[MassHistPres] How about Hardiplank? Re: experience with Azek?

[heartwood restoration]

i like wood...wood is good, best really...

i have seen old and new houses with hardiplank siding...the product appears flat and one dimensional and lacks the rich and varied characteristics of wood...

pvc wreaks havoc with the air we breathe during manufacture and cannot be recycled...indeed, it warps in the heat and degrades under UV rays...just imagine the danger presented during a house fire!

...jade
jade mortimer
heartwood window restoration
26 forget road
hawley, ma  01339
413-339-4298
you can see right through our work.....
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Stowell, Stephen 
  To: 'David Temple' ; Ward Hamilton at Olde MohawkHistoric Preservation ; Sullivan, Charles M. 
  Cc: Listserve MassHistPres 
  Sent: Friday, July 19, 2013 12:18 PM
  Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] How about Hardiplank? Re: experience with Azek?


  In terms of Hardiplank, we allow it on new construction only and then, only the smooth side version and not the faux wood grain option which presents an appearance contrary to smooth, painted wood siding.  Same with Azek, only on new construction.

   

  With that said, we have allowed reproduction of missing cast iron columns in fiberglass when it would be cost prohibitive to replicate in-kind, same with missing terra cotta features on one building and several roof top balustrades on a few projects.  We see the use of the alternative material in these cases as the only way to undertake replication of significant exterior features and detail that otherwise would not occur due to cost or other reasons.

   

   

  Stephen Stowell

  Administrator

  Lowell Historic Board

  Lowell City Hall

  375 Merrimack Street

  Lowell, MA  01852

  (978) 674-1443

  (978) 970-4262 fax

  Sstowell at lowellma.gov

  www.historiclowell.net

   

  From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of David Temple
  Sent: Friday, July 19, 2013 11:03 AM
  To: Ward Hamilton at Olde Mohawk Historic Preservation; Sullivan, Charles M.
  Cc: Listserve MassHistPres
  Subject: [MassHistPres] How about Hardiplank? Re: experience with Azek?

   

  I've been reading the Azek comments with interest -- how do y'all feel about Hardiplank, which contractors have been using instead of wood clapboards on deteriorated 19th century houses?  In some cases, the Medfield Historical Commission has reluctantly acceded to Hardiplank and lifted demo delays; otherwise the builders would likely have waited us out and then demolished the houses we wanted saved.

   

  I personally do not find Hardiplank as offensive as some other commission members, and from what I've been able to research on line, Hardiplank has seemed to age well in the 20 years it's been available. I've come to think of it as a reasonable replica which requires less maintenance than wood, at least for the first 20 years, and way better than vinyl.  When I Googled "Hardiplank sucks" (a search term that often yields useful results), there were relatively few complaints, most of which involved the installation process.

   

  Comments?

   

  In your reply, please include my original message. AOL users please note!

  David Temple 
  David F. Temple, Inc. 
  300 South Street 
  Medfield, MA 02052 
  508-359-2915 

     


----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From: Ward Hamilton at Olde Mohawk Historic Preservation <ward at wardhamilton.com>
    To: "Sullivan, Charles M." <csullivan at cambridgema.gov> 
    Cc: Listserve MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> 
    Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2013 8:35 AM
    Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] experience with Azek?


    In the limited instances where wood-meets-earth, or water (window sills),
    composites may appear to be an attractive alternative, but should be
    considered with caution.  The new stair riser or fascia plate will not
    show signs of degradation but it will conceal what's happening to wooden
    structural members behind them.  So, when it fails, be prepared for
    wholesale failure of the system.  ("Gee, the stairs looked great ... who
    knew the stringers were rotted?")

    PVC composites, like AZEK, are an attempt to cut corners and remove
    maintenance and upkeep from the equation.  Consider recommending the use
    of Spanish cedar, teak, poplar, oak, and other hardwoods in these limited
    applications.  You may be surprised how close the price is to the
    composite materials.

    Like many issues confronting HDCs, this one can be attributed to a lack of
    informed sources.  The building owner is making application and typically
    knows only as much as the contractor has told them.  AZEK is widely
    available and spends a tremendous amount of money "educating" would-be
    consumers through marketing.

    Consider the Secretary of the Interior's position on the subject:

    "If repair by stabilization, consolidation, and conservation proves
    inadequate, the next level of intervention involves the limited
    replacement in kind of extensively deteriorated or missing parts of
    features when there are surviving prototypes (for example, brackets,
    dentils, steps, plaster, or portions of slate or tile roofing). The
    replacement material needs to match the old both physically and visually,
    i.e., wood with wood, etc. Thus, with the exception of hidden structural
    reinforcement and new mechanical system components, substitute materials
    are not appropriate in the treatment Preservation."    Standards for
    Preservation and Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings
    (http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/standguide/preserve/preserve_approach.htm)


    Ward Hamilton

    OLDE MOHAWK HISTORIC PRESERVATION INC
    877.622.8973 online at OldeMohawk.com
    Slate Roofing | Masonry | Restoration

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