Chapter EightTool 6
Retrofit Adaption of Existing Buildings
Here we look at the problem of degraded and dysfunctional existing building fabric. Such buildings are harder to rent and sell, and are extremely costly to run. Even so, the best option is to make the best of what exists by upgrading rather than starting again from scratch; something that individuals can do without needing to be part of a larger scheme.
Many buildings from the 19th century, or earlier, are now performing below average. Moisture is one of the main enemies, entering through small spaces between windows, or punctured vapour barriers, causing cracks, corrosion and ultimately failure. When insulation gets wet it becomes less effective.
The capital cost of ‘re-skinning’ a ...
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