To those involved in preservation, historic building restoration is essential to a complete understanding of the cultural heritage of the United States. The built environment is an integral part of America’s heritage. It is a means through which the past remains a constant and even active presence today and for years to come. This is a role many understand. Yet, it is not the sole role or goal met.
Historic Building Restoration and the Environment
The environment, its condition, and how to save it from further degradation, is a hot topic in the United States and around much of the world these days. The process of historic building restoration contributes to many of the philosophies and approaches in the environmental movement. Consider this:
- The process reuses existing buildings. This makes the practice a form of recycling.
- Restoring or repurposing a historic building requires less expenditure of resources than constructing a new one does.
- Buildings that currently exist may already be energy-efficient.
- Historic buildings are often ideally situated to increase their durability, functionality and spatial placement.
- Repurposing an old building can be far less expensive for the environment (energy and materials) than constructing a new structure.
- There is rarely a need to provide new infrastructure. Updating the system is more environmentally-friendly and efficient.
Overall, the adoption of preservation, of approving a historic building restoration, is more sustainable than a demolition and new build. This does not mean that every old structure can be restored. Some, unfortunately, have fallen too far into decay to be salvaged. However, materials can be removed and repurposed in other similar historic projects. This ensures that the materials do not end up being part of the current environmental problem of garbage.
Nor does it mean the extent of a restoration must be complete. There are, after all, various types of restoration works.
Types of Historic Building Restoration
Historic building restoration is not a single entity. Although, by definition, its intent is to restore the structure to its original condition, this is not the only approach restoration companies choose to follow. In fact, there are several ways of preserving the past. These consist of:
- A Total Restoration Process: This involves returning all aspects of the structure to its original look.
- Partial Restoration A: The historically significant components are retained, but not everything is changed.
- Partial Restoration B: The exterior of the structure is restored to its original, but the structure undergoes updating in a manner that will allow it to handle the latest technological advances. In some instances, the upgrades are cleverly hidden.
Such options allow companies and owners to approach the project with greater flexibility. It provides them with the means of protecting their nation’s built heritage. At the same time, through a sensitive approach to the historic building restoration, it is possible to live in an environmentally-friendly, historical home without giving up all the conveniences of modern living.
If you have a building with some historic value, you should preserve it. If you have questions about the process, talk to the experts in the field. The professional staff at Soumar Masonry Restoration, Inc is very experienced in historic building restoration. Their masons are fully qualified to handle everything from total to exterior-only restoration. To discover more about how we can provide you with the services your structure requires, contact us online at soumar.com. You can also follow them on Google+.
