SPAB Technical Note. The Need for Old Buildings to 'Breathe'
The Need for Old Buildings to ‘Breathe’ is the title of a Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Technical Advice Note and was written by Philip Hughes BSc, MRICS (Chartered Building Surveyor) and SPAB Scholar.
This document gives an excellent explanation of the differences between historical construction methods and materials and modern methods and materials. It describes extremely well the concept of 'breathing' materials, in the context of traditional construction and how their characteristics help prolong the life of historical buildings. It further describes issues relating to the introduction modern or impervious materials in the context of historical buildings and the issues this can cause.
It describes different applications from external render and pointing to internal plaster and paints as well as the nuances and gradations in the breathability of construction materials. It is not only a brief but invaluable resource for homeowners, designers and contractors dealing with historical buildings but also those looking to create modern buildings from natural or breathable materials.
Follow the link for further information about The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and here to download the Technical Advice Note 'The Need for Old Buildings to ‘Breathe’'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Conservation officer.
- Conservation.
- Defects in stonework.
- Dry hydrate lime mortar.
- Finding stone to conserve historic buildings.
- Hemp lime construction: A guide to building with hemp lime composites.
- High lime low alkali glass.
- Hot-mixed mortars: the new lime revival.
- Hydraulic lime.
- Hydrated lime.
- IHBC articles.
- Lime concrete.
- Lime mortar.
- Lime plaster.
- Lime putty mortar.
- Lime run-off.
- Masonry.
- Mortar.
- Mortar analysis for specifiers.
- Non hydraulic lime.
- Portland cement.
- Putty lime.
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
- Soda-lime glass.
- Sourcing stone to repair Exeter Cathedral.
- The Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
- The use of lime mortar in building conservation.
- Types of mortar.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.