	John Leeke's Historic HomeWorks™
	207 773-2306 26 Higgins St. Portland, ME 04103
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Practical Restoration Report Reviews

Manage your historic building-step by step-to preserve it

This review by Janet Sheridan appeared in the Preservation Salem News, newsletter of Preservation Salem, Inc., Salem, New Jersey, Fall 2002

Despite an abundance of pamphlets available on specific restoration topics, such as the forty-some Preservation Briefs available from the National Park Service, there are few that really help the property owner establish an effective maintenance program. After all, maintenance IS preservation! John Leeke has filled the void.

Leeke has developed a series of seven reports from twenty years’ experience as a preservation tradesperson and contractor. In “Managing Maintenance,” Leeke offers a way for the property owner, whether a homeowner or an institution, to set up a system of caring for the historic building, that is, a “maintenance program.”

Some of you will remember John Leeke. He presented an all day workshop on wood window preservation at PSI’s May 2001 “Spring Sprucing” workshop. PSI has received three of the seven titles from Leeke’s Practical Restoration Reports series: “Managing Maintenance,” “Exterior Woodwork Details,” and “Epoxy Repairs for Exterior Wood.” This is the first of three reviews of his reports.

Managing Maintenance has two parts: “Understanding Maintenance” and “Four Steps of Maintenance.” In both parts Leeke uses cornice, paint, screen door and window examples to illustrate and help you develop a “model” maintenance program for your building that accounts for your time and money.

In Leeke’s words, “you will learn to control deterioration by rethinking how you deal with your building.”

In encouraging us to rethink, Leeke advocates controlling what happens to your building instead of reacting to what happens to it. This requires an ongoing process of assessing conditions, planning work, maintaining, and evaluating the results. This building management approach can prevent small problems from becoming large, expensive problems.

Leeke richly illustrates his report with good quality photographs that effectively show typical conditions caused by deterioration. Tables and flowcharts help you to understand deterioration and decision making. Leeke provides forms and checklists to make the job easier.

You can easily order the report for $15 from John’s website: www.HistoricHomeWorks.com. We cannot make copies for you. The report is copyrighted, and John has specifically asked that people not share them by copying. At $15, the expense is nothing compared to the good it can do for your old building!

Managing Maintenance

A review by Mark DiChiara, Masters in Historic Preservation, Georgia State University, Owner, Artigiano Woodworks, Atlanta, Georgia

Managing Maintenance examines all aspects of caring for an historic building in the most economical and time-efficient manner possible. By following the clear instructions and utilizing the checklists and charts it contains, you will build a program of activities that will enable you to keep maintenance and repair costs to a minimum.

This report describes how to assess conditions, set maintenance goals and objectives, set up schedules and follow through with effective maintenance. For example, this report does not tell you what kind of paint to use. It does tell you how to assure your building is painted frequently enough to avoid decay and damage to the exterior wood.

John clearly explains his philosophy of building maintenance which is based on repeating cycles of attention. Like people, buildings have certain necessary activities that must be undertaken on a proper schedule to extend their life. You don't get a haircut everyday, or eat a meal once every two weeks. Understanding the needs and schedule of your building, as well as you do your own personal schedule, is the key to successful maintenance. Mr. Leeke offers charts and checklists that will allow you to see patterns of repair and maintenance in a manner that anticipates problems before they become major expenses.

This report is also valuable for the historic homeowner who is already facing major restoration involving many different aspects of the structure. Mr. Leeke explains how to plan projects and allocate time and resources to efficiently address repairs while following a schedule of maintenance that prevents further deterioration of other parts of the structure. This approach insures that you won't become overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.

Every homeowner knows how tempting it is to put off a maintenance chore to that next free weekend that never seems to come. Leeke's methods make maintenance chores and projects far more tolerable by assuring efficiency and savings.

This Practical Restoration Report stands apart from all the others in its scope and wide ranging utility. Its price is somewhat higher than the other titles in the series, but still represents the best value. If you own only one Practical Restoration Report this should be it. Following the maintenance advice offered by Mr. Leeke will save the homeowner many hundred times the $14.95 purchase price over the life of the building.

The booklet is part of a seven part series called Practical Restoration Reports, all authored by Leeke and marketed through his preservation practice. All the booklets in the series are written in a concise, easy-to-follow style. Diagrams and photos clearly illustrate complex procedures and offer examples of typical restoration difficulties and their solutions. The Practical Restoration Reports Series is available by contacting the offices of John Leeke, 26 Higgins St., Portland, Maine 04103, (207)773-2306, email: johnleeke@historichomeworks.com

Designing exterior woodwork for long life

This review by Janet Sheridan appeared in the Preservation Salem News, newsletter of Preservation Salem, Inc., Salem, New Jersey, Winter 2002

Attendees of PSI’s 2001 “Spring Sprucing” Workshop will remember John Leeke’s window preservation workshop. Leeke has authored a series of “Practical Preservation Reports” for architects, contractors and homeowners. In our last issue we reviewed “Managing Maintenance”. This time, we will review “Exterior Woodwork Details”.

Perhaps you have heard the phrase, “God is in the details,” or, conversely, “The Devil is in the details.” In “Exterior Woodwork Details”, Leeke gets down to the details which make or break a wood repair that is exposed to the weather, so your wood repair will be intelligent and durable and not deviled by repeated failure.

Leeke explains that the exterior of a building must have a “weather envelope” which keeps out wind, water and sun. Historic buildings can have very complex exteriors made of many different materials. The problems arise when the joints between different materials and surfaces open up and allow the elements in, leading to deterioration.

Leeke analyzes the causes of deterioration and focuses on the prevention through attention to construction details, material selection and moisture control.

The report sections are Selection of Wood, Selection of Adhesives, Moisture Control, Case History, and Backprime, Paint and Caulk.

Characteristics such as grain tightness, sapwood vs. heartwood, old wood vs. new wood, grain direction and species determine the fitness of wood for a given task. Leeke tells how to select wood for durability.

Leeke uses a paneled newel post to illustrate how proper selection of wood, as well as detailing how the parts fit together, will result in a system that keeps water out, allows water to drain, ventilates, holds paint, and won’t warp.

The paint job is as important as the detailing, and worthy of just as much attention. Leeke provides a routine to follow.

Caulking is another art that can save woodwork. Leeke describes how to design watertight joints.

The 16-page report is well illustrated with photos and drawings, and lists sources of “new old” (re cycled) wood, epoxy, vertical grain wood, radial sawn clapboard, and backer rod (Get the report to find out how important that is!)

Leeke started his career as a woodworker and grew into a preservation consultant. He has been a contributing writer to Fine Homebuilding Magazine and Journal of Light Construction. To order your own Reports, go to John Leeke’s website http:// www.historichomeworks.com. The $10 cost for this report will pay for itself many times over in reduced maintenance costs on your old house.

Exterior Woodwork Details

A review by Mark DiChiara, Masters in Historic Preservation, Georgia State University, Owner, Artigiano Woodworks, Atlanta, Georgia

In today's plastic and disposable world the craftsmanship and techniques of the historic building carpenter are in danger of disappearing. But John Leeke, in this report shares with you his quarter century of carpentry experience. John Leeke offers a 16-page crash course in ornamental building carpentry and maintenance.

John starts with the basics that lay a firm foundation for all successful carpentry. He covers the distinct characteristics of popular wood species, as well as the traits all woods share. Understanding the various ways wood reacts to changes in the environment is the first step in successful exterior carpentry. Leeke's charts and diagrams are clear and summarize the information more effectively than numerous chapters in other carpentry guides.

Leeke shows how using a blend of traditional and modern techniques in priming, painting, joinery and caulking, you can create a uniform and water resistant weather envelope around the entire building. Leeke says, "A basic strategy for exterior woodwork detailing is to keep wood dry and allow for movement when it does get wet, as it inevitably will." It is this kind of pragmatic planning that provides the "practical" aspects for all the Practical Preservation Reports in the series. John also points out various trouble spots you should monitor to insure your home remains in as good a condition as the day the carpenters completed it.

Quotes from Practical Restoration Reports-Exterior Woodwork Details:

-If one end of a door's side trim board contains all heartwood and the other end runs to sapwood, install it with the heartwood at the bottom where more resistance to decay is needed.

-A realistic approach for low long-term costs may be to design the sills, joists, and porch posts so that the deck boards are easily replaced in the future. This usually means laying the deck boards around the posts, rather than the usual practice of laying the deck boards first and then standing the posts directly on top of the deck.

-Radius all edges and corners so paint will form a continuous film around the edge. If edges are perfectly square the paint film will be thinner at the edge and will weather away quickly to allow water entry.

Epoxy repair for the preservation of wood

This review by Janet Sheridan appeared in the Preservation Salem News, newsletter of Preservation Salem, Inc., Salem, New Jersey, Spring 2003

Attendees of PSI’s 2001 “Spring Sprucing” Workshop will remember John Leeke’s window preservation workshop. Leeke has authored a series of “Practical Preservation Reports” for architects, contractors and homeowners. Leeke started his career as a woodworker and grew into a preservation consultant. He has been a contributing writer to Old House Journal, Fine Homebuilding Magazine and Journal of Light Construction. In our last issue we reviewed “Exterior Woodwork Details.” This time, we will review “Epoxy Repairs for Exterior Wood.”

Old house restorers often have the dilemma of deciding whether to patch a deteriorated wood feature, or just replace it with new wood. Preservation philosophy as well as cost factors influence the decision.

John Leeke says “Generally the more special a part is, the more it makes sense to use epoxy.” The “special” parts of your house might be moldings, railings, carvings, turnings, doors and window sash which are built with joinery and unique muntin profiles. With these complex items, epoxy can save you money. The key is in knowing how to use epoxies. John Leeke tells you how.

Sections in the report are Appropriate Use, Materials, Mixing, Other Repair Materials, Methods, Consolidating, Filling, Gluing, Maintenance, Understanding Wood, Safety, Tools, and Suppliers. Each section has great detail gleaned from Leeke’s many years experience, and can serve as a manual for your projects.

Leeke emphasizes knowing the root cause of the decay before making a repairs, as the repair will not be reversible, and may lead to other problems. He lists two major suppliers of wood epoxy - Abatron and Housecraft Associates. Leeke is interested in hearing how less well known products such as MinWax Wood Hardener and Wood Filler and Mr. Mac’s Wood Fix have worked for people.

To order your own Report, go to John Leeke’s website http:// www.historichomeworks.com. Or, write him at 26 Higgins Ave., Dept. PRR, Portland, ME 04103. Phone (207) 773-2306. The $10 cost for this report is reasonable for what you will save and how your old house will benefit. [The new edition is now twice the length and priced at $15.]

Epoxy Wood Repairs

A review by Mark DiChiara, Masters in Historic Preservation, Georgia State University, Owner, Artigiano Woodworks, Atlanta, Georgia

Epoxy pastes and consolidants have been used by professional preservationists for over two decades with highly successful results. Now many of these wood repair products are available in the consumer retail market by mail order and at many home centers and hardware stores. Almost any carpenter or woodworker can learn to use these products and will find them a valuable addition to the materials inventory of the woodshop.

While highly useful for repairing decayed wood elements, epoxy, like any material, has its quirks and pitfalls that can only be learned through experience working with the product. Preservationist and woodworker John Leeke has written a booklet called Epoxy Wood Repairs in which he shares with you the methods and techniques which will allow you to become proficient at using epoxies in an amazingly short time.

In Epoxy Wood Repairs John outlines the parameters of when epoxy is a favored solution to wood decay problems caused by moisture, insects, weathering, or abrasion. Step-by-step instructions on surface preparation, mixing formulation and proper material application are offered. Epoxy pastes, consolidants, and solvents work through volatile chemical reactions. The safety tips Leeke stresses will insure that you can work safely with this still novel material. Plus John offers numerous "shop tips" that will make sure your epoxy repair project proceeds efficiently towards the goal of creating an undetectable repair.

Working with epoxy is a new trick that every old dog should know. It will make you a more versatile carpenter, and there is no better way to master the technique than to have a another woodworker on hand to offer practical guidance.

Save Your Wood Windows

It's been a few months since I got your reports, but I want to thank you: they gave me understanding and confidence that I could take on the task of repairing and repainting an old bathroom window that had been painted shut for years. I knew nothing about how double hung windows were put together and the information in the reports allowed me to accomplish disassembly without destruction. The wide-mouth vise-grips was a great tip! --Jim H., Seattle, WA

This is a great book for all levels of working on windows. Mr. Leeke has put everything together in a clear, easy to follow book. I felt like Mr. Leeke was looking over my shoulder and giving me tips. -- Marion Rood, posted as a review at the Lulu website, Feb. 2005

Exterior Wood Columns

A review by Mark DiChiara, Masters in Historic Preservation, Georgia State University, Owner, Artigiano Woodworks, Atlanta, Georgia

Wooden columns based on the classical orders of design are an integral part of literally hundreds of thousands of homes and small buildings coast to coast. Unfortunately, those wooden columns require specialized maintenance and repair techniques that are not always available through local tradespeople and contractors.

In this 17-page report John Leeke gives you all the information you need to keep your "classics" from falling into ruin. He explains the different construction techniques used to fabricate wood columns, and outlines the common problems associated with all types.

A frequently seen column deterioration is a crack between adjacent staves which form the column shaft. Leeke shows how to properly realign and glue such a crack using web clamps, support blocks, and easy to fabricate homemade tools which simplify the job.

His explanations of repair methods are clearly illustrated with numerous photographs and diagrams. This report is an excellent guide for those seeking to restore columns which have been damaged or neglected. It is also a useful document for homeowners who wish to assess the quality of work being performed by hired restoration contractors.

Even if the problems are so severe that restoration is not possible, Leeke addresses replacement and installation of new columns. Leeke even gives a listing of suppliers you can contact to compare column styles and prices. Armed with this information you can wisely purchase the type and style of column best suited to your building. Leeke also explains basic maintenance of columns, enabling the homeowner to monitor conditions and address problems in a timely manner before they lead to major repair expenses. He shows how to asses the effectiveness of flashing, paint film integrity, and ventilation, all of which must work in concert to assure a long life for your wooden columns.

John Leeke's Practical Preservation Reports series presents pragmatic solutions to problems, which if followed insure your building will have a long lifetime with lowest possible repair expenses. Leeke's philosophy as expressed on page 8 of the report-- "The objective of repairs should be to repair existing damage using methods and materials which address the cause of damage and reduce future maintenance. Shortcuts jeopardize performance. This is critical when the columns provide structural support."

Mouldings

A review by Mark DiChiara, Masters in Historic Preservation, Georgia State University, Owner, Artigiano Woodworks, Atlanta, Georgia

This report addresses a common problem facing the old house owner, and could end up saving many times its purchase price. Typically an old home gains much of its character from small details. Ornamental mouldings such as base caps, casing trim, chair and plate rails, and ornate multi-piece crowns were used to add refinement to homes which can not be found in today's construction. These old mouldings were often striking combinations of beads, curves and relief shadows which are no longer commercially available.

When these mouldings become lost or damaged their irreplaceable nature may lead the owner to further damage the building by removing all the moulding of that type from the room and replacing it with a currently available molding which is only similar in size and profile. Today's mouldings are often not as ornate or finely crafted as those available in the past, and most certainly are not fabricated from the high quality woods used by carpenters of yesteryear.

For the sensitive homeowner wishing to replace mouldings "in kind" with the same detail and quality materials the only solution has often been to pay hundreds of dollars for expensive custom setups at a professional millworks. In this Practical Preservation Report John Leeke shows you how you can replicate exact copies of short lengths of replacement mouldings using a few simple tools commonly found in amateur woodworking shops. No routers or expensive power shapers are needed. Leeke takes you step by step with clear diagrams and numerous photos. Following his procedures you will be enable to replicate nearly any moulding for a fraction of the cost of ordering custom mill runs.

For the purists among us, Leeke even gives a brief explanation of how to shape mouldings using a rabbet plane. This "no electricity" approach is likely very similar to the techniques originally used to fabricate the moldings found in your 19th century or older home. Mastering this technique, or even noodling around with it for recreation will give you a deeper appreciation of the dedication to craftsmanship the original builders expressed in shaping your living and working environment.

Gutters

A review by Mark DiChiara, Masters in Historic Preservation, Georgia State University, Owner, Artigiano Woodworks, Atlanta, Georgia

Gutter failures due to neglected maintenance and repair can lead to destruction of the roof eaves, wall sheathing, and foundation. Many parts of a building, from interior decorative effects to integral load bearing structural members, can be damaged once the gutter system fails to perform its function of efficiently moving water away from the building.

Wood gutters were an integral part of the architectural character of many historic buildings. Sadly, many of these original wood gutters have been lost or destroyed over the years. It is especially important to repair and maintain wood gutters for their contributing to the character of the building as well as their practical strength and durability. Many tradespeople and contractors today have the ability repair and maintenance wood gutters, but they lack the specific knowledge to make their work effective and long-lasting.

In this Practical Restoration Report John Leeke shares his expertise garnered from many years of working with wood gutter systems. He offers clear cross-section diagrams of the most common historic gutter systems, as well as troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance instructions associated with each type system. He shows how modern materials can be successfully integrated into traditional all-wood systems to extend their lifespan and maintenance schedule. More traditional methods are also explored, as John shows how to handcraft short sections of replacement gutters to invisibly patch a spot failure.

A case history of a gutter restoration project is detailed step by step. Photographs of various stages of this project are included to show how the original appearance of the home was restored with little loss of the original historic fabric. This project overview is valuable to the homeowner who wishes to assess the quality of work on his own home that is being contracted through professional construction crews.

In many cases, proper maintenance of wooden gutter systems is most economically and efficiently attempted by the homeowner. Mr. Leeke offers a clear chart comparing various wood preservative products that can be used to extend the life of the system. He also offers a crash course on conditions assessment that will allow the homeowner to discover incipient damage before it mushrooms into a major repair expense.

As is usual for reports in this series, a helpful list of materials suppliers along with addresses and phone numbers is provided. If there is one drawback to this report it is that it examines only one specific "part" of a building. Epoxy consolidant, caulk joint techniques, and maintenance schedules are all touched upon briefly in this report. These somewhat complex subjects are examined in more depth in other reports in the series. Readers would be well served by using this report in conjunction with selected other titles in the Practical Restoration Report series. Those who faces a variety of preservation problems, will surely benefit from having all installments in the series in their personal library, and should consider purchasing them as a set at a discounted price.

Compendium

Steam Paint Removal

"I've appreciated the reliable information and understanding you provide--we particularly appreciated the report on Steam Paint Removal which we found to be enthusiastically- and well-written and informative." - Jeff, woodwork contractor, Chicago

	John Leeke's Historic HomeWorks™
	207 773-2306 26 Higgins St. Portland, ME 04103
	[Home][Library][Restoration Reports][Seminars][Forum][Internships][Office][Workshop][Front Porch][Search] info.© 1994-2007 JohnC.Leeke