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

[jade at heartwoodrestoration.com]

what many window preservationists have found is that filling the void
of the weight pocket with a spray foam or other non-breathable product
results in black mold forming...this is due to moisture being trapped
when eliminating the natural circulation and ventilation within the void...

this issue is also present in many new and old houses when one attempts to
create a hermetically sealed space...moisture happens...when it cannot  
dissipate
naturally, mold occurs...

when properly sealed from the exterior, the air within the weight  
pocket should be
stationary cool air--not air that produces a draft coming into the  
room...both air
and water take the path of least resistance...if there is air  
infiltration from
elsewhere that finds its way into the weight pocket, one may need to undertake
some sleuthing to find its source...

one approach, a bit involved, is to remove the interior trim and  
weights and install
a thin piece of rigid insulation at the vertical surface closest to  
the exterior making
sure that the insulation does not inhibit proper operation of the  
weights...often lath
and plaster beneath the trim obstructs access...

drapes and/or insulated blinds serve to insulate the window area and  
show off your
fashion sense--a win-win for all involved!

hope that helps!
....jade

jade Mortimer
heartwood window restoration
charlemont, ma
413-625-8680


Quoting Sam Bartlett <sam at bart-tech.com>:

> Are there any techniques for improving the insulating value of the
> weight cavity (beyond caulking the trim on both sides)?
>
> --
> Robert "Sam" Bartlett		Bartlett Technologies
> 83 River Road			413-624-0192
> Leyden, MA 01337		www.bart-tech.com
>
>
> On 16 Oct 2019 at 18:58, jade at heartwoodrestoration.com wrote:
>
>>
>> I recently finished a project where the contractor AND the building
>> inspector suggested the more than
>> 100 windows needed to be replaced with insulated windows to meet
>> current code...I pointed them in the
>> right direction...the beautiful old single pane glass sash with
>> weather stripping and new storms are in place...
>> everyone but the contractor is happy....oh well...
>>
>> ....jade
>> jade Mortimer
>> heartwood window restoration
>> charlemont, ma
>> 413-625-8680
>>
>>
>> Quoting Ralph Slate <slater at alum.rpi.edu>:
>>
>> > 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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