We’ve all heard about old, leaky buildings that waste energy but, in fact, builders of yesteryear relied on durable natural materials and architectural features that required minimal, but routine, maintenance. For example, roof overhangs and open decorative porches were designed to provide shade; operable windows and doors to allow for daylighting and natural ventilation; wood windows, siding and trim were fabricated from dense, old growth species not only to resist rot, but also to facilitate simple repair.
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Text and document courtesy of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation