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

[Russel Feldman]

The building official seems to be thinking of the energy performance requirements that restored historic windows would fail to provide.  There are two code related items which could relate to your issue, both of which are included in the 9th Edition of the Massachusetts building code:

Under the 2015 International Existing Building Code Chapter 4 Prescriptive Compliance Method:
paragraph 408.1 Historic Buildings:
“The provisions of this code that require improvements relative to a building’s existing condition or, in the case of repairs, that require improvements relative to a building’s predamage condition, shall not be mandatory for historic buildings unless specifically required by this section.”
The section then discusses life safety hazards and flood hazards only.  This could be a basis for saying that one can replace existing windows damaged due to fire without concern for the energy performance requirements indicated elsewhere in the code.

Under the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code Chapter 5 Existing Buildings Section C501 General
Paragraph C501.6 Historic buildings
“No provisions of this code relating to the construction, repair, alteration, restoration and movement of structures, and and change of occupancy shall be mandatory for historic buildings provided a report has been submitted to the code official and signed by a registered design professional, or a representative of the State Historic Preservation Office or the historic preservation authority having jurisdiction, demonstrating that compliance with that provision would threaten, degrade or destroy the historic form, fabric or function of the building. “

Russ

[TBA Inverted green back without text]
M. Russel Feldman, AIA, NCARB
Principal | TBA Architects, Inc.
43 Bradford Street, Suite 300 | Concord MA 01742
tel: 781 893-5828 x 25 | mobile: 617 429-5033
www.tbaarchitects.com
2018 WINNER - AIA NEW ENGLAND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL FRIENDLY FIRM

From: MassHistPres [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of georgeshaw54 at yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 7:23 PM
To: jade at heartwoodrestoration.com; Ralph Slate <slater at alum.rpi.edu>
Cc: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Question about state building code for insulation/windows

My understanding is that unless the windows are damaged and need to be replaced, you are not required to bring them into compliance with the energy code. I've done plenty of renovations with extensive work including additions. Not once in 35 years has an inspector asked about windows that weren't being specifically being replaced. Jade is much more capable than I to explain the ways that old windows can be fixed and "brought close to code".
George Shaw
Harmony Woodworking
Cambridge, MA
617-838-0701<tel:617-838-0701>

Sent from my Sprint Phone.

------ Original message------
From: jade at heartwoodrestoration.com<mailto:jade at he!%20artwoodrestoration.com>
Date: Wed, Oct 16, 2019 5:03 PM
To: Ralph Slate;
Cc: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu<mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>;
Subject:Re: [MassHistPres] Question about state building code for insulation/windows


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<tel:413-625-8680>





Quoting Ralph Slate :



> 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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