Weathering of Natural Building Stones


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E-catalogue

The Weathering of Natural Building Stones

R.J. Schaffer

Hardback £35.00 $70.00

Publication date 2004

208 pages

ISBN 978 1 873394 69 4

	UK and Rest of World
	US only

This important study, first published in 1932, provides a general account of the factors which cause decay of building stones and a summary of the best methods to reduce the incidence of decay. The book discusses weathering associated with natural defects inherent in stone. It then examines issues of weathering caused by bad workmanship or errors in the selection of material. Decay through chemical and natural physical phenomena are discussed in detail. The final sections offer useful advice on how to prevent long term decay through appropriate repair, replacement and cleaning of stone.

Introduction to the 2004 Edition

Click here to read the new introduction by Tim Yates

Contents:

Introduction v Classification of natural building stones v Weathering associated with faulty craftsmanship v Weathering associated with errors in the choice of materials v Atmospheric pollution in relation to weathering v Chemical phenomena associated with weathering v Physical phenomena associated with weathering v Soluble salts as agents of decay – florescence v Living organisms as agents of decay v Preventative and remedial measures v The testing of building material with reference to the estimation of their durability v Appendix 1: Atmospheric pollution in relation to weathering v Appendix II: Information on the cleaning of external surfaces of buildings and on colourless treatments for masonry v References v Index.

Read the new introduction by Tim Yates

The author:

R.J. Schaffer began his work at the Building Research Station at Garston in early 1925. Over the next six years Schaffer considered over 250 books and papers on the subject of stone weathering and from this distilled DSIR Building Research Special Report No. 18 which over the last 70 years has become known almost universally as ‘Schaffer’.

From the reviews:

Despite the period of time which has elapsed since this book was first written, it is now considered by many to be the 'bible' of stone conservation, its content being as valuable today as it was in 1932. Not only should it be within arm's reach of all those involved in conservation, it should be compulsory reading for every architect. This new edition is to be warmly welcomed.

Journal of Architectural Conservation

Donhead Publishing 2008