Weathering of Natural Building Stones

R.J. Schaffer began his work at the Building Research Station at Garston in early 1925. Over the next six years Schaffer considered over 250 books and papers on the subject of stone weathering and from this distilled DSIR Building Research Special Report No. 18 which over the last 70 years has become known almost universally as 'Schaffer'.

• 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.

Despite the period of time which has elapsed since this book was first written, it is now considered by many to be the 'bible' of stone conservation, its content being as valuable today as it was in 1932. Not only should it be within arm's reach of all those involved in conservation, it should be compulsory reading for every architect. This new edition is to be warmly welcomed. Journal of Architectural Conservation