Listed buildings can improve by new materials Essay

Listed buildings can improve by new materials - Essay Example Windows, for example, are the eyes of a building. Windows replacement in listed buildings, if not done benignly can harm the aesthetic sense of the whole area. Windows should be repaired in stead of totally replacing them. Traditional types of window designs should not be discarded at all. Preference in window replacement should be on retaining the traditional window or a ditto copy of the traditional window and discourage modern window or the use of double-glazed window in listed buildings. As an option, current windows should be draught strip or loaded with secondary glazing. The double-glazed units in UPVC, aluminium or timber frames not only affect the ambience but reduce the value of the property. Traditional buildings can not ‘breathe’ if draughts are removed encouraging condensation in the invisible parts of the building. Secondary glazing should be the right option to insulate the building in stead of double-glazing (Peak District National Park Authority, 2011). Compatibility of materials plays a crucial part in reducing decay of the building’s fabric or fittings. Materials need to be suitable to the situation of the building, as stated in Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations Materials and Workmanship that state: â€Å"Building work shall be carried out†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ with adequate and proper materials which†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. ... Materials that go well in resemblance with the old materials need to be preferred as they add to the aesthetic unity of the building in the long as well as the short period of time. Impact of the new materials in no way should be harmful to the porous structure parts. Visibly and technical similar-looking materials can provide the same level of breathability under similar circumstances. Soft or porous materials such as paint, mortars, plasters and renders, the modern means of construction, react variously to air, moisture and design of the structure. Whenever starting an improvement of the building, its type of construction and its wear and tear over the time needs to be understood besides compatibility of the changes. Using modern alternatives or hard and strong materials into porous old construction should always be discouraged; it is a wrong trend, which can later on create problems such as using cement based mixes for plasters, renders and pointing would not be compatible in flex ural power and permeability; it can cause risks such as salt migration and harm the building (English Heritage, 2010). All arguments against improving a structure with new materials stress on the breathability aspect for gaining long life and optimum performance from all old buildings. Permeability in new materials can fill that gap to help in the breathing of the old buildings where they are installed or fixed. Experiments on materials usage and techniques normally should not be encouraged and used sparingly because their long-term effects have not been substantiated yet. Some new synthetic or natural materials are still advisable if used tactfully for porous insulation for example such