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The sketch shows a row of terraced townhouses built over 100 years ago - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 4 - 2019
Question 4
The sketch shows a row of terraced townhouses built over 100 years ago. A young couple have purchased one of the houses and have decided to refurbish it as their fam... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The sketch shows a row of terraced townhouses built over 100 years ago - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 4 - 2019
Step 1
Discuss three benefits to the local community of refurbishing one of the townhouses as a family home.
Answer
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Preservation of Heritage: Refurbishing an old townhouse helps preserve the architectural style and cultural heritage of the community. This maintains a historical character that can attract tourism and pride among local residents.
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Economic Improvement: Refurbished homes can increase property values in the area. This uplift can stimulate local businesses, as higher property values often lead to increased spending within the community, benefiting shops and services.
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Community Development: By turning a townhouse into a family home, new residents are introduced to the community. This fosters a sense of belonging and can lead to increased community involvement, enhancing local events, and community services.
Step 2
Select any two of the above areas and describe in detail the steps involved in upgrading the traditional cut roof with natural slate.
Answer
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Removing Existing Slate Carefully: Begin by lifting the slate tiles carefully to avoid breaking them. As they are historic, try to retain as many as possible.
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Inspecting Roof Structure: Once the slates are removed, check the underlying timber structure for any damage or rot. Replace any damaged beams and ensure all joints are secure.
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Installing New Underlay: Place a breathable underlay such as a membrane to prevent moisture entry while allowing ventilation.
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Reinstalling Slate: Place the original slates back onto the roof, ensuring they're appropriately overlapped. Replace any broken slates with new ones of a matching style.
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Adding Ventilation: Integrate ventilation systems where necessary to help reduce moisture buildup.
Step 3
Select any two of the above areas and describe in detail the steps involved in upgrading the softwood sliding sash windows with single-glazing.
Answer
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Assessment of Existing Windows: First, evaluate the condition of the existing sash windows to determine if they can be repaired or need replacing. Look for signs of rot or damage.
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Repairing the Frames: If the frames are salvageable, carefully remove any peeling paint and sand the surfaces. Apply a preservative treatment to protect against rot.
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Installing Double-Glazing: Where applicable, upgrade to double-glazing units that fit the existing frames while ensuring they retain the original aesthetic. Use slimline double-glazing if necessary to preserve appearance.
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Ensuring Proper Operation: After installation, ensure that the sashes operate smoothly and that any balances or weights are functioning correctly to maintain the traditional window operation.