Thanks to restoration and preservation techniques and practices, many of the world’s most historic buildings get a new lease on life. Here are a few interesting facts about restoration that you probably didn’t know …
- Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, N.Y., was the first property in the United States that was acquired and preserved for historic reasons.
- In 1948, the White House was in danger of collapsing. The solution: Three years of extensive reconstruction and restoration.
- Acid rain – a major cause of masonry deterioration – was first observed in the 19th century, when forests located downwind of large industrial areas showed signs of deterioration, but was not considered a serious environmental problem until the 1970s, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Pigeons and ivy are two of the lesser-known destructive forces in the deterioration of older brick structures.
- The Historic Sites Act of 1935 declares that it is “a national policy to preserve for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects of national significance for the inspiration and benefit of the people of the United States.”
- The Tax Reform Act of 1976 removed the incentive to demolish older buildings to encourage historic preservation.
Tags: Preservation, Restoration
Very informative post. I was unaware that acid rain, pigeons, and ivy, were all destructive forces in the deterioration of older brick masonry. My client, McGraw Hill Sweets, offers a full line of manufacturers and suppliers that can help you with your brick restoration or new brick construction.