[MassHistPres] Deleading Historic Windows in a District

[Alison Hardy]

There are many levels of questions here and I’ll try to untangle them with the experience I have had in deleading windows. As with anything in historic preservation there are many paths to a solution, some just involve a lot of red tape.

Has the property owner tested not just the windows but other trim in the building?
If the property is a rental property then there are additional iiability issues to consider.
In most cases the best route is to hire a certified lead abatement company so that there is a paperwork trail established and filed with the authorities.
Most abatement companies are not window specialists and they will most likely break all the glass and chemically strip the window sash which will cause them to deteriorate at an excellerated rate. The work meets the letter of the law but in can be harmful to the windows.
Abatement companies can subcontract window restoration work. The sash need to be inspected by a lead inspector after the paint is removed and before any repairs/re-glazing/re-painting is done.
Paint on the frictionable, actionable surfaces can either be removed or covered – weather stripping in brass or zinc can cover the jamb area and provide additional benefits in terms of energy efficiency.

Alison Hardy
Window Woman of New England, Inc.
44R Elm Street
Amesbury, MA 01913

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Emily Hutchings
Sent: Wednesday, October 7, 2020 3:49 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Deleading Historic Windows in a District

Hello,

Have any commissions had experience with property owners in local historic districts who wanted to (or needed to) delead historic windows?  I would be interested to know about different scenarios, if specific recommendations or requirements have been made, etc.

I was also wondering if anyone has experience with firms or individuals who are experienced in deleading windows in a historically appropriate manner.

Thank you,

--
Emily Hutchings, AICP
City of Beverly
Assistant Planning Director
978-605-2346
ehutchings at beverlyma.gov<mailto:ehutchings at beverlyma.gov>
[http://www.beverlyma.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/city-seal-transparency.png]
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