Old Buildings, New Tools: How Modern Tech is Helping Us Preserve the Past
At JARIC, our work spans everything from soaring Gothic churches to humble mid-century Sears homes—and no matter the scale, preservation starts with precision. Fortunately, today’s tools are transforming how we care for these structures.
A hundred years ago, assessing the integrity of a five-story church required scaffolding, guesswork, and a lot of time. Today, we can fly a drone in minutes to inspect rooftops, masonry, and gutters with stunning clarity. Cracks in stonework, missing mortar joints, even subtle shifts in alignment—nothing hides from a modern lens.
Lidar scanning, now even available on iPhones, helps us generate exact 3D models of interiors and exteriors alike. That means faster, more accurate diagnoses and plans. And with infrared imaging, we can see what the eye can’t—moisture behind plaster, energy loss in walls, or heat from faulty wiring.
These tools aren’t just impressive—they’re critical. They allow us to detect wear early, stabilize aging systems, and prioritize repairs before costly damage occurs.
Whether it’s a Sears catalog house from 1954 or a cathedral designed by masters, technology lets us work smarter and more responsibly as stewards of the built environment.
Because honoring the past means preserving it—efficiently, accurately, and with the best tools available.