A method for the preservation and restoration of the stones used in historical buildings

In spite of the fact that there exists a different preservation or restoration method for each type of stone used in historical buildings; both the overall damage detection works, experiment systematic and the application process of the methods require an interdisciplinary study and include certain basic steps. This article suggests a method to be applied in the preservation and restoration of the stones used in historical buildings. The aims of this method are to establish a common language and procedure among the parties which take part in preservation and restoration and to minimize changes together with the time loss. DIN 52106 has been used as a guide in this method. The method has been based on the below summarized point of view. Thus, in the evaluated building, it has been assumed that the stones in the undamaged parts of the building are resistant to climatic and environmental effects and that similar stones can be found and used. In cases where there are no undamaged parts with enough resistance, appropriate stones can be sought through petrographic research, physical and technological experimentation and observation on samples taken from the original stone. It has been assumed that the material gained by using water-repellent agents and conservation processes can be tested with physical and technological experiments to evaluate its applicability when compared to the original material itself.