Certification Exam Practice Questions

Historic Masonry Restoration Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary goal of historic masonry

restoration?

• Replace all materials with new ones
• Increase structural load capacity
• Preserve historic fabric and appearance
• Modernize building aesthetics

Rationale: The main aim is to retain as much of the original material and

appearance as possible while ensuring stability.

• What is the most suitable method for cleaning historic masonry?
• Sandblasting 1 / 4

• Low-pressure water washing
• Acid etching
• High-pressure power washing

Rationale: Low-pressure water washing gently removes dirt without

damaging historic masonry surfaces.

• Which type of mortar is recommended for repointing historic brick?
• Portland cement mortar
• Epoxy mortar
• Lime-based mortar
• Concrete mortar

Rationale: Lime-based mortars are softer, more flexible, and compatible

with historic masonry materials.

4. The process of removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it is called:

• Tuckpointing
• Repointing
• Grouting
• Rendering

Rationale: Repointing involves carefully removing damaged mortar and

replacing it with compatible mortar.

• Which brick bond is commonly found in historic masonry walls?
• Stretcher bond
• English bond 2 / 4

• Herringbone bond
• Stack bond

Rationale: English bond alternates courses of headers and stretchers,

typical in historic construction.

• What is a major risk of using high Portland cement content in historic

masonry repairs?

• Faster curing
• Trapping moisture and causing masonry damage
• Color matching
• Increasing porosity

Rationale: Hard cement mortars can prevent moisture evaporation,

leading to spalling or cracking in historic masonry.

• What is the main purpose of a water repellent treatment on historic

masonry?

• Prevent paint adhesion
• Increase strength
• Reduce water penetration while allowing vapor transmission
• Make masonry impervious

Rationale: Treatments should limit water intrusion but allow moisture to

escape to prevent damage.

• Which type of stone is most prone to acid rain damage?
• Granite 3 / 4

• Limestone
• Basalt
• Sandstone

Rationale: Limestone is calcium carbonate-based and reacts readily with

acidic precipitation.

• When performing masonry documentation before restoration, which

method is preferred?

• Visual inspection only
• Measured drawings and photographs
• Sample testing only
• Oral descriptions

Rationale: Detailed documentation ensures accurate restoration and

records historic conditions.

• Which method is appropriate for consolidating deteriorated

stone?

• Sandblasting
• Painting
• Stone consolidants (silicate-based)
• Acid washing

Rationale: Silicate-based consolidants penetrate and strengthen friable

stone without altering appearance.

• / 4