[MassHistPres] old house insurance and windows?

[David Ottinger]

Hi Karen Johnson,
This is an intriguing email and here is a email about old windows- just what you didn't ask for...
There are many issues 
relating to old windows, energy efficiency, and the Building Codes that 
cause confusion. This confusion trickles down to other places. As I 
understand it, and this was relevant last time it was a Permit 
Application issue, providing wind resistant shutters is an acceptable 
option in locations where the 122 mph winds are regarded as an issue. 
Basically the Code- and in MA it is the International Building Code- 
allows for a wind resistant shutter. Plywood affords just such 
protection so, in cases where we have conserved the old sash (and window
 frames), we have specified shutters for the windows and cut and stored 
plywood storm covers designated for location in the basement. This 
approach has been acceptable with Building Inspectors/Commissioners in 
Nantucket, several Cape Code communities, and Marblehead recently.
Your thoughts?
Thanks,
David Ottinger
David Ottinger Antique Buildings & Materials
Deerfield, NH

> Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2013 18:30:15 -0500
> From: karenmj at gmail.com
> To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
> Subject: [MassHistPres] old house insurance and windows?
> 
> Hello,
> 
> Wondering what you think / do you know / have you heard of issue with
> Insurer 2 below.
> 
> My house is 90 - 100 years old. Insurer 1 will not insure for full
> replacement value due to the age of the house. Insurer 2 will insure
> for replacement cost but says:
> "Your home is 4.64 miles from the coast; which means that xxxx would
> require confirmation of the installation of the windows and doors in
> your home and that the specifications can withstand winds in excess of
> 122 mph.  We would require that proof prior to ordering and completing
> the required pre-inspection of the property".
> In further correspondence I am told "homes within 5 miles to the coast
> in MA, tend to have more wind damage claims". That is it.
> 
> Apparently I can get replacement cost insurance if I replace all
> windows and doors.
> Not intending to start emails about old windows, I will keep mine, thanks.
> Do you see insurers as a problem for old houses?
> 
> Thanks for any feedback,
> Karen Johnson
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