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How to Identify, Diagnose, Clean & Prevent Algae, Fungus, Lichens, Moss on Stone Tombstones, Graves, Roofs, Walls, Sidewalks & Other Building Surfaces
- Algae, fungus, lichens, moss growth on various outdoor surfaces: problem diagnosis & cure - How to clean graves, tombstones, stone walls, sidewalks
- Colors & Types of Stains, algae, lichens, moss, fungae, or other substances found on Stone Surfaces
- Catalog of Biological Substances that Alter Stone or Other Inorganic Materials
- Methods for Cleaning & Preventing Future Organic Growth (Algae, Fungus, Lichens, Moss) from Stone, Brick, or Concrete Surfaces
- Guide to Types of Stains on Building Surfaces - separate article
- Questions & answers on the cause, cure, & prevention of algae, fungus, moss or lichens stains & growth on exterior surfaces such as stone monuments, buildings, roofs, & other site features.
- References
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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
How to diagnose, remove & prevent stains due to algae, fungal growth, or moss on stones, monuments, & on surfaces of building exteriors or roofs: this article describes and provide photographs and advice on identifying, cleaning, and preventing algae, moss, lichens, or fungal growth that occurs on stone surfaces such as buildings, gravestones, sidewalks, stone walls, and in nature. We include links to references useful in the identification of algae, moss, lichens, and mold. Our page top photograph shows a lichens and possibly moss coated tombstone in Australia provided by reader Patrick Walsh
who consulted regarding cleaning and restoration of this family grave marker.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Appearance of Algae, Fungus, Lichens, or Moss on Stone Surfaces
We discuss the cleaning/restoration of the stone grave marker shown at page top in more detail at STONE CLEANING METHODS.
This website tells readers how to identify, evaluate, remove or prevent stains on building surfaces. Readers should see STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS and STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS. For roof shingle stains, see STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS. Also see STAIN DIAGNOSIS on STONE and ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS on SHINGLES where we describe not only moss and lichens but black fungal stains on asphalt shingles and on other building surfaces.
Colors & Types of Stains, algae, lichens, moss, fungae, or other substances found on Stone Surfaces
Once we include lichens (such as our photo at left, from Portland Maine), the range of colored growths or stains on stone surfaces is quite large. But the most common stain colors are
Below we provide example photographs of different colors and sources of stain or contaminants on stone or masonry surfaces, followed by advice on cleaning and stain prevention.
Also see our Catalog of Biological Substances that Alter Stone or Other Inorganic Materials, and see ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS COMPARED for a comparison of algae, fungus, lichens, or moss on other building surfaces such as roof shingles.
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Black Stains on Stone Surfaces due to Algae, Fungus, or Dirt, Soot, Debris:
The presence of algae or fungus (mold) on a stone surface most often appears as a function of both weather exposure and the location of the surface in a shaded spot where you may want to be alert for
development of moss as well.
Our photo (left) shows black staining, probably fungal in origin, on historic structures in Patzcuaro, Mexico.
The level of damage to a stone surface from black algae or any colored fungus is likely to be less than from moss and less than
that caused by lichens.
But on stone or masonry building surfaces or on works of art or artifacts, Mandrioli et als. point out, and as we list in their Catalog of Biological Substances that Alter Stone or Other Inorganic Materials, there can be serious aesthetic and conservation issues.
Black Staining & Stone Damage from Cyanobacteria - Gloeocapsa sp. and fungi
Black stains on stone are quite often caused by a cyanobacteria (see Catalog of Substances that Alter Stone, Glass, Steel) Gloeocapsa sp. that not only stain the stone black, but also increase water absorption by penetrating veins in the stone (or marble, for example) leading to honeycomb weathering damage to the stonework.
Wet stone exposed to either freeze-thaw cycles or heating by bright sun can be spalled or cracked by these forces. For an example that received media attention, the New York Times reported ("Microbes Eating Away at Pieces of History", 24 June 2008) extensive damage to Angkor Wat, a twelfth century Hindu temple in Cambodia. Sixty to seventy percent of the Angkor Wat temple is black and deteriorating.
Significantly for building diagnosticians, the Times article reported that originally people believed that the black on this stone was due to "weathering". The Times continued that only recently have experts begun to realize the important role of both bacteria and fungi in the deterioration of cultural sites around the world. The article also noted that air pollution can increase the effects of biodeterioration. |
 
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Our photo (above left) shows black staining on the stone surface of a mausoleum in Buenos Aires. Without closer examination we could not be sure if this was dirt and debris from city and traffic air, a dark fungus, or algae.
Our second photo of black growth on a stone roof (above right) was taken in Molde, Norway. Also see SLATE ROOF INSPECTION & REPAIR.
Algae and sometimes mold often appear on organic and even inorganic surfaces of buildings and in nature such as on asphalt roof shingles shown at ALGAE STAINS ON ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES. It is possible that on these metal roof shingles (Justin Morrill Smith historic home in Strafford VT) mold or algae is hosted by a painted coating on the roof.
Green Stains on Stone Surfaces due to Algae or Moss
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 Green stains due to algae: green stains also appear on buildings including on shingles, siding, and even on masonry walls, sidewalks, planters, and retaining walls: stone, concrete block, and concrete.
Our photo (left) shows green algae on a fallen decorative brownstone artifact at the Mills Mansion, in Stattsburgh, New York.
If you see flat green stain on a building exterior and that is not producing any plant-like raised growth it is likely to be an algae. Our photo (below-left) shows green algae on concrete at a sidewalk and basement window grate surround.
Algae under the microscope: Our second photo (below right) shows what algae growth looks like under the microscope.
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Watch out: on walks and decks algae makes for a dangerously slippery surface when it is wet.
More photos of algae, lichens, and moss, including both on building or stone surfaces and under the microscope are at ALGAE, FUNGUS, LICHENS, MOSS.
Green stains due to moss: unlike the algae staining above, thick green growth on a stone or masonry surface is more likely to be moss such as the mossy concrete entry platform at the New York home shown at below left. The moss on this surface holds water, is a slip, trip, or fall safety hazard, and depending on the hardness of the concrete, it may also lead to spalling or frost damage to the concrete itself.
Reindeer moss: Our second moss and lichens photo (above right, Quetico boundary canoe area, Canada) demonstrates that moss and lichens can coexist happily on the same surface, and even intermixed on a surface where we show two kinds of moss. In our photo, the taller pale growth among the green moss is itself "Reindeer Moss, Caribou Moss" or in other references "Antler Moss".
Our photograph shows Cladonia rangeferina or perhaps Cladonia sp. along with both moss and other lichens on the same stone. Reindeer moss is itself actually a lichen, and is an important food source for reindeer and caribou). Reindeer moss is quite fragile and slow growing, found in both hot and cold climates and in alpine tundra - don't trample it in the wild.
Moss under the microscope. As our photo (at left) shows, it's easy to see the plant-like structure of moss fragments, as our photograph (left) demonstrates. This moss sample was collected from a basement wall: we suspect that the damp conditions that produced this moss growth on the building wall also increased the risk of a mold problem in the same structure.
But you shouldn't need to use a microscope to identify moss. For a species/genera identification guide to mosses we include some moss information resources below.
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What does Lichens look like on Stone Surfaces
See Lichens on Stone Surfaces for our complete article on this topic. Excerpts follow. Also see Lichens on Roofs for a discussion of lichen damage to shingles and how to prevent lichens growth on roofs.
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 Lichens, one of the most hardy growth organisms found in nature, can grow in harsh conditions. Moss and lichens are both more than a cosmetic issue on most materials.
By holding moisture against the stone or other material surface lichens but more so moss speed the wear of the surface in freezing climates by increasing frost damage to the surface and by action of the organism's "roots" that penetrate the material surface.
Our photo (left) shows green lichens growth on a gravestone near Vassar College, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Notice that the lichens appears first on the more roughened stone surfaces inside the carved gravestone lettering, and on the rough-cut north face of the stone.
In addition to stone surfaces and mineral-covered roof surfaces, lichens also grows just fine on clay tile roofing and on wood (as those photo links show). |
Lichens on Roofs demonstrate the mechanical damage that can be caused by lichens on surfaces. See Lichens on Roofs for details about the causes, effects, and prevention of lichens growth on roofing surfaces.
Lichens is often found growing on roof shingles, especially asphalt and wood shingles as we show here where we demonstrate the damage to the surface when lichens is removed. Our photos (below) illustrate how serious lichens damage can be to a mineral surface.
Does Lichens Always Need to be Cleaned Off of Stone Surfaces?
No, of course not. The lichens growing on this stone wall in Poughkeepsie, NY (constructed by and found at Adams Fairacre Farms) is not going to do any harm, and in fact adds to the attractiveness of the wall. |
Red or Other Color Stains on Stone Surfaces
Red stains on stone or masonry surfaces may be due to lichens, or on occasion bleed-down from rusting iron as we demonstrate just below.
Red stains on the surface of and as much as 1.5mm into Carrara and Condoglia Marble used in Italian monuments (the Certosa of Pavia facade, the Orvieto cathedral, the fountain statues of Villa Litta near Milan) have been reported by E. Zanardini et. als in Art, Biology, and Conservation: Biodeterioration in Works of Art, Robert J. Koestler et als. Eds., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003, ISBN 1-58839-107-8.
Apparently there is an association between a lead source, lead found in and on these works and lead-resistant microorganisms. The authors investigated this phenomenon and concluded that although red-pigmented microorganisms were present in the stains, "... their presence does not appear to be related either to the red coloration or to the presence of lead;" The conclusion was that the red stains on the Italian marble studied were due to the presence of lead.
Brown or Reddish-Brown Rust Stains on Stone, Concrete, Brick, Masonry Surfaces
Brown stains on stone, concrete, or brick are often caused by bleed-out from rusting components. In our rust-on-stone photo (below left) the deep brown stains in the bottom center of this photo (79th St. Boat Basin, New York City) are probably caused by the combination of salt from the roadway above, water leaks into and through the structure, and steel reinforcing rod or wire.
Our photo of the concrete tower in Buenos Aires (below right) shows rust stains on concrete at the catwalk brackets (click to enlarge).
Catalog of Biological Substances that Alter Stone or Other Inorganic Materials
Please see Catalog of Substances that Alter Stone, Glass, Steel where we provide an extensive table of biodeterioration agents that damage stone, glass or steel, excerpted from Cultural Heritage and Aerobiology, Methods and Measurement Techniques for Biodeterioration Monitoring, Paolo Mandrioli et als., expanded with three additional table lines for Actinobacteria and Gram-Bacteria listed in Art, Biology, and Conservation: Biodeterioration in Works of Art, Robert J. Koestler et als. Eds., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003, ISBN 1-58839-107-8, and finally, with minor additional editing and commentary by Daniel Friedman.
For conservators, the latter text, (Art, Biology ...) includes important studies on treatment and prevention of artifact deterioration, including studies of the use of biocides, anoxic eradication of fungi, and the use of other biocides or preparations for use in defense of cultural artifacts against microbial and environmental agents.
Methods for Cleaning & Preventing Future Organic Growth (Algae, Fungus, Lichens, Moss) from Stone, Brick, or Concrete Surfaces
Please see our complete article on this topic at Methods for Cleaning Stone Surfaces. Excerpts follow. Especially if you are restoring artifacts, art works, tombstones, or graves, avoid any aggressive cleaning methods that might damage the roof surface.
Mechanical Cleaning of Brick, Stone or Concrete Surfaces
The gravestone that was shown at the top of this page and appears below in "before and after" photos was successfully cleaned using simply a soft bristle brush and plain water. Here is what Patrick Walsh said about the cleaning procedure:
I only used regular cold tap water, no soap, and a soft bristled dish-brush. You should wet down and rub in water on the stone by hand (the growths were oily, and repelling water!). Then brush in circular pattern to break down the lichens, moss, or algae, using plenty of water for lubrication. Hand wipe the gravestone down before it dries again.
Start cleaning the tombstone at the top and work down. That way you won't have to re-scrub the run-off.
This was a 7-foot high grave stone including the cross. All told, (minus the cross) it took me about 45 minutes (I started on the back, so I would be inspired to do the rest and in case I found a problem. Then I cleaned the gravestone's sides and top. The front surface was cleaned last.
Whatever cleaning is done on a stone or masonry surface, make sure the process does
not cause more harm than good to the artifact and to the environment around it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Algae, Fungus, Lichens, Mold, or Moss Growth on Exterior Surfaces
Question: How to clean off & prevent moss or green algae/fungal growth in a car wash
 Hi, I own a car wash. I've been having a moss/algae problem that's becoming progressively worse. The problem is in the car wash tunnel. It began growing on the cloth used to clean the cars and now has spread to some of the steel components and the concrete floor as well. The Area is very damp, abundant in sunlight, and poorly ventilated overnight when the garage doors are closed.
Originally I had thought my water might be contaminated but I was told that because I have many windows in my tunnel that the sunlight is causing this, while another professional told me it was more likely due to poor ventilation.
I've been in the business for a long time and have had other locations, but never had a problem like this. I'm wondering if you might have any thoughts on what's causing this aside from the dampness factor which I can't help. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I've attached some photos.
thank you,
E.L. 6/12/2012
Reply:
 A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem with moss, algae, or fungal growth on building surfaces and materials, though I expect you are far more an expert on car wash operation and maintenance than most outside "consultants" you might find. That said, here are some things to consider:
Some of your photos indeed look to me like moss - I agree, especially along the steel guide track.
But others, on the cloths, may be algae or even a fungus. I couldn't tell for sure from your photo. We could have you take samples and send them to me for analysis to ID for sure what you've got, but because I suspect that the causes and remedies are going to be the same, I'm not sure that step is worth the trouble.
I'll do what I can to assist, pro-bono as long as we can keep the time and writing from becoming too consuming - what we learn will be useful to both of us.
Diagnosis of moss or algae growth in a car wash
Moss, algae, and fungal spores are airborne and are, in a practical sense, everywhere, all the time. So when one or more of these becomes a problem in a car wash it is helpful to ask why here, now and not in other car wash operations? The answer to cause is important in deciding on the cure. Otherwise, you could go to the expense and trouble of a clean-up only to have the problem occur all over again.
Let me pose some questions and perhaps when you see my line of thinking you, knowing the operation well, will think of similar questions to ask or discuss.
Are there significant differences at this car wash from other units you know about in regards to:
1. water chemistry or water recycling and treatment before re-use
2. ventilation design and operation. Are your vent fans working, ducts unobstructed, that is, not simply that they run, but do they work?
3. sun exposure, including near by shade trees, forest, wet areas around your property. It would be lack of sunlight, not presence of sunlight, that would encourage the growth of these substances in the car wash.
4. the age, duty cycle, fabric used, manufacturer or source or even batch number of the cleaning cloths that show a green growth (algae or moss or fungus or even a combination of all of these?)
5. the cleanliness, temperature, chemistry of rinse water
6. car wash facility cleaning & maintenance schedule or procedures
7. How long has the green growth problem been evident? To my eye, moss like shown in two of your photos does not appear over night or even in a month.
Cleanup & prevention of moss & algae in a car wash facility
I'm not satisfied to just clean the problem surfaces without having a guess at the underlying cause, but nevertheless we can discuss some beginning options.
Steel surfaces with thick mossy growth may need to be hand-scraped as a starting cleanup step.
Use a power washer (with a deck cleaner solution or you may have your own detergent solution) to clean the contaminated surfaces. If you want to salvage and continue using the suspended cleaning cloths, that's a synthetic fabric that should tolerate being removed from the spinner drum, placed on a flat concrete surface, and spray-washed with the power sprayer.
That cleaning won't remove 100% of the moss or algae but it should remove most of it and leave the materials looking clean.
I am doubtful that using bleach or other sanitizers is necessary and also doubtful that it would be long term effective on cloths and on unpainted steel surfaces. If there are painted surfaces nearby that also suffer these growths you might want to use a fungicidal sealant paint the next time those areas are cleaned, dried thoroughly, and then re-painted.
There are also algaecide products intended to be added to pools to prevent algae growth (Utikem and other ammonium chloride based products) but again I'm not sure
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Questions & answers on the cause, cure, & prevention of algae, fungus, moss or lichens stains & growth on exterior surfaces such as stone monuments, buildings, roofs, & other site features. .
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- [1] Graphic Guide Ontario Mosses (some of which appear widely dispersed by climate and geographic area, not just in Ontario) which offers a graphic guide to mosses. worldofmosses.com/ggom/index.html
- [2] Also see the sources listed at worldofmosses.com/ggom/ggomBibliography.html
- [3] Also see the Journal Folia Geobotanica, Springer, Netherlands ISSN1211-9520 (Print) 1874-9348 (Online) IssueVolume 11, Number 2 / June, 1976 DOI10.1007/BF02854759 Pages217-22
- [4] The Ecology of Algae, F.E. Round, Cambridge University Press, 1984 ISBN-10: 0521269067 ISBN-13: 978-0521269063 (Available at Amazon.com)
After an introduction outlining the chemical and physical characteristics of the environment, the book goes on to look at the actual habitats in which algae occur. The communities of the individual habitats such as open water, sediments, rocky shores, coral reefs, hot springs, sea ice, soil, etc., are then discussed with special phenomena highlighted, for example rhythmic activity, nitrogen fixation and buoyancy. There are also chapters on seasonal cycles of algal growth, energy flow, geographical dispersion, palaeo-ecology and contribution to sediments. The importance of algae in symbiotic relationships and their considerable significance to animal grazers in aquatic food chains are also discussed. The final chapter deals with the relationships of algae to eutrophication and pollution of water. This is an important aspect, which can only be understood through an appreciation of algal ecology.
- [5] Lichens of North America, Irwin M. Brodo, Yale University Press, 2001, ISBN-10: 0300082495, # ISBN-13: 978-0300082494 (Available at Amazon.com)
Quoting from Library Journal:
Lichens are a combination of a fungus and an alga but have a unique structure and appearance quite different from either. Existing worldwide and growing on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, soil, and trees, they may appear leafy, shrubby, mossy, crusty, or jellylike and are seen in a wide range of colors, from brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds to dull grays and browns. This huge new book, written by a world authority on lichens and emeritus research scientist at the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, provides information on about 1500 of the roughly 3600 recognized North American lichens. Part 1 introduces lichens in 14 clearly written chapters that discuss their biology, ecology, geography, environmental roles, and collection. Part 2, the heart of the book, is a guide that offers identification keys to groups, genera, and species and their descriptions, with accompanying photographs and North American distribution maps. The more than 900 truly beautiful, full-color photos were taken by the Sharnoffs, nature photographers whose work has been widely published in National Geographic, Smithsonian, and elsewhere. Of value to professionals and amateurs alike, this book is certain to be a classic reference for decades to come. Highly recommended for academic and research libraries and for public libraries where interest warrants; libraries needing only a brief yet informative introduction to lichens should consider William Purvis's inexpensive Lichens (Smithsonian Institution, 2000). William H. Wiese, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames
- [6] Cultural Heritage and Aerobiology, Methods and Measurement Techniques for Biodeterioration Monitoring, Paolo Mandrioli, Guilia Caneva, and Cristina Sabbioni, Eds., Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003 ISBN 1-4020-1622-0
See our book review of this reference.
The conservation of art objects relies on expert inspection, testing, and diagnosis of environmental contaminants and factors that affect the deterioration of artworks, such as mold, moisture, temperature, acid rain, and both indoor and outdoor air quality components. This text reviews these important art conservation concerns and describes methods for the inspection, testing, and monitoring of environmental conditions wherever artworks and other cultural artifacts are located.
- [7] "Assessing Cleaning and Water-Repellent Treatments for Historic Masonry buildings", Robert C. Mack, FAIA, Anne Grimmer U.S. National Park Service, web search 07/24/2010, original source: http://www.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief01.htm
Quoting from the document introduction:
The purpose of this Brief is to provide information on the variety of cleaning methods and materials that are available for use on the exterior of historic masonry buildings, and to provide guidance in selecting the most appropriate method or combination of methods. The difference between water-repellent coatings and waterproof coatings is explained, and the purpose of each, the suitability of their application to historic masonry buildings, and the possible consequences of their inappropriate use are discussed. The Brief is intended to help develop sensitivity to the qualities of historic masonry that makes it so special, and to assist historic building owners and property managers in working cooperatively with architects, architectural conservators, and contractors. Although specifically intended for historic buildings, the information is applicable to all masonry buildings. This publication updates and expands Preservation Briefs 1: The Cleaning and Waterproof Coating of Masonry buildings. The Brief is not meant to be a cleaning manual or a guide for preparing specifications. Rather, it provides general information to raise awareness of the many factors involved in selecting cleaning and water-repellent treatments for historic masonry buildings.
- [8] Thanks to Patrick Walsh for discussing cleaning methods for gravestones & tombs May 2010
- [9] Shingle Shield™ are zinc strips that are inserted under the shingle tabs of individual shingles to reduce moss, lichens, and algae growth on asphalt roofing - see shingleshield.com
- [10] StainhandleR are zinc strips that are inserted under the shingle tabs of individual shingles to reduce moss, lichens, and algae growth on asphalt roofing- see stainhandler.com
- [11] Zinc-Shield® - zincshield.com and Z-stop™ zinc roofing strips - z-stop.com, are roll-out zinc strips intended for installation near the ridge of a roof to reduce moss, lichens, and algae growth on roofs
- [12] 04/09: thanks to William M. Norman, P.E., S.E., Keeler-Webb Associates, 486 Gradle Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 for opening discussion regarding the legitimacy of extractive bleeding as a term to apply to asphalt roofing material. Mr. Norman suggests that many (not all) black stains on asphalt roofing may be due to algal growth. We will report progress in this discussion as updates to this web article.
- [13] How to Recognize & Control Sooty Molds, USDA publication on the recognition and control of black sooty molds, including on buildings.
This publication is also available in printed form from the U.S. Government Printing Office, 1992 657-152 HT-69 1992. The original article was authored by Kenneth K. Kessler, Jr., Principal Plant Pathologist, U.S. Forest Service, in the Department of Agriculture of the United States. Copies are also available from North Central Distribution Center, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison WI 53705-2398.
- [14] "Microbes Eating Away at Pieces of History", Vina Venkataraman, The New York Times, 27 June 2008 p. F3.
- [15] Allsopp D.,
Seal K. J.
(1986) Biodeterioration of refined and processed materials. Introduction to biodeterioration. (Edward Arnold, London, United Kingdom), pp 51–53.
- [16] Bock E.,
Sand W.,
Meincke M.,
Wolters B.,
Ahlers B.,
Meyer C.,
Sameluck F.
(1988) Biologically induced corrosion of natural stones—strong contamination of monuments with nitrifying organisms. in Biodeterioration, eds Houghton D. R., Smith R. N., Eggins H. O. W. (Elsevier Applied Science, New York, N.Y.), 7:436–440.
- [17] Bock E.,
Sand W.
(1993) The microbiology of masonry biodeterioration. J. Appl. Bacteriol. 74:503–514.
- [18] Griffin P. S.,
Indictor N.,
Koestler R. J.
(1991) The biodeterioration of stone: a review of deterioration mechanisms, conservation case histories, and treatment. Int. Biodeterior. 28:187–207.
- [19] Grilli Caiola M.,
Forni C.,
Albertano P.
(1987) Characterization of the algal flora growing on ancient Roman frescoes. Phycologia 26:387–390.
- [20] Ortega-Calvo J. J.,
Hernandez-Marine M.,
Saiz-Jimenez C.
(1993) Cyanobacteria and algae on historic buildings and monuments. in Recent advances in biodeterioration and biodegradation, eds Garg K. L., Garg N., Mukerji K. G. (Naya Prokash, Calcutta, India), I:173–203.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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- Paint and Surface Coatings, Theory and Practice [purchase at Amazon.com], R. Lambourne & T.A. Strivens, Ed., Woodhead Publishing Ltd., William Andrew Publishing, 1999 ISBN 1-85573-348 X & 1-884207-73-1 [This is perhaps the leading reference on modern paints and coatings, but is a difficult text to obtain, and is a bit short on field investigation methods - DF]
- Analysis of Modern Paints, Thomas J.S. Learner, Research in Conservation, 2004 ISBN 0-89236-779-2 [Chemistry of modern paints, overview of analytical methods, pyrolysis-gas chromatography signatures of basic modern paints and their constituents, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for paint analysis, direct temperature-resolved mass spectrometry, and analysis in practice - technical reference useful for forensic paint science, focused on art works -DF]
- Seeing Through Paintings, Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies, Andrea Kirsh, Rustin S. Levenson, Materials in Fine Arts, 2000 ISBN 99-051835 [ forensic science, technical reference, focused on art works - DF]
- Sealants, Durability of Building Sealants (RILEM Proceedings), J.C. Beech, A.T. Wolf, Spon Press; illustrated edition (1995), ISBN-10: 0419210709, ISBN-13: 978-0419210702
This book presents the papers given at the RILEM Seminar held at the Building Research Establishment, Garston, UK in October 1994. The book provides an opportunity for researchers to review up-to-date progress towards the achievement of the objectives of the standardisation of laboratory techniques of sealants in the variety of service conditions to which they are exposed.
- Soiling and Cleaning of Building Facades (RILEM Report), L.G.W. Verhoef (Editor), Routledge; 1 edition (November 3, 1988), ISBN-10: 0412306700, USBN-13: 978-0412306709
The report of a comprehensive investigation by RILEM which examines all aspects of the cleaning of facades, subject to soiling by both biological and non-biological agencies. The contributors are international authorities working in this field giving essential advice to all those who need to know how to approach the problems connected with the soiling and cleaning of building facades.
- Staining, Prevention of Premature Staining in New buildings, Phil Parnham, Taylor & Francis; 1996, ISBN-10: 0419171304, ISBN-13: 978-0419171300
The appearance of ugly staining early in a buildings life, ruins an otherwise pleasing appearance, tarnishes the image of the owners and gives rise to costly refurbishment works. In this book Phil Parnham raises a number of questions that should be considered whenever a new building is being designed or built. These are: * why has staining become so prominent; * what causes premature staining; which parts of new buildings are likely to be affected; * how can it be avoided? By using a number of highly illustrated case studies, the author answers these questions and ends by suggesting measures that should be taken by all design and construction professionals to prevent premature staining.
- Paint Handbook: testing, selection, application, troubleshooting, surface preparation, etc., Guy E. Weismantel, Ed., McGraw Hill Book Company, 1981, ISBN-10: 0070690618, ISBN-13: 978-0070690615, [Excellent but a bit obsolete paint theory and practice, also a bit light on field investigation methods, out of print, available used-DF]
How to select and apply the right paint or coating for any surface. The first major reference to help you choose the correct paint or other finish to do the job best on a particular surface exposed to a particular environment. Experts in the field give full advice on testing surface preparation, application, corrosion prevention, and troubleshooting. The handbook covers wood, metal, composites, and masonry, as well as marine applications and roof coatings. A ``must'' working tool for contractors, architects, engineers, specification writers, and paint dealers.
- Paint and Surface Coatings, Theory and Practice, R. Lambourne & T.A. Strivens, Ed., Woodhead Publishing Ltd., William Andrew Publishing, 1999 ISBN 1-85573-348 X & 1-884207-73-1 [This is perhaps the leading reference on modern paints and coatings, but is a difficult text to obtain, and is a bit short on field investigation methods - DF]
Provides a comprehensive reference source for all those in the paint industry, paint manufacturers and raw materials suppliers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and industrial paint users. R. Lambourne was in the Research Department at ICI Paints Division and the Industrial Colloid Advisory Group, Birstol University, UK.
- Art, Biology, and Conservation: Biodeterioration in Works of Art, Robert J. Koestler et als. Eds., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003, ISBN 1-58839-107-8
- Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF - ** Particularly useful text **
- Understanding Ventilation, John Bower, The Healthy House Institute, ISBN 0-9637156-5-8, 1995 [General building science-DF - ** Particularly useful text. Mr. Bower has retired from the field but his book continues to be important]
- Dampness in buildings, Diagnosis, Treatment, Instruments, T.A. Oxley & E.G. Gobert, ISBN 0-408-01463-6, Butterworths, 1983-1987 [General building science-DF]
- "Moisture Control in buildings: Putting Building Science in Green Building," Alex Wilson, Environmental Building News, Vol. 12. No. 5. [Good tutorial, "Moisture 101" outlining the physics of moisture movement in buildings and a good but incomplete list of general suggestions for moisture control - inadequate attention given to exterior conditions such as roof and surface drainage defects which are among the most-common sources of building moisture and water entry.--DJF]
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