[MassHistPres] replacement windows

[Dennis De Witt]

I find it appalling that Plymouth, of all places, would allow any sort of replacement windows in "properties [of] great historic significance.”

Forgive me for repeating prior comments but there is no justification ever for “replacement” insulating glass (IG) windows or sash vs good quality storms.  Especially in situations where storms are already in place .  The replacements will fail and need to be replaced again (and again) on average about once very 25 years, at a cost that far exceeds any small savings delta vs good storms, which never fail.  And often the storms are more efficient overall vs replacement sash because storms do a better job of stopping infiltration which is often as great a cause of energy loss as transfer though the glass.  

Storms also protect the original windows.

I used to build machinery for making IG and can claim some “inside knowledge."  The true original glass edged “Thermopane,” the kind of IG that would not fail (cloud up), stopped being made in the 1980s because the current “sealed” type is cheaper to make.  

I know old bare aluminum storms can deteriorate and become hard to slide.  I’d strongly suggest you look into Harvey Tru-Channel storms which are pre-finished, wond deteriorate, and weatherstripped.  They slide like butter and are extremely tight.  Although I’m not sure it's necessary, they are also available with low-e glass.  

Dennis De Witt
Brookline


> On Mar 15, 2018, at 5:23 PM, Nancy Dole <nlouisedole at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> We need to provide owners with a list of replacement windows that we would consider suitable. 
> 
> Plymouth HDC has a list, which I have. They have a list of acceptable windows for properties they feel have great historic significance, and another list for properties that they think do not have historic significance.
> 
> Could anyone forward me a list if your district has one, or tell me what you have approved? 
> 
> People in our district are more and more often requesting permission to replace existing wooden windows with aluminum clad or vinyl windows that are energy efficient. We are deciding as they come to us on a case by case basis, and its difficult for everyone involved. The applicant has no idea what we will accept, our only guideline is we prefer wooden windows and repairing existing windows. But that is not what  need to know, since for the most part they want to switch to modern materials etc. they do not want the wood windows. 
> 
> Other owners are not aware we might ok alum clad etc, and so they don't apply for them. We need to address this in a responsible way.
> 
> Thanks, 
> Nancy Dole
> WTHDC
> 
> 
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