Page 15 - Waxahachie, TX Residential Design Guidelines

IntroductIon

Building Energy Savings
Energy savings are not usually achieved by replacing original
building fabric with contemporary alternatives. For example
repairing and weather-stripping an original window is often more
energy efficient and much less expensive than new windows, as
well as sound preservation practice.

Landfill Impacts Demolition of a historic building
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, building debris contributes to landfill which has
constitutes around a third of all waste generated in the country. other environmental impacts.
The amount of waste can be reduced significantly if historic
structures are not demolished.

Construction Quality
As a rule, the quality of early construction was higher than
most construction in the late 20th Century. Lumber came from
mature trees, was properly seasoned and typically milled to
“full dimensions,” providing stronger framing and construction.
Buildings also were thoughtfully detailed and the finishes were
generally of high quality—characteristics that owners today
appreciate. The high quality of construction in earlier buildings is
therefore an asset that is impossible to replace.

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