Benefits of Preserving Woodwork in Historic Buildings

Benefits of Preserving Woodwork in Historic Buildings

February 17, 2023 6:27 pm Published by

Historic buildings often feature beautiful — and historically significant — architectural woodwork, ranging from staircases, moldings, trims, and wall paneling. However, the structures hidden out of sight are also integral to the architectural woodwork in historic homes and buildings.

It is no surprise that these wooden structures deteriorate and degrade over time. The original woodwork may sometimes have to be replaced, but it can also be preserved in many cases. That’s especially important if a building has officially been designated as historic.

Benefits of Preserving Woodwork in Historic Buildings

What Qualifies as a Historic Building?

Properties in the United States may earn a National Historic Landmark (NHL) designation, but state and local designations also exist. In the case of National Historic Landmarks, buildings must be very close to their original state to be designated as historic.

They also have to meet one or more of the NHL’s criteria to be considered significant. Historic buildings may be located in historically-significant places, associated with important public figures, illustrate a trend or theme in national history, or highlight a particular architectural style or engineering achievement. Historic structures may or may not be part of historic districts.

Property owners don’t need to have their buildings listed as historic to consider the benefits of preserving the original woodwork, however. A building that isn’t designated as historic may be listed as such in the future, and preserving the original structure helps in retaining its significance (and the property value).

What Are the Benefits of Preserving the Original Woodwork in Historic Buildings? How Can This Be Done?

Whether or not a building has officially been designated as historic, preserving its original state (including its architectural woodwork) to the greatest extent possible has many benefits:

  • The preservation of historic buildings allows their character to remain intact. When an older building is close to its original state — the way it was when it was built — the unique charm of the period it was constructed in shines through.
  • Preserving or restoring the original woodwork and historic character can help property owners get NHL status for the building if they are considering applying.
  • Taking steps to preserve the woodwork stops the building from deteriorating, increasing property value and retaining its original character.

Preserving Woodwork in Historic Buildings: Chemical and Non-Chemical Treatment

The woodwork in historic buildings can be preserved in one of two primary ways — with chemical and non-chemical treatment.

Non-Chemical Treatment

Non-chemical treatment focuses on moisture and climate control. This approach tackles the presence of fungi and insects that may be speeding up the deterioration of the woodwork and creates conditions where further biodegradation will not take place.

Chemical Treatment

Chemical treatment can treat the exterior of existing woodwork via liquids and pastes. However, chemical treatment of existing woodwork can also take a deeper approach — by creating strategically-placed holes in the woodwork, chemical agents can be inserted into the core, after which the holes are carefully covered up.

What if woodwork can not be preserved?

Where elements of the original woodwork have deteriorated to a point where they can no longer be preserved, pressure-treated wood with an aesthetic that closely resembles the original woodwork can replace these elements. In these cases, steps can be taken to mimic the architectural applications of the building’s original time period.

It is important to note that the work that goes into preserving woodwork in historic buildings doesn’t only focus on the woodwork itself. Plumbing and gutters must be inspected to assess whether moisture and leaks are contributing to the degradation of the woodwork. Where necessary, repairs are made to eliminate these challenges.

A Final Word

The benefits of preserving the original woodwork in historic buildings can be seen through two separate lenses — historical and economical. Historic buildings tell stories that are gone forever once most of the original structure is replaced, and honoring the historic status of a property helps to preserve its financial value as well.

WATCH: Contour Construction installs windows in the new downtown branch of the Omaha Public Library, located inside the historic building at 1401 Jones Street. 

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This post was written by Contour Construction