Proven 6-step approach to treating historic windows

This course provides step-by-step prescriptive advice to architects, engineers, and contractors on when it makes sense to repair or rehabilitate existing windows, and when they should advise their building owner clients to consider replacement.

When planning treatment for windows on a historic structure, the first step in the decision process is to evaluate the architectural significance of the windows in terms of overall building appearance. If the windows are important to the historic character of the building, stock replacements that don’t consider the aesthetic integrity of the structure might negatively impact the building’s look—and diminish its value.

With that key decision in place, the course goes on to describe the planning and rehabilitation process, through to ongoing maintenance.

After reading this article, you should be able to:

Identify deterioration conditions at historic wood or steel windows in order to plan for appropriate treatment.
Evaluate repair and replacement options in terms of aesthetics, logistics, maintenance, and energy efficiency to develop a rehabilitation strategy that blends practical considerations with material and energy conservation.
Apply accepted practices for abatement of hazardous materials to the treatment of historic windows, to reduce exposure risk and protect the surrounding environment from the accidental release of toxic compounds.
Specify design options for windows classified as weathered, deteriorated, severely deteriorated, and life safety risk that improve thermal performance and safety without compromising historic character.

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The project team members include owner Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York; design architect and interior designer of the restaurant, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York; executive architect, FXFOWLE, New York; and architect and interior designer of the film center, Rockwell Group, New York; structural engineer Arup (AISC Member), New York; and general contractor Turner Construction Company (AISC Member), New York.

| Nov 9, 2011

Sika Sarnafil Roof Recycling Program recognized by Society of Plastics Engineers

Program leads the industry in recovering and recycling roofing membrane into new roofing products.

| Nov 9, 2011

American Standard Brands joins the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium

American Standard will collaborate with other organizations to build an industry-wide sustainability performance index.

| Nov 8, 2011

Transforming a landmark coastal resort

Originally built in 1973, the building had received several alterations over the years but the progressive deterioration caused by the harsh salt water environment had never been addressed.

| Nov 8, 2011

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Moisture-related failures in agglomerated floor tiles

Agglomerated tiles offer an appealing appearance similar to natural stone at a lower cost. To achieve successful installations, manufacturers should provide design data for moisture-related dimensional changes, specifiers should require in-situ moisture testing similar to those used for other flooring materials, and the industry should develop standards for fabrication and installation of agglomerated tiles.