[MassHistPres] Thermal Pane Windows

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

Springfield has revised its appropriateness guidelines so that certain
double-pane windows are considered appropriate. The windows have to
visually match the windows being replaced. Any grids must be on the
exterior, and if the material is not meant to be painted, we require the
fixed material color to be historically appropriate (in most cases dark
in color). We are also keeping a list of windows styles/brands that we
have approved in order to guide people in the right direction.

Our guidelines can be found here:

http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/planning/fileadmin/Planning_files/Win
dow_replacement_guidelines-final1.pdf

>From a preservation perspective this was not the most ideal set of
guidelines, but the guidelines are well-suited for Springfield. Ideally,
it would be nicer if people refurbished their existing windows instead
of replacing them, but we were losing that battle due to the marketing
blitz from the replacement window industry. It is now "conventional
wisdom" that when you buy a house, the first thing you should do is
replace the windows -- we have even had house inspectors telling their
clients that. 

The disconnect between what the public believed and what we previously
allowed (no replacements) coupled with a lack of stomach to force
homeowners to undo their work was resulting in too many people changing
windows over without seeking approval, and winding up with the worst
alternative. Once we gave the signal that certain replacements would be
allowed, this caused the public to start consulting with us more,
allowing us to guide them in the right direction. We handle violations
(i.e. people putting in white vinyl windows) by asking the homeowners to
install exterior grids themselves, and to paint them (using vinyl paint)
to a historically appropriate color.

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA


<-----Original Message----->A few years back I sent an e-mail request
about
>thermal pane windows, and I
>am looking to update this again. 
>Does any Historic District allow thermal pane windows and, if so, is
there a
>determination ie, distance from street or window configuration. Any
>information is welcome. 
>Thank you.
>Susan Bragdon
>Marblehead Old & Historic District Commission
>Member
>
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