Character-Defining Materials ~ I took this close-up photo of a weathered wood shingled wall in Islesford village on Little Cranberry Island in Maine. The National Park Service runs boat tours to there from Mount Desert Island as one of Acadia National Park’s programs.
In this extreme marine environment, unprotected wood doesn’t take long to develop a character that tells the story of its environment. Sun, wind, rain, snow, fog, and salty spray from the ocean erode the softer fibers of the wood and bleach out its color. Living organisms like moss and lichen thrive in such an environment, sucking sustenance from the cellulose in the wood.
In coastal Maine, weathered wood is an integral part of the visual character of many historic buildings. Its character has been made iconic by artists such as Andrew Wyeth, who spent a lifetime capturing Maine’s character on paper and canvas.
For a preservationist, these characteristic finishes pose a challenge as we seek to preserve historic materials and character and also protect the buildings from decay. What do you do when the decay *is* the historic character of the material?
The answer is to accept the transitory, cyclical, nature of the finish. Let the surface decay, and enjoy its character, until the deterioration reaches a point that will soon allow water and organic growth to reach the sheathing or framing. Then, strip it off and replace it in-kind to start the cycle over.
“Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” is full of practical preservation advice based on real experience.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation titles by other authors.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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