[MassHistPres] Celuca windows

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

>We're reviewing an application tonight for
>replacement windows made of 
>Celuca. Has anyone had experience with this material, or thoughts on 
>Celuca you would share?

I suppose it depends on your view of non-historic materials (such as
fiberglass). Celuca is a foam-injected vinyl window, and it can come
with a wood veneer.

I have done significant research on vinyl windows from a visual
perspective over the past year. I conclude that vinyl is not yet capable
of resembling a historic wood window, particularly because:

1) Vinyl is a weak material, and therefore can't be installed as a
replacement sash. It must be installed as a replacement unit, and the
window loses about 2.5 inches on either side due to this. This can be a
significant reduction in visible glass area. Because of the replacement
unit, there is a 2-3 inch spacer sill installed on top of the existing
sill. This gives it the appearance of a storm window. Construction of
vinyl windows

2) Vinyl is not designed to be painted (although it can be), and usually
comes in only stark bright white, sometimes tan, and, less frequently,
dark brown. I hear that manufacturers may be discontinuing brown because
it has a tendency to warp in the sun. Because of this, it is often a
glaring change. 

On a side note, even if your district does not control paint color,
material color is not exempted -- and there is a clear difference
between paint color and material color because roof material color is
often exempted. So you can apply control to an unpainted white window.

3) Although there are some technologies to put exterior grids on a vinyl
window, they are untested. A manufacturer I visited says that there is a
10 year warranty. If the exterior grids start dropping off in ten years,
windows are going to look pretty stupid.

>From a longevity perspective, vinyl is a clear loser compared to
original old-growth wood windows. Don't expect them to last more than
20-25 years before being replaced. One of the biggest growth areas seems
to be replacing replacement windows these days.

That said, celuca _could_ be a way for vinyl to gain a footing in
historic districts. From what I read, because of the foam injection,
celuca windows are stronger, and can be made to resemble wood windows
more. I don't know if that removes the need for the replacement unit vs.
just a replacement sash though. The wood veneer, if paintable, could be
used to allow the windows to be painted a historic color.

But from what I've read, celuca is expensive, so why aren't the
homeowners just going with a replacement sash from Marvin?

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA