The Technical Committee for Materials serves as a clearinghouse for information both on materials and architectural assemblies of historic building construction, and the materials for building repair. The purpose of the committee is to gather information on the following:

• the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological properties of building and repair materials
• how material properties relate to performance, and the mechanisms of loss of performance
• historical information on material manufacturing and assembly
• sources of historic materials

The committee will also explore methods proposed for the following:

• testing historic material characteristics and performance properties
• testing materials to be used for repair
• treatment of building assemblies and architectural materials
• preservation and replication using substitute materials
• meeting national and international treatment standards

Our primary goal is developing dynamic methods for sharing material information among
preservation professionals. Active initiatives include:

• Materials Talks: Bimonthly webinar-format presentations with Q&A on materials topics.
• Materials Discussions: Open discussions of various types on materials and research topics
• Lunch-and-Learns: Webinar-format presentations on products for preservation

To join our group, or ask about any of our initiatives, contact the Technical Committee
for Materials at [email protected].

Annual Meeting Sessions and Workshops
2021, Washington DC
Workshop: Graffiti Management in a Changing World: Should it Stay, or Should it Go?
2020, Edmonton
Meeting Track 2: Materials Conservation for the Future: Tradition, Sustainability and Innovation
2019, Miami
Workshop: Understanding the Role of Materials Testing in the Preservation Design
Process
Meeting Track 2: Sustainability and Conservation of Built Heritage in the Americas
2018, Buffalo
Meeting Track 2: Materials over Time - Points of Change

Co-Chairs:
Paul Gaudette
Chris Gembinski
Lorraine Schnabel

Upcoming Events

Past Materials Talks

Past Materials Discussions

Recent Committee Meeting Minutes

TCM Information Brochure:
English
French
Spanish
Italian

Links and Resources:
TCM Resources List
AIC Find-a-Conservator
Building Technology Heritage Library (BTHL)
Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online (CAMEO)
Viaduct: a communication tool for analysis in heritage
Preservation Briefs (National Park Service)