Mushroom-King In some cases it is actually worse to update old materials. Things that have been in place for a long time and that are enclosed within other materials and doing no harm, can become dangerous and toxic while they are being removed and then have to be disposed of properly.
Replace things with the most sustainable alternative when it is the time to replace them but do not just replace something that has no problems with a new version just to be more sustainable on paper.
This is so true. But if it is going to be your own home I am not sure you will intend to 'cheat' about eco friendly solutions.
As well if the house if already with a great age in most of cases it is quite environmental friendly as the materials used to be more natural. Maybe the roof is an exception in this.
Maybe the bricks are not so environmental friendly, but if they are good and doesn't need to be replaced it is more friendly to keep it, than to get a new eco friendly material.
So I agree with you that materials should be replaced when they need not just for the sake of changing.