[MassHistPres] Window replacement

[Ralph Slate]

Since each community differs, there is no "precedent" between communities.


Springfield's replacement window guidelines, which I wrote, can be found here:


https://www.springfield-ma.gov/planning/fileadmin/Planning_files/Historic/Window_Guidelines_w_Approved_.pdf


We are a bit more permissive than other communities because of the makeup of our population - ultimately any restrictions need to be politically palatable or you lose public support.


When I drafted these guidelines, I noted the key provisions which define a window style:


* Style of window (i.e. don't change a casement to a double-hung)


* Color - replacement windows have a permanent color, and although "color of paint" is frequently exempted in overall guidelines, I not only interpreted that "color of material" is not the same as "color of paint", but also, if we are allowing a non-exact replacement (which would be under non-applicability), we could dictate color of a baked-on paint on a replacement. In Springfield, most historic windows were not white.

* Grid pattern - keep the exact same pattern of grids.


* Grid style - grids should not be "between the glass"


* Sash dimensions - the dimensions of the sash should be substantially similar to the original. Many replacement windows, especially those which are vinyl, have thin lower sashes.


* Frame dimensions - frame should not be altered to accommodate stock-sized windows. Additionally - and this is very important - the lower sash should sit on the sill rather than in a channel that projects outward.


* Glass should not be tinted or reflective.


We adopted those guidelines in Springfield because there was not unanimity on the commission to keep original windows. Our guidelines allow for replacements that are not jarringly different from originals - this would include aluminum-clad double-pane windows.


There really is no justification to replace original wooden windows with new windows. Energy efficiency or maintenance does not fall under the category of "hardship" because those are issues that affect the district in general. Beyond that, wooden windows are the most flexible for maintenance (try fixing a 25-year old replacement window) and concerns with energy efficiency can be handled with both interior and exterior storm windows. Also, replacement windows are not automatically more efficient - I have seen, on more than one occasion, replacement windows that were drafty because they were installed improperly.


In Springfield, we would only allow for hardship replacement under limited circumstances - on a case-by-case basis, when original windows were disastrous. Even that was lenient, because even windows with rot can be rehabilitated - we usually looked at the entirety of the situation, and the hardship usually involved buildings that had been vacant for a number of years. We would also be more apt to approve a hardship when the proposed replacement was very close to our appropriateness guidelines - for example, if someone came in with a brown vinyl window with grids on the exterior, and the only "fail" against our appropriateness test was that the "sash did not sit on the sill", we would accept this *if* the original windows were substantially deteriorated, and if the property in question was either abandoned or marginally used. 


Unfortunately you are competing with the entire home improvement industry which tells you that when you buy a new house, the first thing you should do is replace the windows if they are 15 years old or older. Springfield has even started to see seen proposals to replace replacement windows that were put in 15-20 years ago because the replacements, especially the vinyl ones, simply do not last. 


Ralph Slate
Springfield MA


On Tue, 10 Oct, 2017 at 10:34 AM, Richard Smith <rcsmitharch at verizon.net> wrote:
 

To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu


What is the general approach to justifying the replacement of original windows with new windows?  We have been challenged of this by a local contractor and homeowner- the claim is that Andersen replacement windows are allowed in other nearby historic districts, and why can’t the old windows be removed?  I’m drafting guidance that the owner has the burden of photo documenting the condition of existing windows as being beyond repair, but how are other towns handling this?
 
Richard Smith
Swampscott Historic Commission
  
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