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<strong>Moravian</strong> <strong>College</strong> • <strong>Preservation</strong> <strong>Master</strong> <strong>Plan</strong><br />

typically infiltrate windows at the perimeter of the<br />

window sash <strong>and</strong> at lower window rails. Water<br />

problems are exacerbated in areas which do not<br />

shed water, such as improperly sloped window<br />

sills, at rough surfaces, or in pockets created by<br />

missing glazing putty. Window sills are often the<br />

first elements to exhibit deterioration. Condensation<br />

that <strong>for</strong>ms on interior window surfaces can also<br />

cause deterioration. It is important to distinguish<br />

moisture penetration caused by condensation from<br />

that caused by water infiltration. Each requires<br />

different remediation techniques.<br />

Windows that have been protected from the<br />

elements by exterior storm sash are not immune<br />

from moisture-related problems. Poorly ventilated<br />

storm windows can actually accelerate damage to<br />

wood <strong>and</strong> metal windows. Condensation <strong>for</strong>ms as<br />

the warm interior air meets the cool exterior storm<br />

window. If there is no ventilation, condensation is<br />

trapped against the sash, causing failure of finishes<br />

<strong>and</strong>, ultimately, wood rot or corrosion.<br />

Window operation is impaired by loose joints <strong>and</strong><br />

misaligned sash. Maintenance level painting often<br />

covers hinges <strong>and</strong> other moving parts, eventually<br />

causing excessive paint build-up. This can lead to<br />

sticking or inoperable sash.<br />

Window Repair<br />

Historic windows should never be replaced unless<br />

they are missing or beyond repair. Contrary to<br />

popular belief, repaired historic windows will<br />

last far longer than most modern replacement<br />

windows because they are made with superior<br />

quality materials <strong>and</strong> craftsmanship, especially<br />

wood windows. Epoxy consolidants may be used<br />

to strengthen <strong>and</strong> save deteriorated wood elements,<br />

especially at sills. Special patching compounds<br />

may be used to repair steel window parts. Warped<br />

wood sash <strong>and</strong> bowed or bent steel sash can often<br />

be repaired by skilled craftsmen.<br />

Replacing deteriorated parts, not the entire window,<br />

is the preferred solution, using elements that are<br />

visually <strong>and</strong> physically compatible with original.<br />

Historic windows are easily disassembled <strong>for</strong><br />

cleaning <strong>and</strong> repair. Unlike modern replacement<br />

windows, historic window units were constructed<br />

so that damaged portions could be repaired or<br />

replaced one part at a time. Individual window<br />

elements that should be retained include frames,<br />

sash, muntins, glazing, sills, lintels, hardware,<br />

heads, hoods, paneled or decorative jambs <strong>and</strong><br />

moldings, interior <strong>and</strong> exterior shutters, <strong>and</strong> blinds.<br />

The damaged portion of a window component<br />

should be replaced with material matching the<br />

original material <strong>and</strong> fabrication techniques.<br />

Any repair should match historic window sash,<br />

muntin configuration, reveal depths, glass-toframe<br />

ratios, glazing patterns, frame dimensions,<br />

trim profiles, <strong>and</strong> decorative features. Replacement<br />

glazing should match the qualities of the historic;<br />

low-E <strong>and</strong> reflective glazing are not appropriate in<br />

historic contexts. New window elements should<br />

be based on surviving prototypes including hood<br />

molds, sash, sills <strong>and</strong> interior or exterior shutters.<br />

Windows should also operate smoothly. Window<br />

mechanisms such as sash locks, cords, <strong>and</strong> weights<br />

should be maintained, repaired <strong>and</strong>, if necessary,<br />

replaced. This approach results in cost savings,<br />

because when properly maintained, historic<br />

windows can last <strong>for</strong> decades.<br />

Removal of prominent window features should<br />

be avoided because it damages a building’s<br />

architectural integrity. Important features include<br />

frames, sash, muntins, glazing <strong>and</strong> glazing patterns,<br />

sills, hardware, heads, hoods, paneled or decorative<br />

jambs <strong>and</strong> moldings, interior <strong>and</strong> exterior shutters,<br />

<strong>and</strong> blinds. They should not be blocked, infilled, or<br />

obscured.<br />

Window Weatherization<br />

Historic repairable windows should never be<br />

replaced with new units simply as a weatherization<br />

measure. Most loss of thermal efficiency at a<br />

window occurs around a leaky frame rather than<br />

through the sash itself. This can be addressed<br />

through simple weatherization techniques such<br />

as installing weather-stripping or storm windows.<br />

Weatherization techniques can greatly increase<br />

the energy efficiency of the overall building<br />

envelope <strong>and</strong> are always less costly than wholesale<br />

replacement of an entire window unit.<br />

Weatherization<br />

Historic windows can be made as energy efficient as<br />

new windows through the installation of weatherstripping.<br />

Weatherstripping methods include<br />

installation of compressed metal or spring clips<br />

or compressed foam tape. Weather-stripping is<br />

installed between the window frame <strong>and</strong> operable<br />

sash <strong>and</strong> along the meeting rails of the sash. Do<br />

not apply reflective or insulating film to window<br />

John Milner Associates • October 2009 • Chapter 9 • Building Guidelines • 306

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