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Product Description
Repairing, even just painting, an old house with some of today's conventional building materials could begin processes leading to decay, or bring about changes that erode interest and value. This book introduces kinder alternatives, including traditional and sustainable repair methods and philosophies that can also preserve the character and fabric of the smallest old house and which need not cost the earth. Many old houses were built in the days before fossil fuels were exploited, so they were designed to be sustainable--and still can be. The author shows the reader how to prepare old houses for the future by considering the balance between preservation and energy-efficiency. Starting at the top with chimneys and roofs, and working down through the building, the author examines external walls, rainwater disposal, doors and windows, internal walls, floors and ceilings, building services, damp problems, and the importance of "breathability" and ventilation.
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I purchased this book based on its Amazon description. When it arrived I reviewed the table of contents and paged through the book -- which resulted in great expectations. However, now that I have read the book, I am quite disappointed. The author clearly "knows his stuff" -- but he writes with a horribly old fashioned, unhelpful "ask a professional for help" when it comes down to how to solve the problems he describes. What is sorely lacking in this book is case studies and specifics as to exactly how to solve problems. For example, the author thoroughly reviewes the types of mold, rot and fungus one finds in old houses -- but only says "consult a professional" when it comes down to how to stop fungus and rot. Yet several forms of mold are easily and completely eliminated with a simple spray of household laundry bleach. Who needs the expense of a "professional"? There is a similar lack of helpful "how to" information with regard to insulation materials and methodologies, paint requirements, secondary glazing and many other areas -- most of which a good DYI person really can do on their own. Like so many so-called "professionals," this author seems more interested on turf and "trade secrets" protection than on being helpful.
However -- if you want a book that describes in detail virtually every old house problem you are likely to run into, and you are not much of a DYI'er, then you will find this book very worthwhile.
However -- if you want a book that describes in detail virtually every old house problem you are likely to run into, and you are not much of a DYI'er, then you will find this book very worthwhile.
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