The Bill of Rights for Masonry Structures

Article 1 Respect all that is left of me, sacred as it is, my historic fabric.

Article 2 Clean me not, unless it serves to halt my further deterioration.

Article 3 But, if you must, clean me first, just water please, and the gentlest means possible.

Article 4 If am clean, but still look old, leave me be, graceful aging, it is called.

Article 5 Whatever you do, please don’t boil me in acid or scour me with sand.

Article 6 Know that a good state of repair is in itself, good preservation.

Article 7 Know what is wrong with me, before you plan how to fix me.

Article 8 Repair me only where I need it, and with materials just like me.

Article 9 If I am leaking water, find out where and fix just that.

Article 10 Please, no cure-all surface treatments to cover me up or clog my pores.