A number of descriptions are available to communicate the "condition" of a given historical furnace site. These descriptions are vague and subjective, lacking definition and consistency in use. To address this variance in terminology, the following system is suggested to the community at large for general use in defining site conditions. Input and discussion will be greatly appreciated.
The site remains nearly intact and is representative of the conditions when the furnace was abandoned. There is minimal or no damage, all stonework is in place, and no vegetation or other environmental factors are directly damaging the structure. The cupola may have been removed.
The site remains intact but there is some damage to the site. The stonework is basically intact (excepting the cupola). but there are cracks or separated stonework, but not to the degree that the stabiity of the structure is in question. There are no trees or damaging vegetation growing on the furnace.
The site remains intact but there is significant damage to the furnace. Stonework is missing or damaged to a large enough degree to impact the stability of the structure. Vegetation is growing from the furnace to the degree that the furnace is being impacted in a negative manner.
The site retains enough structure to be seen as an iron furnace, but there is extensive damage, missing stonework, or general collapse.
The site no longer can be determined visually to be an iron furnace. Only stones or slag artifacts remain.
The furnace has been rebuilt in modern times for historical purposes.