Wake Forest Historic Property Handbook & Design - 2021

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5. Awnings or shutters over window, door, and porch openings may be appropriate if physical or documentary evidence exists to support their historical use. Ensure installation does not damage the historic fabric or architectural details of the building. 6. It is appropriate to install new mechanical systems with minimal alteration to the exterior of the building as well as the character-defining features of the interior. 7. It is appropriate to insulate the roof or attic floor in order to increase energy efficiency. 8. It is inappropriate for “green” roof designs to compromise historic materials, features, and details of the historic building or district. 9. Alternative energy source equipment such as free-standing solar panels and wind turbines must be appropriately sited and screened from public view. 10. It is inappropriate to locate skylights, solar collectors, ventilators or other mechanical equipment on rooftops. Flat skylights and solar panels are appropriate on the rear slopes of the roof provided they are not visible form the public right-of-way. 11. Install cisterns, rain barrels, and other water collection devices on the secondary elevations and screen from public view. 12. When possible, use native plant species that were available in Wake Forest during the district’s period of significance. Plant shade trees on the south and west sides of the building and conifer/pine wind breaks on the north side of the building. 13. Consult the Preservation Planner or the Restoration Specialist with the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office with specific questions about energy efficiency and historic buildings. Disaster Preparedness and Planning North Carolina has relatively mild weather compared to other parts of the country but we can be affected by weather and should be prepared for disaster. Wake Forest received substantial damage from Hurricane Fran in the 1990s. Mature trees were toppled by soaking rains and high winds. Hurricanes can cause wind damage to roofs, siding, windows, porches, trees, out- buildings and power lines. In addition to wind, water and flooding can be devastating to a com- munity. Although rare, other weather events are possible in Wake Forest including tornados and ice events. Fire is also devastating to historic districts and buildings. Preventing fire is the best way to avoid this disaster. The first step in surviving a disaster is to be prepared for it. Being proactive can go a long way in avoiding or minimizing the impacts of a natural disaster. For historic property owners this can be done by 1) assessing your risk, 2) identifying vulnerabilities, and 3) implementing a plan to minimize potential affects. The following standards will help historic property owners to assess and minimize their property risks associated with disasters.

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