Publications

by John Leeke, American Preservationeer

If you arrived here from Judy’s Historic Windsor eBlast, Welcome! Go directly to  Managing Maintenance in the Compendium book by clicking right here:  Compendium

Practical Restoration Reports and books are a detailed technical series on preservation topics packed with practical methods you can use now.

“Based on years of extensive research and field application, each is put together with John’s trademark hands-on, step-by-step instructions and famously lucid illustrations. …photos in particular are marvels of clarity and veracity…” – Gordon Bock, Editor-in-Chief, Old-House Journal

“I’ve appreciated the reliable information and understanding you provide–we particularly appreciated the report on Steam Paint Removal which we found to be enthusiastically, and well written and informative.” – Jeff, woodwork contractor, Chicago

“Thanks, John – I wouldn’t have know where to start on my porch columns without your Restoration Report. Your experience and advice took all the mystery out of the project, and helped so much. Thank goodness for your reports!” – Cindy Nelson, Homeowner, Montana

“This is a great book for all levels of working on windows. Mr. Leeke has put everything together in a clear, easy to follow book. I felt like Mr. Leeke was looking over my shoulder and giving me tips.”  –  Marion Rood, Woodworker

“Your Practical Restoration Report is really superb. It is the best thing I’ve seen on the subject. It’s clearly written, not overly technical and easy to understand.” – Roger Reed, Maine Historic Preservation Commission

I landed the contract because your Reports gave me the insight and confidence needed to explain the project to the clients. They said I was the only contractor to give them any hope that the job could be done. Your reports are most informative and concise. I’m very impressed!” – James A. McGrath, Contractor, Eggleston, VA

“Practical Restoration Reports are short, non-technical, and well illustrated…For the building owner, contractor, or architect with a need for solid working information about both what to do and how to do it, they are economical and useful.” – Allen Charles Hill, Architect, Winchester, MA

Publications are printed in 8.5″ x 11″ perfect-bound (paperback) book format or stapled booklets with color covers and black & white interior contents.

Delivery may take 2 to 3 weeks. Typical delivery cost is $6 to $9 via US Postal Service, Media Mail, ground, to the USA. International delivery available at higher cost.

Need it right now? You can now get some topics as immediate digital downloads.  Check it out here: Immediate Digital Downloads

To Order online: Click “Add to Cart” and “View Cart” below to purchase the reports online via PayPal, or with your credit card.

To Order by phone: If you’d like to talk with a real person, I guarantee that I am one. Just give me a call at 207 773-2306. Leave your number if you get my message machine and I’ll call back to take your order. Payment by check.

If you have any trouble at all with ordering online, please call 207 773-2306 to order by phone.

If you are ordering many publications for an event, place your order at least 30 days in advance, and let me know the date of your event.

Save America’s Windows

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Figure 62. Removing Sash. If the sash is still stuck use a "Window Zipper" tool. Lay the bottom of the tool flat on the face of the sash stile.
Figure 62. Removing Sash. If the sash is still stuck use a “Window Zipper” tool. Lay the bottom of the tool flat on the face of the sash stile. The bottom is smooth and flat so it will not scratch the face of the sash.

177 pages
257 illustrations
$35.00

Figure 56. Filling Window Sill Weather Checks. Fill only the checks (cracks) ... Do not coat the entire sill with epoxy which can trap moisture promoting decay ... Step 4. Fill the checks with epoxy filler. The epoxy must completely fill the checks.
Figure 56. Filling Window Sill Weather Checks. Fill only the checks (cracks) … Do not coat the entire sill with epoxy which can trap moisture promoting decay … Step 4. Fill the checks with epoxy filler. The epoxy must completely fill the checks.

Glazing & Painting Sash topic is available with
 Immediate Digital Downloads

Sample Pages (PDF)
Covers traditional methods and the latest in modern high-tech materials and techniques. Learn how to avoid falling under the spell of the window replacement salesman. Specific step-by-step repair and maintenance treatments. Window project profiles. National directory of 200+ window specialists who will save your windows and not try to sell you replacements. Reprints of five window chapters from 19th and early 20th century trades manuals.

Lap the paint about 1/16" onto the glass.
Lap the paint about 1/16″ onto the glass.

This is the new 2013 edition with many revisions, an all new chapter on sash glazing and painting; and an expanded directory with hundreds of window specialists, some in every state. 177 pages, 257 illustrations. (color cover, black & white inside, paperback bound)

Practical Restoration Reports Compendium

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206 pages
259 illustrations
$30.00

Order this compilation of seven reports in one handy paperback volume. Several of the reports are no longer available as separate booklets.
Includes:

Does not include: Steam Paint Removal
(206 pages, 259 illustrations, color cover, black & white inside, paperback bound)

Wood-Epoxy Repairs

The decayed wood has been removed from this wood shutter. Liquid epoxy consolidant is applied, which will act as a primer for epoxy paste filler that will be applied next.
The decayed wood has been removed from this wood shutter. Liquid epoxy consolidant is applied, which will act as a primer for epoxy paste filler that will be applied next.

31 pages
33 illustrations
$15.00

Sample Pages (PDF)
Wood-Epoxy Repairs for Exterior Woodwork. Stabilize and save deteriorated exterior woodwork with long-lasting wood-epoxy repairs. Restore and strengthen deteriorated wood by applying liquid epoxy resins which solidify within the wood and fill voids. Wood-epoxy repairs complement traditional repair methods and modern part replacement. They save time and money when you know how and where to use them. This report covers how wood decays, epoxy materials and methods, tool kits, safety, and alternate materials and methods. 33 illustrations, 3 methods, 1 step-by-step procedure, 31 pages, (color cover, black & white inside, paperback bound).
Includes sections on understanding wood technology and important health and safety updates.
(included in Compendium above)

Steam Paint Removal

Heavy paint buildup on this carved wooden column capital is softened by steam and removed with careful scraping.
Heavy paint buildup on this carved wooden column capital is softened by steam and removed with careful scraping.

21 pages
23 illustrations
2 step-by-step methods
$15.00

Sample Pages (PDF)
Steam paint removal softens the paint film so it can be more easily scraped away. It works well with the heavy paint buildup commonly found on the wooden exteriors of older buildings during house restoration and historic preservation projects. It can also be used on interior paint and on window maintenance and repairs. Report covers methods, techniques, equipment, sources, making custom steam heads and profiles three steam paint removal projects. 21 pages, 23 illustrations, 2 step-by-step methods (color cover, black & white inside)

 

13 thoughts on “Publications”

  1. Hi John, My husband and I are undertaking the monumental project of removing, stripping, repairing and re-glazing 25 double-hung sash windows. We have read countless websites on historic and old house preservation, yet we cannot find the answer to our question. We have yet to find a website or any publication that answers our question. All of the old house experts seem to only give information on how to glaze windows with glazing putty. Our windows were originally glazed with glazing sticks. We can’t find information anywhere about the proper way to glaze the windows using this method. We know that this method is not a one-off. It seems that it was fairly common, at least in our area (So. Cal). Can you offer any advice? I have photos of the glazing sticks if needed.

  2. John,
    I have a 1917 home in New Jersey that needs a roof replacement. In the process, we want to preserve the original box (?) gutters which need repair as do some of the soffits. (you can see them at https://www.instagram.com/p/CD4e8UaJ_oG/?igshid=3fjwxpqhz1sk. I am not sure if your Wood Gutters covers our case as they are very shallow and metal-lined. The roofers we have had look at it want to line it with rubber. Could you let me know if your publication would help us and any other advice you may have?

  3. Good day Mr. Leeke,
    I watched your video on the paint removal techniques. My home was build in the mid 20’s. I have replaced all windows with energy efficient ones. However, the doors throughout the house are wood. I started to strip one two days ago via chemical stripping. With progress being exceeding slow I got on line to check out other methods and found your site. Having several coats to strip away, the small areas where the wood is exposed got me excited. Beautiful wood to covered with paint.
    Anyway, can I purchase the steam paint removal PDF for now? (Not really very computer savvy.)

    1. Hi Charlie, please, feel free to call me “John.”
      The Steam Paint Removal booklet is only available in print. Give me a call at 207 773-2306, and I’d be happy to send you a print copy.

  4. Hello John,
    Greetings from Michigan. I am coordinating a 9 week, yes 9 week, Preservation and job training program on behalf of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. As with the 2 week Wood Window Rehabilitation workshops that we started in 2009, I would like to provide our 10 participants with a copy of your Compendium. Do you have any price break if we were to order say 20?
    All the Best
    Steve Stier

  5. Hi John,
    I’ve enjoyed watching your repairing method for wood with epoxy.
    I was wondering if you have any experience with 100 year old cedar shake siding? I am currently taking the old aluminum siding off and finding face nailed and nails from the aluminum in my 100 year old cedar shakes. Wondering if this is worth trying to save since my house is listed on the National Historic Register as a contributing home. Trying to bring her glory back.

  6. Hi John,
    I am curious how much the steam equipment would cost to purchase as I have a house with peeling paint problems both inside and out ie, gyprock sheeting inside and hardwood chamfer boards outside. I live in Brisbane, Qld Australia.Is there an outlet or supplier based anywhere near where I live ?
    My name is Terry Walker
    I hope to get a reply from you as your equipment looks a better option then other equipment I have seen. Thanks John

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