Supporting History

Preservation Myths Debunked

Have you heard the one about the vinyl siding salesman and the historic preservationist?  But seriously folks, this is no joke.  There are many myths out there about the care of historic buildings, and we are here to debunk the most common ones.  Read on, and do not fall for these old lines ever again!  This article will be the first in a series about preservation myths, featuring new technologies and case studies that are helping historic building owners to save money, time, and historic structures.

Myth #1:  Historic designation for my building will restrict what I will be able to do with it.

FALSE!  Historic designation is an honor and may even permit a building owner to be eligible for special financial incentives for the care of the building, such as tax credits and other incentive programs.  Owners are allowed to make almost any type of sensitive improvement to a building, and some designations are more flexible.  "It all depends on what kind of historic designation the property receives, where the property is located, and what the owner plans to do with the property.  It also depends on ownership (federal, state, local, or private) and who is funding the project," says State and National Register Coordinator Dale Heckendorn.  Your best bet is to do your own research and then talk directly to staff at the Society's Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.  Do not rely on what you have heard, because each situation is different.

Myth #2:  Old windows aren't as energy efficient as new windows.

FALSE!  Properly tuned historic windows are many times more energy efficient and often better than many newer replacements.  According to studies by the Energy Research and Development Administration, older buildings (those built prior to 1940) were found to use less energy for heating and cooling and probably require fewer weatherization improvements.  Features of older buildings like windows, especially those made of old-growth wood, are difficult and costly-if not impossible-to replicate with replacement materials.  Old-growth wood is denser than newer wood and provides greater insulation and resistance to water and pest damage.  In addition to losing precious materials, a building owner risks a building's architectural integrity by replacing, rather than restoring, historic windows.  Restoring windows by adding exterior storm windows (or other appropriate treatment) is the recommended approach in preservation retrofitting.  If every other alternative has been exhausted, then new replacement windows, either wood or metal, should closely match the historic windows in size, number of panes, frame, color, and reflective qualities of the glass.

Myth #3: All old buildings are dangerous because they contain lead-based paint and/or asbestos.

FALSE!  Not all buildings contain, or ever contained, painted surfaces, and many buildings were built before the use of asbestos in construction (and not later altered to include asbestos).  Preservationists should not automatically assume that every building will contain either of those harmful materials.  Still, only professionals should perform assessment and abatement.

But can old buildings be made safe?  Certainly!  Historic buildings can be made safe for people without removing significant decorative features and finishes.  Marylee McDonald of Old House Journal wrote, "The best way to reduce risk of exposure, however, is not radical abatement but careful housekeeping.  Don't panic, but do be proactive."  She continued by stating that less drastic measures, such as enclosure, can manage the health risk with less impact on the building.

You've probably heard one or more of these myths in the past.  And these are just a few of the many tall tales about historic building care and ownership.  Stay tuned next month as State Historical Fund Technical Advisor Lyle Miller features buildings in Colorado that have busted these fables and are using exciting new technologies to save old buildings.

BY RACHEL SIMPSON, State Historical Fund Technical Advisor

For more information:

Historic Designation:

Windows:

Lead or Asbestos Dangers: