| Windows
Windows are a significant part of the exterior envelope of most
buildings and are important in defining the historic character of
a building--both inside and out. Historic windows should always be retained, when possible. Yet, owners frequently propose replacement of existing historic windows. When window replacement is appropriate, selecting new windows that are compatible with the building's historic character is one of the most common and difficult issues in rehabilitation.
To meet the Standards for Rehabilitation,
missing, non-historic, or severely deteriorated windows that cannot
be repaired should be replaced with windows that match the historic
windows in material, size, muntin configuration, and reflective
quality.
|
 |
Repair
Where historic windows exist, they should be repaired, where
possible. Repair may include incremental replacement of individual
elements such as sills or sash. Lead abatement or thermal
performance may be accomplished without the loss of historic
windows and is not justification for replacement.
Thermal upgrade
Storm windows have been a traditional means of improving efficiency for over a century. They also protect the historic
window itself. When detailed to minimize their visual intrusiveness,
they are an acceptable addition to a historic window. Another
option possible in some cases is the modification of existing
historic windows to allow reglazing with insulated glass.
|
|
|
The historic wood windows (left) were repaired
and exterior storm windows added (right). This approach meets
the Standards for Rehabilitation. Photos:
NPS files
|
|
|
