[MassHistPres] Restoring windows and lead paint issues

[Tucker, Jonathan]

I agree about restoring existing wood features as a
conservation/preservation measure.

 

However, the quality of lumber depends on its source.  Farm/forced
lumber is either from plantations in the southern or western U.S., or
abroad.  Holding out for lumber of the quality seen in the 18th and 19th
centuries encourages the mining of remaining old growth forests (here or
abroad), which is less than useful.

 

There are good local sources of sound lumber from mature trees, but
larger window manufacturers, urban/suburban contractors and homeowners
use the price point determined by Home Depot or Lowe's as the baseline
for purchasing their wood.  That cuts local options out of the market
and sustains the current mire of wasteful stupidity.

 

Maybe it's time for the Massachusetts legislature to start requiring all
home products manufacturers who sell their wares in the Commonwealth to
certify that they have acquired and include in their product some
minimum percentage of raw material from Massachusetts or at least New
England sources.

 

Jonathan Tucker

Planning Director

Amherst Planning Department

4 Boltwood Avenue, Town Hall

Amherst, MA  01002

(413) 259-3040

tuckerj at amherstma.gov    

 

 

 

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of jade
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2009 10:24 AM
To: Marcia Starkey; Dennis De Witt; MHC MHC listserve
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Restoring windows and lead paint issues

 

today's lumber is mostly farm/forced grown wood...it is far inferior to
lumber available even 75 years ago...new window frames--whether all wood
or vinyl/aluminum clad--are made with finger jointed wood as is a lot of
the trim...a new window made from spanish cedar or mahogany and with
mortise and tenon joinery will offer a century or more of service if
properly maintained...of course the product's longevity will be
reflected in its price...

 

looking at the long term scenario, restoration of windows from the
1940's and before is by far the best investment, financially and
environmentally...

 

jade Mortimer

 

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: Marcia Starkey <mailto:mdstarkey at crocker.com>  

	To: Dennis De Witt <mailto:djd184 at verizon.net>  ; MHC MHC
listserve <mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>  

	Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 11:35 AM

	Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Restoring windows and lead paint
issues

	 

	Is wood window sash an acceptable compromise to reduce the use
of synthetic 
	materials, promote beneficial industries and forest management?
(you can 
	always tell these folks from western Mass.)
	
	

	Marcia Starkey
	
	

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