Looking After Historic Buildings

Our brochure lists all our current free-to-download technical conservation guidance and research reports. Our technical newsletter lists events

Practical Building Conservation - Comprehensive and practical reference books for professionals involved in repairing historic buildings.

This page describes the main principles of repair for historic buildings

Good maintenance and repair of historic buildings is fundamental to their preservation, following proven materials and methods.

How to draw up a maintenance plan for a building; what the plan needs to consider, and how often it needs to be supported by maintenance inspections.

The use of authentic material helps to retain the character of historic buildings and in turn supports traditional industries and vital craft skills.

The deterioration of Purbeck Marble and approaches to its conservation and repair.

Guidance on the deterioration and conservation of lead, dealing with lead theft, and alternatives to lead roofing.

Guidance on maintaining the significance and authenticity of traditional thatch using traditional materials and techniques.

As well as being works of art, stained glass windows are critical to the appreciation of any building fortunate enough to be decorated with them

Guidance to help determine the competency of specialist inspectors and contractors you need, and to define the required standard of inspection.

Advice on the care and conservation of wall paintings and other surface finishes, and decorative stone.

Insuring historic buildings is an important part of their risk management

An owner's guide to vacant historic buildings

Recordings of presentations from the Damp, Masonry Decay and Sustainability Conference 2020.

Recordings of presentations from the Damp, Timber Decay and Sustainability Conference 2021.

UK bats are protected by law. Building and maintenance works can affect bats and their roosts. Find out how to manage building works within the law.