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

177 pages
257 illustrations
$35.00

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.

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

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:

• Save Your Wood Windows Sample Pages (PDF)
• Wood-Epoxy Repair Sample Pages (PDF)
• Wooden Columns Sample Pages (PDF)
• Exterior Woodwork Details Sample Pages (PDF)
• Wood Gutters Sample Pages (PDF)
• Mouldings Sample Pages (PDF)
• Managing Maintenance Sample Pages (PDF)

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

Wood-Epoxy Repairs

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

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)