In a message dated 98-06-29 03:20:02 EDT, Mike E. writes:

> 1. How about developing the individual knowledge and expertise to
>  understand the complete range of technological options, and =
>
>  2. then applying them to each individual situation in the most appropriat=
>  e
>  manner, based on the
>  3.  unique and individual combination of technical, risk and economic
>  factors which must be weighed in every restoration project situation?

This fits right in with my own philosophy that there is no such thing as a
good or bad product (or method or treatment). Each has its individual
characteristics that we must understand. With that understanding we can apply
any product to the solution of preservation problems. For example, I once
advised the owner of a 17th Cen. house to cover it with vinyl siding (Lord
Forbid!) which they did (GASP!). In this case it was an effective solution.
They had two walls of original hand-riven clapboards, fastened with the nicest
hand-wrought nails. They also had no money to carefully preserve these
clapboards. We set up a 12 year program to protect the clapboards with vinyl
siding and rent the house to raise the money to care for the clapboards. The
siding was installed on firring strips to avoid damage to the clapboards,
moisture monitors were installed inside the walls, and removable panels were
installed to check for damage routinely. We also mitigated cellar moisture.
They are in the 10th year and are now planning a well-funded clapboard
preservation project. (No I can't tell you who or where this house is, I had
to sign a non-disclosure agreement to avoid embaressment of the owner who is
well known in the preservation community.)

John Leeke, Preservation Consultant

26 Higgins St., Portland, Maine 04103, USA
207 773-2306 (phone and fax)
Practical Restoration Reports, Publisher
Website: www.HistoricHomeWorks.com