BRE DG508/2 PDF

The use of appropriate conservation techniques is critical to the preservation of buildings. This important Digest gives advice on how to apply safe, effective, appropriate and enduring conservation techniques to brickwork, blockwork and terracotta. It outlines how to identify the units and associated mortars, and how to diagnose the causes of soiling and deterioration. It advocates avoidance of cleaning to optimise the life of masonry but outlines its use where appropriate. Appendices list standards for testing masonry units and describe two methods of testing the strength of masonry and stress in masonry.

The first part of the Digest (published in 2008) dealt with conservation of stonework, and the third part (in preparation) will cover renders, plasters and stucco. The companion Digest 502 explains the principles of the conservation of masonry in historic buildings.