Caring for Traces of the Past

Caring for Traces of the Past. . Since excavation exposed them to erosion, floors and wall segments have required ongoing preservation treatments., A building held together with mud mortar requires regular upkeep. After the original residents moved on, the mortar eroded, causing roofs and walls to collapse. Rubble filled the rooms, burying and protecting lower wall sections and room floors, including features like fire hearths and post holes from timbers supporting the roofs., Excavation removed this protective fill, subjecting floors and walls to erosion and deterioration. Consequently, rooms needed a number of modern protection measures, which included cementing walls, placing capstones, adding drains to keep water from standing in the rooms, and covering floor features with dirt., Though well intended, some of these early preservation efforts can be mistaken for original construction, while others cause damage. Because concrete traps moisture in the walls, preservation specialists today remove concrete mortar and replace it with soil cement, a mixture that replicates the original mortar., Captions , Today's preservation efforts strive to protect structures without altering original construction methods or materials, Soil-based mortars allow walls to breathe and moisture to escape. However, they also erode readily and require periodic reapplication., This site requires constant maintenance. You can help keep modern treatments to a minimum - please do not touch the walls, and never lean, sit, stand, or climb on them.