Archway Preservation - Historic Preservation Consultants

Services

Laboratory Testing

Description: A basic acid digestion mortar analysis is useful for identifying the primary components of a historical mortar or plaster, helping guide decisions on repair materials or the need for further testing. This method provides general information on the binder and aggregates but cannot precisely determine chemical composition or exact volumetric proportions. Acid digestion is less effective for mortars containing calcareous aggregates (e.g., limestone or marble) or binders such as natural cement or hydraulic lime, potentially leading to inconclusive results. To improve accuracy, consider pairing acid digestion with petrographic analysis, which allows for visual identification of components before dissolution. When more precise characterization is needed, an instrumental analysis according to ASTM C1324 may be needed.

Deliverables: Each acid digestion comes with a digital report in PDF format detailing findings with descriptions, photos, and recommendations. A printed and mailed report may be added for a nominal fee.
Lead Time: Approx. 3-4 weeks

Description: Petrographic analysis uses transmitted light microscopy to examine the mineral composition and microstructure of masonry materials such as mortar, plaster, brick, terracotta, and stone. By analyzing optical properties like color, birefringence, extinction, grain size, and texture, petrography helps identify mineralogy, weathering effects, deterioration mechanisms, and material composition. It can also provide estimates of material proportions, void ratio, and clues to relative aging. While petrography alone is usually not sufficient to prescribe a replacement material, it is a valuable tool for understanding historic masonry and guiding further testing. When used alongside complementary techniques, such as acid digestion for mortars or plasters, petrographic analysis provides critical insights for informed material selection and preservation strategies.

Deliverables: Each petrographic analysis comes with a digital report in PDF format detailing findings with descriptions, photos, and recommendations. A printed and mailed report may be added for a nominal fee.
Lead Time: Approx. 5-6 weeks

Description: ASTM C1324 provides standardized procedures for the detailed physical and chemical analysis of hardened masonry mortars, offering a more comprehensive approach than acid digestion or petrography alone. The method includes petrographic examination and acid digestion as core techniques, supplemented as needed by advanced instrumental methods such as XRD, XRF, TGA, SEM-EDS, and ion chromatography. While the standard primarily applies to portland and masonry cement binders, its principles can be adapted for analyzing a variety of historic mortars and plasters. This analysis helps determine the volumetric ratio of ingredients, identify sand and binder mineralogy, detect deterioration mechanisms, and assess aggregate grading. The data is crucial for developing compatible replacement materials and planning effective conservation interventions. Due to the cost and time required—often up to two months—instrumental analysis should ideally be budgeted during design documentation as placing this level of testing during construction may cause project delays if time is not properly allocated.

Deliverables: Each instrumental analysis comes with a digital report in PDF format detailing findings with descriptions, photos, and recommendations. A printed and mailed report may be added for a nominal fee.
Lead Time: Approx. 6-8 weeks

Description: There are a host of other tests Archway Preservation can perform or arrange. Some examples include brick compression and absorption testing, stone core or cube testing, sand evaluation, or chemical analysis (XRD, SEM, XRF, etc.) not a part of an Instrumental Analysis. Tell us your project goals or testing needs, and we will let you know if we can help.

Deliverables: Usually a digital report in PDF format detailing findings with descriptions, photos, and recommendations, but deliverables may vary depending on client goals and needs.
Lead Time: Varies

On-Site Services

Site Visits are usually performed as part of other services like consulting, sample extraction, or initial evaluations for research projects. For projects that do not have established site visit policies included as part of the service package, a la carte site visits are available and include up to two (2) hours of on-site time and travel within 25 miles of 19440. Time and mileage beyond this are billed at our current travel and hourly rate. Generally, clients requesting a site visit are responsible for providing safe access for requested services to be performed.

Includes: Two (2) hours of site time and travel up to 25 miles from 19440.

Description: If you need testing, but are not confident in your ability to identify and extract an appropriate sample, Archway can be hired to come to your site and do the extraction for you. Sample extraction is not required to test with Archway Preservation; and samples extracted by Archway do not need to be tested with us--we are willing to extract samples meant to be sent to other testing labs. Archway Preservation will generally provide their own tools for extraction, but access to sampling area is the responsibility of the client.

Sample Extraction is a subservice of a Site Visit, and is charged in addition to normal Site Visit fees. For more information, please see the "Site Visit" tab of our "On-Site Services" section.

Whether a standalone investigation to inform preservation interventions or as a portion of a larger project like an HSR, utilize Archway Preservation's materials expertise to survey and document extant conditions on a small to mid-sized structure or site. We will survey a site and note conditions of architectural elements needing attention or further evaluation. Documentation is completed via photography, but can be mapped to an existing architectural drawing produced by an outside party. While we are able to identify warning signs of certain engineering considerations, we are not a structural engineering firm and are not qualified to make engineering diagnoses or recommendations.

Cost and Lead Time: No two structures have identical conditions, and so pricing and lead times must be estimated per project. Generally, smaller sites with less complex conditions will require less time and cost to document than those containing multiple structures, complex access requirements, or many different issues.

Usually, service packages will include the time needed to complete the task worked into the contracted price. For example, a site visit includes up to two (2) hours included in the fee, and testing or consulting and research services have the time needed rolled into the quoted price. But when time is requested or required beyond this, typically due to client delays, changes, complications, or requests, an hourly fee is charged. A fee is not charged if extra time is due to Archway Preservation delays, labor underestimates, or mistakes.

On-Site Services include travel up to 25 miles from 19440. For sites beyond 25 miles up to 100 miles, travel is billed at the current IRS reimbursable travel rate plus a pro-rated hourly fee.

Travel beyond 100 miles from 19440 will vary in price depending on the distance and method of travel. For locations within 250 miles by car from 19940, travel fees follow the 25 to 100 mile policy, but may require overnight accommodations depending on scope of work. For destinations beyond this, travel will be by most efficient means (be that car, train, or plane). Train or plane travel is assumed in economy class or equivalent. Overnight accommodations are assumed at a Holiday Inn or equivalent. Rental vehicles are assumed at an economy sedan or equivalent. Actual on-site time will follow Site Visit policies.

Consulting and Research Services

For projects that require documentary research either solo or as part of a larger document like an HSR, Archway Preservation offers archival research services. This research can uncover historical details such as former owners or occupants, changes in use over time, the site's historical significance, and other relevant facts. This service includes up to 20 hours of research and analysis. If additional time is required, our standard hourly rate applies. Travel beyond 25 miles from 19440 will be subject to our standard travel policies.

Lead Time: Determined upon request based on project scope and travel requirements.

Listing a site on the National Register of Historic Places is often required for grant and tax incentive eligibility, though some owners pursue designation simply to recognize a site's historical significance. The nomination process involves extensive research, photographic and geographic documentation, and eligibility determinations by state and, in some cases, local authorities. Additionally, revisions may be required based on feedback from local, state, or national agencies. The timeline for achieving a listing can be lengthy due to the time required for thorough documentation and the limited number of meetings held by review boards each year. When contracting Archway Preservation for a National Register nomination, we ensure the highest quality submission possible. However, final listing decisions remain at the discretion of the reviewing agencies and cannot be guaranteed.

Cost and Lead Times: A cost estimate will be provided based on accessibility of existing information and plausible work required to complete a nomination. Cost may vary substantial from site to site depending on the distance, complexity, and anticipated work needed to produce a nomination. National Register nominating is a lengthy process requiring review by oversight committees that do not meet frequently. Clients should plan on turnaround times of a year or more.

Leverage Archway Preservation’s expertise in architectural history and conservation by having us review your project masonry preservation specifications or historical research. We can identify potential gaps or inconsistencies and provide expert recommendations to help ensure smoother project execution. Our review services apply to a range of documents, including construction masonry specifications, historic structure reports, and preservation plans. Feedback is provided in a structured format, which may include written comments, annotated documents, or other formats tailored to your needs. This service benefits architects, preservation planners, contractors, and others working with historic properties.

Lead Time: Determined based on scope of request, but in most cases documents will be returned along with comments within approx. 1-2 business days.

Archway Preservation has expertise in architectural history and conservation, making us uniquely qualified to tackle Historic Structures Reports (HSRs) on small to mid-sized sites. We provide meticulously researched reports combining historical research with field assessments for thorough documentation, condition analysis, and treatment recommendations. Whether your project involves a noted landmark or a humble piece of vernacular architecture, Archway Preservation brings the technical expertise and dedication necessary to safeguard historic integrity while supporting future use.

Cost and Lead Time: Because each structure is unique and the work needed to complete an HSR is complex, a time and cost estimate requires per project development and cannot be estimated upfront. Small buildings with few conditions and easily accessible archival resources may take only a few weeks, while more complex sites or those requiring extensive travel could take many months. In general, a project will be given a lump sum estimate including time and travel with any additional work request by the client beyond this falling into our standard hourly and travel policies.

Architectural Photography

Archway Preservations experience in documenting architectural features for our own reports can be called upon to support your project or real estate listing. Bring your property or project to life with high-quality, detail-oriented photographic documentation services suitable for real estate listings, project reports, or related purposes outside the scope of Archway Preservation’s formal documentation work. This service includes up travel up to 25 miles from 19440 and up to 2 hours on site, with standard editing and digital delivery of high-resolution images. Photographs are composed with attention to clarity, lighting, and architectural context, providing a clean and accurate visual record of the space. This offering is intended as a flexible solution for clients seeking dependable architectural photography without the formal requirements of preservation-grade imaging.

Deliverables: Digital Photographs in JPG, PNG, or TIF format. Professionally printed photographs are available at an additional a la carte rate.

Pricing:

15 Photos: $150
30 Photos: $225
Over 30 Photos: $6/photo
Buildings Over 2500 sqft.: Add $0.15/sqft. to pricing

Usage Rights: All delivered images are licensed solely for use within the scope of the project for which services were commissioned.

RAW Files: RAW files are available for purchase only to design professionals and are not included by default. Please inquire to discuss pricing and licensing terms for RAW files or broader usage rights beyond the original project scope.

Photographic prints are available for purchase as an optional add-on to photographic services. All prints are professionally produced through a trusted local print shop to ensure consistent color, detail, and archival quality. Clients may select from a range of standard or custom sizes to best suit their display needs. Please note that large-format prints or high-volume orders may require additional production time, depending on printer availability and paper stock.

Pricing: Production Cost + 20% Handling Fee. Cost estimate are available upon request.

Continuing Education

Educational presentations are available for audiences interested in learning more about architectural preservation, traditional building materials, and related topics. These sessions are appropriate for design professionals, students, historical societies, congregations, nonprofit groups, and other community stakeholders. Content can be tailored to meet the knowledge level and goals of each group, whether technical, historical, or introductory in focus. May qualify for self-reported continuing education credits with professional groups.

Format: A one-hour live virtual presentation with time for Q&A, delivered via Zoom or a comparable platform.
Fee: $150

Educational presentations are available for audiences interested in learning more about architectural preservation, traditional building materials, and related topics. These sessions are appropriate for design professionals, students, historical societies, congregations, nonprofit groups, and other community stakeholders. Content can be tailored to meet the knowledge level and goals of each group, whether technical, historical, or introductory in focus. May qualify for self-reported continuing education credits with professional groups

Format: Up to two-hour in-person presentation with time for Q&A.
Fee: $250. Travel within 25 miles of 19440 included in fee. Distances beyond this are subject to Archway Preservation's travel and mileage policies.

Lectures and educational presentations are available on a wide variety of topics including but not limited to:

Understanding Historic Mortar: Composition, Function, and Repair Approaches
Overview of lime vs. cement mortars, compatibility issues, and best practices for repair and repointing.
Evaluating Existing Masonry: A Guide to Laboratory Testing
A guide and overview of how laboratory analysis (XRD, TGA, SEM, etc.) can assist in evaluating historical masonry structures and choosing appropriate replacement materials.
Introduction to Preservation Standards and Ethics
A practical primer on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, treatment approaches (Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, Reconstruction), and ethical considerations.
Mortar Analysis for Architects and Contractors
Interpreting laboratory results for design and construction planning, including binder-to-aggregate ratios, pozzolanic reactivity, and sample limitations.
The Role of the Architectural Conservator in Project Teams
Clarifies the difference between conservators and contractors, outlines typical deliverables, and discusses how conservation integrates with A/E teams.
Case Studies in Historic Masonry Repair
Visual walkthroughs of past projects—highlighting challenges, solutions, and lessons learned.
Leveraging Location: From Burden to Blessing in Historic Churches
How to help church leaders and congregations reframe their spaces as assets rather than burdens through case studies, practical tools, and theological reflection

Let us know your topic of interest and we can develop a lecture specifically relevant to your project or circumstances!

Terms and Conditions

An upfront non-refundable fee of 20% is required at time of contract with full payment due within 30 days (net 30) of work completion unless other arrangements are made. Unpaid invoices will be charged a late fee of 2% the total cost for each week late. Perpetually late paying clients may be refused further services or may be required to pay in full upfront. Payment may be made in cash, check, or via online transfer. Details on making a payment will be included in the contract or invoice. All lead times begin only after initial upfront fee is paid.

Archway Preservation strives to meet all estimated deadlines. However, expediting lead times is generally not possible. Every effort will be made to reduce turnaround time where feasible, but early delivery is not guaranteed.

For projects where a client-established deadline exists and Archway Preservation is being hired or subcontracted to complete a deliverable by that deadline, all client-held information required to complete the deliverable, including any edits or change requests, must be given to Archway Preservation within one week of the agreed upon deadline for projects with deadlines over one month away from the starting point, and within 48 hours from deadlines for projects with deadlines within one month from the starting point. Failure to do so or requests for changes after the cutoff period will incur a fee of time and a half (1.5x) the normal hourly rate for any time required to complete the requested work, except in cases where Archway Preservation is at fault (e.g. typos, formatting errors, late delivery).

Clients are required to disclose all hazards that can pose danger to life or limb, including but not limited to materials (e.g. lead paint, asbestos), animals (e.g. wasp nests, aggressive pets/livestock), environment (e.g. high crime zones, unsafe heights) at the time of contracting. Discovery of undisclosed hazards by Archway personnel may warrant rescheduling or cancellation of services with payment of travel expenses still required. It is the client’s responsibility to identify and mitigate hazards prior to Archway personnel involvement and to ensure the proper insurance is held should a hazard result in damage to person or property.

Archway Preservation recognizes that significant heritage resources may not always have access to the funds necessary to secure services vital to their preservation. In keeping with a commitment to public benefit and the protection of vulnerable cultural assets, reduced pricing may be available for at-risk or underfunded sites. Eligibility for reduced rates is at Archway Preservation’s discretion, based on demonstrated financial need and the historical or cultural value of the site. Any adjustments to standard pricing will be discussed transparently and must be agreed upon by all parties prior to signing a formal work agreement.