[MassHistPres] Windows-Marvin Infinity

[Marcia Starkey]

Correct! In our house, the decision to replace 2/2 sash with copies from the surviving federal attic gable 12/12 was to replace some in poor condition and to "make more whole" the architecture of the building. Any windows (we do know that  wood can last 150 years with care) are better preserved with the best storms possible, at least in New England, so it seems incorrect to make energy comparisons without them. Repeated messages have made the point that tight sash and storms about equal the energy efficiency of current IG replacement sash. Each situation will have a different cost comparison, therefore blanket statements are really porous. Marcia Starkey       
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: schwirnewt at aol.com 
  To: mdstarkey at crocker.com ; djdewitt at rcn.com ; derby01 at comcast.net ; masshistpres at cs.umb.edu 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 4:11 PM
  Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Windows-Marvin Infinity


  From strictly a historical perspective I would agree that restoring the original windows would be a preferable option but if the house is over 100 years old it is somewhat questionable whether the current windows are "original" windows.

  From an enviornmental perspective, however, there is no question that modern windows are more energy efficient than those used even 20 or 30 years ago as building codes have adopted higher standards. Wood is a fairly good insulator but single glazing is not and glass makes up the largest percentage of the window. Wood windows, whether new or old, require a considerable amount of maintenance in comparison to other options available in today's market. 

  Not wanting to restore old windows might be viable for the following reasons:
    1.. The cost could be prohibitive if lead paint removal is involved or if the old sash is so swelled that it no longer operates easily in the frame. 
    2.. For all practical purposes new low-e insulating glass cannot be installed in old window sash because of its thickness. From a performance perspective a restored old window is going to be only marginally more effective in terms of energy savings. 
    3.. The restored windows will still require considerably more maintenance in the form of painting and re-putting than will aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass windows.
  My primary concern, as a chariman of a local historic district, is to see that buildings worth saving do not get demolished or unduly mutilated. However, I understand that for the historic district to remain viable those who reside in the district must appreciate the value of having the district. I am afraid that if we are too strict about what we will or won't allow we will lose support for those things that are truly important in terms of mainting the character of the district.

  Keep in mind that 100 years ago there were no asphalt shingles and very few cars parked in front of a house. There were also very few houses with electric lighting or manicured lawns and landscaping. If we start prohibiting residents of historic districts from having satelite dishes or solar collectors or energy efficient windows I'm afraid we will ultimately lose more than we gain.

  My response to the question of pultruded fiberglass windows was simply to point out that of the available options for replacement windows I see it as a viable option to wood windows in terms of cost, performance and appearance. It however will not look like the original window.

  Lawrence Schwirian, Architect
  Chairman of Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission                                                                    -----Original Message-----
  From: mdstarkey at crocker.com
  To: djdewitt at rcn.com; derby01 at comcast.net; masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
  Sent: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 11:30 AM
  Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Windows-Marvin Infinity


Is it logical to remind historic district homeowners that they are part of a 
group: the benefits are increased stability in economic value, and probably 
more value than comparables outside the district? In order to realize those 
benefits, its important to stick together rather every person for 
him/herself. (Not the way things go these days.) Marcia Starkey
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <djdewitt at rcn.com>
To: "Steve & Diane Derby" <derby01 at comcast.net>; "MHC Listserv" 
<masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 11:17 PM
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Windows-Marvin Infinity


> The first question, which I forgot to ask is, if the house has original
> windows why are you considering replacements at all  -- much less plastic
> ones.
>
> To say that they are better than aluminum or PVC is not to say that they
> should be used to replace original components of an historic structure.
>
> Dennis De Witt
> _______________________________________________
> MassHistPres mailing list
> MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
> http://mailman.cs.umb.edu/mailman/listinfo/masshistpres
> 

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