[MassHistPres] wooden replacement windows

[Chris Skelly]

Hi Ralph, regarding MGL 40C Section 9, I think you really have to
carefully consider what is ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement.
Replacement of windows that simply need maintenance should not qualify
for this exemption.  Consider that the purpose section of MGL 40C states
it is for the "preservation and protection of the distinctive
characteristics of buildings and places."  Historic wood windows would
certainly qualify as a distinctive characteristic.  Chris.

Christopher C. Skelly
Director of Local Government Programs
Massachusetts Historical Commission

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of
slater at alum.rpi.edu
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 11:21 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] wooden replacement windows

> I find it hard to stomach this economic hardship
> issue. The most cost effective thing that any homeowner can 
> do is buy good quality storm windows installed correctly. Average 
> price per window is around $200. This provides maximum weather 
> protection and preserves the original fabric of the building 
> until a homeowner who is not stupid enough to belive the 
> claims of replacement window salesmen can do some 
> proper maintenance and restoration on the windows. 

We do not grant hardship, economic or otherwise, unless the existing
windows are beyond normal repair, and even then, it is case-by-case. But
there are more of those cases in Springfield than Nantucket or Martha's
Vineyard because of the economics.

MGL 40C also has specific language that I would interpret to say that
"original fabric" is not something that should weigh in on the decision
process of a Historic District Commission:

"Chapter 40C: Section 9. Maintenance, repair or replacement. Nothing in
this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance,
repair or replacement of any exterior architectural feature within an
historic district which does not involve a change in design, material,
color or the outward appearance thereof ..."

Given that there is no premium in the law affixed to original fabric,
the SHC has evolved to a position that replacement of windows can be
appropriate, as long as the outward appearance is substantially similar
to the original. (if it was an identical copy of the original it would
fall under non-applicability).

> I'd love to have someone do a follow up survey of the poor fools who
put in
> replacement windows and see if in fact they saved any energy dollars
and 
> in fact do not still have problems with windows that don't open 
> and close easily. 

I will agree with you that the claims being thrown out by replacement
window contractors are outrageous. I've seen claims of 60%+ savings on
energy. I've had contractors -- Home Depot representatives -- in front
of our commission and I've asked them if they back up their guarantee
with money. The answer is usually "well, we can't do that because there
are too many factors to consider...".

However, unless you have homeowners who are 100% dedicated to historic
preservation -- and that's something that is difficult in Springfield,
since we have something like 1,500 houses in our districts -- you're
going to get people wanting to replace, not restore their windows,
because it is now conventional wisdom that old windows = inefficient
windows. 

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA 
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