Publication date 27 May 2011
220 pages
ISBN 978 1 873394 92 2
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Maintenance helps to preserve the significance of a historic building, retaining both the structural integrity of the building fabric and its appearance. Maintenance can extend a building’s life, reduce or remove the need for repairs and ultimately offers a sustainable approach to the conservation of our heritage. It is therefore recognized by conservation professionals as one of the most important activities involved in caring for historic buildings. Despite this, it is still often considered a low priority by building owners.
This extremely useful sourcebook provides a model for planning a maintenance programme which will reduce unnecessary subsequent costs. By following this guide building managers and conservation advisors can produce a definitive logbook covering all maintenance needs, including timing for repairs and accurate budgeting. Using simple work cards, it sets out responsibilities, explains the nature of the tasks, shows how they should be performed, where they are and who should undertake them. It also demonstrates how routine inspections can be undertaken with minimal disturbance by the owner/manager. The useful checklists and spreadsheets act as an aide-memoire to assist with the process.
Read the preface by Rory Cullen, Head of Buildings, The National Trust
Preface v Introduction v Aims v Summary v Collection of background data v Fundamentals v Notes on contractor questionnaire v Architect's cover sheet v Contractor details v Contractor questionnaire v Recommendations v Review of background data v Building Maintenance Logbook, Part 1 v User Maintenance Instructions v Introduction v Preparation of work cards v Part 1 of work card: definition of work location v Part 2 of work card: task descriptions v Work card template v Structure and contents of User Maintenance Instructions v Flooring v Stairs v Windows and glazing v Doors v Tiling to sanitary areas v Sanitary appliances v Electrical installations v Heating system, heat emitters v Special elements v Fixtures and fittings v Drainage v Water, waste water v Access covers v Ventilation v Internal walls, ceilings v External walls, facades v Roof v External works v Servicing contracts v Work inspection cards v Data collection/work card catalogue v Building Maintenance Logbook, Part 2: Condition Survey spreadsheet model v Introduction v Structure of Building Maintenance Logbook, Part 2 v Contents and page numbering v Survey intervals v Preparation of Condition Survey v Preliminary investigations v Analysis of preliminary investigations and specification of participants and date for Condition Survey v Condition Survey v Facades v Roof plan v Attic/loft and structural system v Floor plans v Basement, structural waterproofing v Stairs v Special elements v Building services plant and installations v External works v Follow-up to Condition Survey v Example of User Maintenance Instructions v Example of Condition Survey spreadsheets v Schloss Reichenow
Jürgen Klemisch is an architect and project manager who specialises in the renovation of historic buildings in Germany. He currently works for Brandenburgische Schlösser a subsidiary of Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz (DSD) [the German Foundation for Monument Protection] and is responsible for all German properties owned by the DSD. He advises on strategies to ensure the long-term protection of their larger houses, castles and mansions by implementing the maintenance model as devised by their working group.
Donhead are to be congratulated for publishing this significant and timely addition to the literature. It is the best current guide to rigorous, methodical evaluation of the maintenance needs of historic buildings – especially the requirements for long-term care once a building has been refurbished. This book provides a comprehensive rationale for reversing the all-too pervasive practice of carrying out major repairs in response to a lack of maintenance, but then ignoring the continuing after-care necessary to avoid a repetition of the maintenance problems responsible for the initial decay...
The book is in two parts: maintenance instructions for use by occupiers, and condition surveys for use by owners or managers. Almost two-thirds of the book is devoted to helpful checklists in the form of work cards detailing routine cleaning, deep cleaning, inspection, servicing and redecoration; and spreadsheets to assist in planning the processes thoroughly. By following the guidance methodically, a definitive logbook can be assembled covering all maintenance needs, including the timing of repairs and accurate budgeting.
The English translation is excellent and the layout is a model of clarity. The book deserves the widest possible audience to ensure that all those charged with managing our huge and diverse legacy of heritage assets not only review their needs systematically but also actively promote and implement the procedures that will defer or prevent the expensive and unnecessary major repairs which would otherwise lead to these becoming at-risk or worse.
Thoroughly recommended.
Journal of Architectural Conservation (read the full review here)
.. Is well thought out, and the work cards and condition survey could easily be adapted to suit any building, whatever its age or size...
There is much to be admired in this book, and it would certainly be of use to those about to set out on a maintenance programme for any building.
Cornerstone