Conservation, renovation, and modernisation of buildings in the UK must strike a delicate balance between preserving heritage and meeting modern performance requirements. British Standards offer essential guidance for professionals working across these disciplines. This article focuses on BS 7913, the authoritative guide for historic building conservation, and also highlights relevant standards for rising damp and insulation.
What is BS 7913?
BS 7913:2013 – Guide to the Conservation of Historic Buildings is a British Standard developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It provides best practice guidance for the repair, maintenance, management, and alteration of buildings with historical or architectural significance.
Rather than offering rigid rules, BS 7913 promotes a principled approach to conservation based on:
- Understanding the significance of the building or structure
- Applying minimum intervention and reversible changes
- Prioritising regular maintenance over major repairs
- Using traditional materials and craftsmanship
- Ensuring that modern interventions (like energy upgrades or smart controls) are sensitive and non-destructive
Who Should Use BS 7913?
BS 7913 is intended for anyone involved in the care or alteration of historic buildings, including:
- Conservation architects and surveyors
- Heritage consultants
- Building owners and estate managers
- Planning officers and local authorities
- Contractors and tradespeople working on listed or older buildings
- Academics and students studying heritage, architecture, or conservation
It is often used alongside planning regulations, Historic England guidance, and heritage impact assessments.
What Is the British Standard for Rising Damp?
There is no single “BS for rising damp,” but several British Standards and guidance documents deal with diagnosing and managing dampness in buildings, especially older properties:
- BS 6576:2005 – Code of practice for diagnosis of rising damp in walls of buildings and installation of chemical damp-proof courses
This is the most specific standard for rising damp and outlines how to identify it, when treatment is necessary, and how to apply chemical DPCs. - BS 5250:2021 – Management of moisture in buildings – Code of practice
Broader in scope, BS 5250 deals with condensation, rain penetration, ventilation, and moisture control, including guidance on heritage buildings and retrofit works. - BRE Digest 245 – Rising Damp in Walls: Diagnosis and Treatment
While not a British Standard, BRE publications are widely respected and often used alongside BS standards in practice.
What Is the BS for Insulation?
Several British Standards cover insulation, depending on the application (walls, roofs, floors, or retrofits). Key standards include:
- BS EN ISO 6946:2017 – Building components and building elements. Thermal resistance and thermal transmittance. Calculation method
Used to calculate U-values, this is essential for energy efficiency assessments. - BS 8481:2021 – Code of practice for the design, installation and commissioning of building thermal insulation
Practical guidance on installing insulation in new and existing buildings, including around services. - PAS 2035:2019 – Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency – Specification and guidance
While technically a Publicly Available Specification, not a BS, PAS 2035 is vital in the context of retrofit insulation, particularly for homes. It also includes guidance on heritage-sensitive upgrades.
Conclusion
British Standards play a crucial role in ensuring that building work – whether related to conservation, damp control, or insulation – is performed safely, effectively, and respectfully. While BS 7913 provides the foundation for historic building conservation, professionals should also consult standards like BS 6576 for rising damp and BS 8481 or PAS 2035 for insulation works, especially in retrofitting older structures.
Understanding and applying these standards helps protect the heritage, health, and efficiency of the UK’s built environment.