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Screens for historic windows

  • 1.  Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-11-2021 09:36 AM

    We are converting an old armory building into veterans' housing.  Both state and federal tax credits are a big part of the equation.  Portions of the building have double hung windows (tall and arched).  We are restoring them.  The Historic Commission will not entertain the idea of any kind of screen on the exterior of the window.  Does anyone know of any type of interior screen that would be minimally intrusive, operable, and stand-up from a long term maintenance perspective?

     

    Best Regards,

     

    John Crowell

    Deer Hill Architects LLC

    40 Lowell Street, Suite 12

    Peabody MA 01960

    978-532-8660

    www.deerhillarchitects.com

     



  • 2.  RE: Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-12-2021 05:51 PM
    Hi John:

    There are retractable screens that can be used - installed on the interior. One provider is Right Path Windows and Restoration - https://www.rpwindowsandrestoration.com/retractable-screens
    RETRACTABLE SCREENS. Right Path with Genius Retraceable Screens Systems together provide a wonderful way to protect your home from insects. On many buildings, having traditional fixed insect screens may not be permitted or sutiable. With this screen you now can have your windows or doors open and have the protection from your insect screen.
    Thanks,

    Bill Gregory, AIA

     

    Arcelab Inc. Architects

    7480 Osage Ave.

    Los Angeles, CA 90045

    Cell - 310-507-5434

    Fax - 310-910-0483

    Web Site - www.arcelab.com






  • 3.  RE: Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-13-2021 06:19 PM
    Check out Traditional Building' magazines buying guide - Traditional Building Magazine Online.

    ------------------------------
    Joan Pomaranc, Hon. AIA Chicago
    Program Director
    AIA Chicago
    Chicago IL
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-14-2021 08:52 AM

    Thanks!

     

    Best Regards,

     

    John Crowell

    Deer Hill Architects LLC

    40 Lowell Street, Suite 12

    Peabody MA 01960

    978-532-8660

    www.deerhillarchitects.com

     






  • 5.  RE: Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-13-2021 10:25 PM

    I have some interior mounted screens on some sliding glass doors.  It's a problem at night when the bugs are attracted to the light inside and are bouncing against the screen.  I have to open the screen and let the bugs inside in order to shut the door.  And if you can shut a cranking window without opening an interior mounted screen, you still trap the bugs between the window and the screen, although that's much less a problem.






  • 6.  RE: Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-13-2021 10:43 AM
    Retractable Bug Screen Adjustable White Aluminum Fiberglass Vertically Retractable Window Insect Screen keeps insects out and disappears when not in use.
    Hi John:

    Another option, while maybe not as attractive as a whole window unit, is to use an interior retractable screen for the lower operable sash that could be placed at the same height as the top of the lower sash of the arched window. See attached example from Home Depot. It has a channel on the sides and its own self-contained receiving header. This would allow full operation of the lower sash and I doubt that they will be opening the upper arched portion as it is probably a fixed sash or could be made to be fixed. I understand that it can be very challenging with historical review boards being critical of any changes to the original. Here in Los Angeles, where we have some of the most stringent green building codes in the country, we have several zoned historical districts and the historical preservation office will not even allow the use of insulated glass to replace single pane glass windows. It also may be possible to mock-up a transparent and neutral (match window frame color) as possible exterior screen option on one of the windows and have them review it to see if they would accept it. The exterior window opening brick return is quite deep and that may help ease the issue of having a screen in front of the window. Note, I worked/interned for a short period of time in 1979/80 in historically sensitive neighboring Salem, Mass. for now retired architect, Robert Scagliotti, while I was attending the BAC in Boston.   

    Thanks,   

    Bill Gregory, AIA

     

    Arcelab Inc. Architects

    7480 Osage Ave.

    Los Angeles, CA 90045

    Cell - 310-507-5434

    Fax - 310-910-0483

    Web Site - www.arcelab.com






  • 7.  RE: Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-13-2021 10:51 AM
    In an economical project years ago we installed exterior aluminum storm windows with their single pane glass on the inside of  historic windows.  We used black painted frames to not detract from the beauty of the old windows.  

    It worked for less energy loss....why not the screens?  They could be full screens or 1/2 depending on your windows.

    ------------------------------
    Nelson B. Nave AIA
    Owner
    Nelson Breech Nave, AIA Architect
    Kalamazoo MI
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Screens for historic windows

    Posted 01-13-2021 11:04 AM
      |   view attached
    Seems like it could work in theory.  They are scrutinizing all of the interior details as well, but something has to give to find a usable solution.  I think I have thought of every possible solution except this simple one!

    ------------------------------
    John Crowell
    Deer Hill Architects, LLC
    Peabody MA
    ------------------------------