Window systems: repair versus replacement
Kelley, S. J., Chiropolos, J. N. and Gustitus, D. A.
1993
Building Renovation, March/April
Kelley, S. J., Chiropolos, J. N. and Gustitus, D. A., (1993), "Window systems: repair versus replacement", Building Renovation, March/April.
| Abstract: |
| In a typical facade rehabilitation project, rehabilitation of windows represents a sizeable portion of the building's envelope and a significant portion of the project cost. Windows help to define the character of a landmark structure. Windows can require repair or replacement for conditions that include water leakage, excessive air infiltration, poor thermal performance, material deterioration, and structural failure. The factors that cause these conditions include aging, lack of maintenance, poor design, fabrication or installation, or a desire to change the appearance of a building.
Landmark structures are held to different standards than other existing structures without landmark status. On a landmark structure, it is generally preferable to retain, repair, and restore the existing building fabric including older wood or metal windows. Windows may be significant to the historic character of an older building, contributing to the highly visible features of the exterior and the interior. Alteration of the building appearance by window replacement in this instance would not be an acceptable selection.
Some previous window rehabilitation strategies performed during the energy crisis of the 1970s were ill conceived and did not adequately address the perceived window problems. Since then, window rehabilitation has come under greater scrutiny by the design, preservation, and construction communities. Repair of existing windows may not prove effective, or may not offer long-term serviceability, and window replacement may be the solution recommended by the architect. However, the possible higher, short-term cost of window replacement compared to window repair may contrast with the desires of a building owner, contractor, or developer. In addition, a window replacement solution on a landmark structure could contrast with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, which recommends "preserving windows ... that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building."
Consequently, one of the more difficult decisions encountered when renovating a building facade is determining the proper rehabilitation of the windows¡ªshould they be repaired or replaced. Only after weighing the aesthetic, performance, cost, and long-term durability aspects of proposed window work, can an educated decision on whether to repair or replace windows be made. Technical, economic, political, and social considerations drive the window repair or replacement decision. This paper establishes an approach to evaluate and compare window repairs and replacements. |
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