[MassHistPres] Question about state building code for insulation/windows

[Alison Hardy]

But single pane windows with storm windows will meet code. The window weight cavity, if built correctly, is less of a source of air infiltration than an uninsulated attic. There are some houses that do not have correctly built weight pocket cavities but that can only be found by taking all the interior trim off a window. And if found it can be corrected.

Clearly the contractor just wants to sell new windows and probably has no idea that there are building energy efficiency experts who can MEASURE air infiltration and energy loss.

Keep fighting the battle to keep antique houses from becoming a pile of plastic!
Alison Hardy
Window Woman of New England

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Ralph Slate
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 4:26 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Question about state building code for insulation/windows

A contractor has made the claim that in order to do repairs to a property (from fire damage), he MUST replace the windows because current code requires it. His exact quote on the application is:

"Due to the fire we must remove the plaster and replace the wiring, plumbing, and insulate to meet the newer requirements. The remaining windows are single-pane and cannot be sealed sufficiently ,,, especially the window weight cavity".

Is anyone aware of changes to the building code that REQUIRE replacing windows versus single pane + storms, particularly focusing on the weight cavities?

Thanks,

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA
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