Publications for Sale

These publications can be purchased through the Government Printing Office at the U.S. Government Bookstore Browse to the topic, “Buildings, Landmarks, and Historic Sites,” to find our publications and use the online check-out to purchase.

Preservation Standards and Guidelines

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. These are the first official guidelines on how to make changes to improve energy efficiency and preserve the character of historic buildings. The Guidelines are an important addition to current discussions about sustainability and achieving greater energy efficiency, which have focused primarily on new buildings to date. 2011. 35 pages, 112 illustrations. GPO stock number 024-005-01287-7. Also online.

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation with Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. The Standards are regulatory (36 CFR 67) for the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program and are used to determine whether the historic character of a building is preserved in the process of rehabilitation. The Guidelines assist in applying the Standards and are not regulatory. 61 pages. No illustrations. 2005. GPO stock number 024-005-01230-3

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. W. Brown Morton III, Gary L. Hume, Kay D. Weeks, and H. Ward Jandl. The Standards are regulatory (36 CFR 67) for the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program and are used to determine whether the historic character of a building is preserved in the process of rehabilitation. The Guidelines assist in applying the Standards and are not regulatory. Treatments that should be avoided are also discussed. 134 pages. 230 illustrations. reprinted 1997. GPO stock number 024-005-01091-2 Also online.

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings. Kay D. Weeks and Anne E. Grimmer. The Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are regulatory (36 CFR 68) for Historic Preservation Fund grant-in-aid program to States, tribes, and local governments. Guidelines in a recommended/not recommended format address all four work options offered in the Standards, as applied to historic buildings. 196 pages, with forward. 79 illustrations. 1995. GPO stock number 024-005-01157-9 Also online

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, and Chris Capella Peters, Editors. Guidelines address all four work options offered in the Standards, as applied to vernacular and designed historic landscapes. 156 pages. 170 illustrations. 1996. GPO stock number 024-005-01171-4 Also online

Technical Publications

Metals in America's Historic Buildings: Uses and Preservation Treatments. Margot Gayle, David W. Look, AIA, and John G. Waite, AIA. Discusses the history, maintenance, and repair of architectural metals. 176 pages. 183 illustrations. 1992. GPO stock number 024-005-01108-1 Also online

Preservation Briefs

Most of the briefs are sold ONLY in sets.  Also online

• Preservation Briefs #1–14 are sold only as a set,
  GPO stock number 024-005-01026-2
• Preservation Briefs #15–23 are sold only as a set,
  GPO stock number 024-005-01256-7
• Preservation Briefs #24–34 are sold only as a set,
  GPO stock number 024-005-01147-1
• Preservation Briefs #35–42 are sold only as a set,
  GPO stock number 024-005-01219-2
• Preservation Briefs #1, 14, 15, 33, 35, 37, 39, 42, and 43–47
  can be purchased as single copies.

1 Assessing Cleaning and Water-Repellent Treatments for Historic Masonry Buildings. Robert C. Mack, FAIA, and Anne E. Grimmer. Surveys a variety of cleaning methods and materials and provides guidance on selecting the most appropriate method and the gentlest means possible. Discusses water-repellent and waterproof coatings, the purpose of each, the suitability of their application to historic masonry buildings, and possible consequences of their inappropriate use. 16 pages. 27 illustrations. 2000. GPO stock number 024-005-01207-9

2 Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings. Robert C. Mack, FAIA, and John P. Speweik. Provides general guidance on appropriate materials and methods for repointing historic masonry buildings. 16 pages. 36 illustrations. 1998.

3 Improving Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings. Jo Ellen Hensley and Antonio Aguilar. 2011. GPO stock number 024-005-01294-0

4 Roofing for Historic Buildings. Sara M. Sweetser. Provides a brief historic of the most commonly used roofing materials in America. Presents a sound preservation approach to roof repair, roof replacement, and the use of alternative roofing materials. 8 pages. 1978.

5 The Preservation of Historic Adobe Buildings. Provides information on the traditional materials and construction of adobe buildings and the causes of adobe deterioration. Makes recommendations for preserving historic adobe buildings. 8 pages. 15 illustrations. 1978.

6 Dangers of Abrasive Cleaning to Historic Buildings. Anne E. Grimmer. Cautions against the use of sandblasting to clean various buildings and suggests measures to mitigate the effects of improper cleaning. Explains the limited circumstances under which abrasive cleaning may be appropriate. 8 pages. 10 illustrations. 1979.

7 The Preservation of Historic Glazed Architectural Terra-Cotta. de Teel Patterson Tiller. Discusses deterioration problems common to terra-cotta and provides methods for determining the extent of deterioration. Makes recommendations for maintenance and repair and suggests appropriate replacement materials. 8 pages. 11 illustrations. 1979.

8 Aluminum and Vinyl Siding on Historic Buildings: The Appropriateness of Substitute Materials for Resurfacing Historic Wood Frame Buildings. John H. Myers, revised by Gary L. Hume. Discusses the appearance of various types of historic wood siding and makes recommendations for repair and replacement. Outlines the very limited instances under which substitute siding may be an acceptable alternative. 7 pages. 5 illustrations. Revised 1984.

9 The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows. John H. Myers. Provides information on evaluating the condition of historic wood windows and on practical methods for repair. 8 pages. 10 illustrations. 1981.

10 Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork. Kay D. Weeks and David W. Look, AIA. Identifies and describes common types of paint surface conditions and failures. Provides guidance on preparing historic woodwork for repainting, including limited and total paint removal. 12 pages. 14 illustrations. 1982.

11 Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts. H. Ward Jandl. Explores the role of the storefront in historic buildings and provides guidance on rehabilitation techniques for historic storefronts as well as compatible storefront designs. 12 pages. 12 illustrations. 1982.

12 The Preservation of Historic Pigmented Structural Glass (Vitrolite and Carrara Glass). Provides information on the early manufacture, installation, and use of this decorative building product commonly found in 20th century buildings; reasons for its damage; and a general approach for its maintenance, repair, and replacement. 8 pages. 16 illustrations. 1984.

13 The Repair and Thermal Upgrading of Historic Steel Windows. Sharon C. Park, AIA. Presents brief historical background on the development, use, and styles of rolled steel windows popular in the first half of the 20th century. Explains steps for cleaning and repairing damaged steel windows; provides information on methods of weatherstripping and options for storm panels or the installation of thermal glass. 12 pages. 10 illustrations. 1984.

14 Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns. Anne E. Grimmer and Kay D. Weeks. Uses a series of examples to suggest ways that attached additions can successfully serve contemporary uses as part of a rehabilitation project while preserving significant historic materials and features and the building's historic character. 16 pages. 31 illustrations. 2010. GPO stock number 024-005-01280-053-2

15 Preservation of Historic Concrete. Paul Gaudette and Deborah Slaton. Discusses the characteristics of concrete and causes of deterioration. Includes information on cleaning, maintenance, and repair, and on protective systems. 16 pages. 37 illustrations. 2007. GPO stock number 024-005-01253-2

16 The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors. Sharon C. Park, AIA. Includes a discussion of when to use substitute materials, cautions regarding their expected performance, and descriptions of several substitute materials together with advantages and disadvantages. 16 pages. 34 illustrations. 1988.

17 Architectural Character—Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings as an Aid to Preserving Their Character. Lee H. Nelson, FAIA. Essential guidance to help property owners and architects identify those features of historic buildings that give the building its visual character so that their preservation can be maximized in rehabilitation. 12 pages. 27 illustrations. 1988.

18 Rehabilitating Interiors in Historic Buildings—Identifying Character-Defining Elements. H. Ward Jandl. Assists building owners in identifying significant interior spaces, features, and finishes so they may be preserved in rehabilitation work. Applies to all building types and styles, from 18th century churches to 20th century office buildings. 8 pages. 11 illustrations. 1988.

19 The Repair and Replacement of Historic Wooden Shingle Roofs. Sharon C. Park, AIA. Discusses historic wooden roofing, expectations for longevity, and repair and replacement options. Identifies roofing material that duplicates the appearance of a historic roof, offers guidance on proper installation, and provides information on coatings and maintenance procedures to help preserve the roof. 12 pages. 16 illustrations. 1989.

20 The Preservation of Historic Barns. Michael J. Auer. Identifies historic barn types, helps owners understand the historic character of their barns, and offers advice on the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of old and historic barns. 12 pages. 30 illustrations. 1989.

21 Repairing Historic Flat Plaster—Walls and Ceilings. Marylee MacDonald. Guides building owners on repairing historic plaster using traditional materials (wet plaster) and techniques. Suggests replacement options if the historic plaster is severely deteriorated. Useful chart on various plaster bases and compatible basecoats and finish coats. 14 pages. 17 illustrations. 1989.

22 The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco. Anne E. Grimmer. Describes the evolution of stucco as a building material, beginning with a brief history of how stucco is applied, and how its composition, texture, and surface patterns have changed. Includes guidelines on how to plan for and carry out repair of historic stucco, with sample mixes for 18th, 19th, and 20th century stucco types. 12 pages. 33 illustrations. 1990.

23 Preserving Historic Ornamental Plaster. David Flaharty. Discusses ornamental plaster production, explaining the processes of run-in-place and cast ornamentation using three common decorative forms as examples: the cornice, ceiling medallion, and coffered ceiling. Provides guidance on identifying causes of deterioration and understanding complex restoration techniques. Includes useful advice on selecting and evaluating a restoration contractor. 12 pages. 34 illustrations. 1990.

24 Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Historic Buildings: Problems and Recommended Approaches. Sharon C. Park, AIA. Underscores the importance of careful planning in order to balance preservation objectives with the interior climate needs of the building. 14 pages. 28 illustrations. 1991.

25 The Preservation of Historic Signs. Michael J. Auer. Discusses the history of sign types pre-1800 to the 20th century, including symbol signs, flat signs, fascia signs, hanging signs, goldleaf signs, rooftop signs, and neon signs. Makes recommendations for their repair and re-use. 12 pages. 29 illustrations. 1991.

26 The Preservation and Repair of Historic Log Buildings. Bruce. L. Bomberger. Focuses on horizontally laid or vertically positioned logs, but the preservation and repair treatments are essentially the same for all log structures. Discusses traditional splicing-in techniques, the use of epoxies, and replacement, as well as guidance on the repair and replacement of chinking and daubing. 14 pages. 32 illustrations. 1991.

27 The Maintenance and Repair of Architectural Cast Iron. John G. Waite; historical overview by Margot Gayle. Discusses the role of cast iron in 19th-century industrial development and the resulting advances in building design, technology, ornamental detailing. Provides essential guidance on maintaining and repairing architectural cast iron. 12 pages. 30 illustrations. 1991.

28 Painting Historic Interiors. Sara B. Chase. Discusses wall paint and decorative surface treatments from the late 17th century to the 1950s. Describes the usefulness of a complete paint investigation for preservation and restoration projects. Provides guidance on the common causes of interior paint failure and preparing surfaces for repainting. Makes recommendations about paint with health and safety factors in mind. 16 pages. 22 illustrations. 1992.

29 The Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance of Slate Roofs. Jeffrey S. Levine. Describes the causes of slate roof failures and provides comprehensive guidance on their repair and, when necessary, their appropriate replacement. Repair/Replacement Guidelines are included to assist owners prior to work. 16 pages. 42 illustrations. 1992.

30 The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs. Anne E. Grimmer and Paul K. Williams. Reviews the history of clay roofing tiles and describes many types and shapes of historic tiles, as well as their method of attachment. Provides general guidance for historic property owners on how to plan and carry out a project involving the repair and selected replacement of historic clay roofing tiles. 16 pages. 33 illustrations. 1992.

31 Mothballing Historic Buildings. Sharon C. Park, AIA. Describes process of protecting a deteriorating historic building from weather as well as vandalism when funds are not currently available to begin a preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration project. 14 pages. 27 illustrations. 1993.

32 Making Historic Properties Accessible. Thomas C. Jester and Sharon C. Park, AIA. Introduces the complex issue of providing accessibility at historic properties, and underscores the need to balance accessibility and historic preservation. Provides guidance and many examples of successful projects. 14 pages. 43 illustrations. 1993.

33 The Preservation and Repair of Stained and Leaded Glass. Neal A. Vogel and Rolf Achilles. Gives a short history of stained and leaded glass in America. Surveys basic preservation and documentation issues and addresses common causes of deterioration and presents protection, repair, and restoration options. 16 pages. 25 illustrations. 1993, updated 2007. GPO stock number 024-005-01254-1

34 Applied Decoration for Historic Interiors: Preserving Historic Composition Ornament. Jonathan Thornton and William Adair, FAAR. Describes the history, appearance, and characteristics of this uniquely pliable material. Provides guidance on identifying compo and suggests appropriate treatments, depending upon whether the project goal is preservation or restoration. 16 pages. 52 illustrations. 1994.

35 Understanding Old Buildings: The Process of Architectural Investigation. Travis C. McDonald, Jr. Explains architectural investigation as the critical first step in planning an appropriate treatment. Addresses the investigative process of understanding how a building has changed over time and assessing levels of deterioration. 12 pages. 23 illustrations. 1994. GPO stock number 024-005-01143-9

36 Protecting Cultural Landscapes: Planning, Treatment, and Management of Historic Landscapes. Charles A. Birnbaum, ASLA. Describes types of cultural landscapes. Provides a step-by-step process for preserving historic designed and vernacular landscapes to ensure a successful balance between historic preservation and change. 20 pages. 50 illustrations. 1994.

37 Appropriate Methods of Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housing. Sharon C. Park, AIA, and Douglas C. Hicks. Provides a methodology for planning and implementing measures to reduce lead-paint hazards. Explains how to strike a balance between preserving significant materials and features and protecting human health, safety, and the environment. 16 pages. 35 illustrations. 1995, updated 2006. GPO stock number 024-005-01245-1

38 Removing Graffiti from Historic Masonry. Martin E. Weaver. Focuses on cleaning methods to remove surface-applied graffiti without damaging historic masonry. Includes tips for successful graffiti removal, a discussion of barrier coatings, and useful charts designed to guide the graffiti-removal process. 15 pages. 23 illustrations. 1995.

39 Holding the Line: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings. Sharon C. Park, AIA. Outlines a way to diagnose moisture problems and choose remedial treatments. Provides guidance on managing moisture deterioration, repairing and maintaining historic building materials, and correcting common problem areas. Includes charts on types of diagnostic tools, recommended treatments and treatments that should always be avoided. 16 pages. 30 illustrations. 1996.

40 Preserving Historic Ceramic Tile Floors. Anne E. Grimmer and Kimberly A. Konrad. Summarizes the historical use of glazed and unglazed ceramic flooring tiles and describes different types of tiles. Provides guidance for maintaining and preserving historic ceramic tile flooring, on cleaning treatments, and on protective and code-required, slip resistant coatings. Also contains information on various repair options, as well as the selective replacement of damaged tiles. 16 pages. 25 illustrations. 1996.

41 The Seismic Retrofit of Historic Buildings: Keeping Preservation in the Forefront. David Look, AIA, Terry Wong, and Sylvia Rose Augustus. Discusses the issues of protecting historic buildings from earthquake damage. Describes approaches to seismic retrofit that make a building safe without destroying significant historic materials. Provides guidance on the extent of strengthening to consider, design approaches, and the visual impact of these changes. 16 pages. 37 illustrations. 1997.

42 The Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement of Historic Cast Stone. Richard Pieper. Provides a brief history of the manufacture and use of cast stone. Discusses the causes of its deterioration, repairable conditions, and methods of repair. Addresses the replication and replacement of historic cast stone installations, and the use of cast stone as a substitute replacement material for natural stone. 16 pages. 26 illustrations. 2001. GPO stock number 024-005-01190-1

43 The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports. Deborah Slaton. Defines the historic structure report and provides a historical overview of its use. Outlines an entire procedure for preparing a report, taking a team approach. 16 pages. 25 illustrations. 2004. GPO stock number: 024-005-01191-9

44 The Use of Awnings on Historic Buildings: Repair, Replacement and New Design. Chad Randl. Provides a historic overview of the practical and aesthetic use of various types of awnings. Presents guidance for their maintenance, preservation, and repair. Discusses the circumstances under which awning replacement is appropriate and how to achieve a compatible design for new awnings on historic buildings. 16 pages. 25 illustrations. 2004. GPO stock number: 024-005-01222-2

45 Preserving Historic Wooden Porches. Aleca Sullivan and John Leeke. Explains how to assess the condition of historic porches. Provides detailed procedures for proper maintenance and repair, and includes measures to address code issues. Provides a range of information from the selection of materials to guidance on contemporary alterations. 20 pages. 30 illustrations. 2006. GPO stock number: 024-005-01240-1

46 The Preservation and Reuse of Historic Gas Stations. Chad Randl. Provides guidance on assessing the significance of historic gas stations and provides information on their maintenance and repair. Describes appropriate rehabilitation treatments, including conversions for new functions when the historic use is no longer feasible. 16 pages. 27 illustrations. 2008. GPO stock number 024-005-01264-8

47 Maintaining the Exterior of Small and Medium Size Historic Buildings. Sharon Park, FAIA. Discusses the benefits of regular inspection, monitoring, and seasonal maintenance work for historic buildings. Provides guidance on maintenance treatments for historic building exteriors. 16 pages. 18 illustrations. 2006. GPO stock number 024-005-01252-4

For Kids and Teachers

American Defenders of Land, Sea & Sky. Kay Weeks, illustrated by Roxie Munro. An exciting book for kids, families, and teachers that covers an almost 200-year period, from the American Revolution to the Cold War era following World War II. Enjoy wonderful art and learn more about National Historic Landmark battle sites, drydocks, forts, ships, airfields—and much more. 88 pages. 55 illustrations. 1996. GPO stock number 024-005-01167-6

Great American Landmarks Adventure. Kay Weeks, illustrated by Roxie Munro. A heritage education book for kids, families, and teachers that uses 43 National Historic Landmarks to make important points about the American Experience. It begins with a pre-historic cave painting, then moves forward chronologically in time, ending with America’s 1969 rocket to the moon. 45 pages. Illustrations. 1992. GPO stock number 024-005-01262-1