Looking After Historic Buildings

Our brochure lists all of our current free-to-download technical conservation guidance, webinars and research reports.

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.

Advice on investigating and dealing with damp-related problems in historic buildings

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

The Building Stones Database for England provides information on local building stones, their uses and sources with a GIS Map Explorer.

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

Guidance on deterioration and conservation of architectural metalwork and metal statuary.

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

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.