The Division of Historic Preservation provides free technical advice concerning the renovation/restoration of historic buildings. Help can be obtained by calling the Division at (225) 342-8160. Please ask for a member of the tax act/ technical assistance staff.

(Place mouse over cottage to see remodel)

By following appropriate renovation advice and procedures, formerly unappreciated historic buildings can be returned to their original appearance. Sometimes a real gem is uncovered, as when this Creole cottage was revealed beneath layers of remodeling which had occurred over the years.

The Division of Historic Preservation suggests
the following renovation/restoration "do's and don'ts":

• Avoid sandblasting or other abrasive cleaning techniques to clean or remove old paint. These methods will damage historic brick and woodwork as well as alter their appearance. For example, sandblasting wood raises its grain, making the wood resemble a piece of pitted driftwood.
• If pressure washing to clean a surface or remove paint, the water pressure should not exceed 300 pounds per square inch (psi).
• Avoid vinyl or aluminum siding, as these can fundamentally alter the appearance of a historic building. Instead, use wood or Hardy plank siding.
• Take proper precautions when removing asbestos siding and lead paint.
• Plaster should be repaired or replaced with plaster or gypsum board.
• Avoid painting previously unpainted brickwork and avoid waterproofing historic brickwork. Both treatments could permanently damage the materials.
• Avoid enclosing porches which were not previously enclosed.
• Avoid removing historic features of a building. Repair rather than replace if at all possible.

RELATED WEB SITES:

National Park Service Technical Preservation Services

National Park Service Preservation Briefs