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