[MassHistPres] Use of Non-traditional and Synthetic Materials

[rcsmitharch at verizon.net]

In Swampscott, we share the living by the sea issues of maintenance for homeowners.  We have allowed the use of synthetic materials if they are paintable- same applies to windows.  That generally rules out shiny PVC plastic, but materials like Azek trim and Hardiplank siding are allowed if the profiles are consistent with traditional wood elements and they are solid, rather than hollow materials.  There’s nothing that gives the lie to “historical” like a shiny PVC fence of hollow parts that got hit by a car.

 

Richard Smith

Swampscott Historical Commission

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Nancy Dole via MassHistPres
Sent: Monday, August 7, 2023 3:14 PM
To: Heidi Fieldston <hfieldston at mac.com>
Cc: MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Use of Non-traditional and Synthetic Materials

 

West Tisbury has the same question. We are allowing aluminum clad and fibrex high quality windows with simulated divided lites in some cases, not in others. And we are having an issue with pvc trim repair. Getting a lot of requests but it doesn’t blend well with wood. We would love a list of manufacturers and models that other historic districts consider on a case by case basis. 

The Town had recently applied to replace a wooden picket fence around the cemetary with a pvc fence. They are concerned about longevity. We wish there were other options. 

Any thoughts? 

Thank you. 

Nancy Dole

WTisbury HDC





On Aug 7, 2023, at 2:58 PM, Heidi Fieldston via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu <mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> > wrote:

Greetings:

 

We have a question about the policies of other Historical Commissions concerning the use of non-traditional and synthetic materials in new construction in historic districts:  Are they allowed?  Are there limitations on materials?  Does the context make a difference, e.g., dense vs. more spread-out?  





Thank you for your response.





Heidi Fieldston, Commissioner

Dedham Historic Districts Commission and Historical Commission

 <mailto:hfieldston at mac.com> hfieldston at mac.com

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