[MassHistPres] antique window replacement

[Connie Hellwig]

Our argument for repairing old or original materials is that the whole point saving our historic past is to retain the “physical evidence” of our architecture and artifacts.  Visitors of historic buildings expect to see “old” and not “new”.  Wood sashes can be dated by their profile around each pane.  Thickness, style, detail of wooden profile.  The oldest window in my house was found in the 2nd floor unfinished lean to room.  Other rooms each had a window with a unique profile that had been replaced among the centuries… It’s a lesson in wood window sash history!   Drafts are part of the charm and help keep a building healthy in one aspect...  Airtight windows do cause a reduction in air exchange throughout a house.  Air flow reduces mold formation.  Window Woman in Amesbury may also be able to help.  Removing historic architecture in a historic building is a mistake.  It may cost more to repair, but let the town manager know that in the end they will leave an important legacy “physical architectural evidence” for future generations to wonder in awe.   

Connie Hellwig, Chairman
Salisbury Historical Commission

From: heartwood
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 9:13 AM
To: Richard McGrath; Masshistpres
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] antique window replacement

good morning...
we in the window preservation suggest that ‘they call them replacements because they will need
replacing over and over again’...it’s a tough sell for folks in our disposable society...think about
how many times we have claimed ‘they sure don’t make them the way they used to’ as applied
to any appliance, vehicle or piece of furniture...if you want something that lasts, restore the old...
 
a window that is 110 years old will be superior to any new window...it has proven itself for over a
century with minimal maintenance...drafts come through the perimeter of the window not the glass
itself...a new storm window will increase energy efficiency and protect the sash and thereby reducing
maintenance issues...
 
if the sash are equipped with a rope and pulley system, I am guessing that one or more of the ropes
has broken and/or paint is inhibiting proper operation of the sash....installation of sash lifts will make
lifting much easier...
 
there have been numerous studies done to show that replacing windows is a losing proposition...
 
please consider giving me a call...I’d be happy to stop by and offer an evaluation at NO CHARGE...
we are booked out many months in advance so I am not marketing heartwood here...I’d like the
opportunity to educate people and have them see the inherent advantages of restoring rather 
replacing windows...
 
best....jade
 
 
jade mortimer
heartwood window restoration
po box 114 1605 mohawk trail
charlemont, ma 01339
413-625-8680
 
From: Richard McGrath 
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2022 9:12 PM
To: Masshistpres 
Subject: [MassHistPres] antique window replacement
 
The town of Lunenburg wants to replace the windows in the 1910 former library with  clad double pane. true divided lite. wood replacement windows. The large old windows are said to take two people to open them and are in need of maintenance: putty, ease of opening and closing, paint, storm window repair. The replacement windows will be smaller than the existing because a standard window isn't the same size as the original. The Architectural Preservation District Commission returned the Certificate to alter and requested that it be changed to restoring the existing and returned to us, The Town Manager wants to replace them, seeing the new windows as superior to the old. Please let me know of any experiences that you have had with a similar situation and any studies that we can refer to that compare new to old so that we can educate and elevate the Town mManager, Selectboard and the general population. 
 
Thank you,
 
Richard McGrath, member Lunenburg APDC

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