119 LaPorte Avenue_COA 2021-0205

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1 Description of Project Window & Storm Door replacement at 119 Laporte Avenue We moved into our home at 119 Laporte Avenue in Fall 2018 knowing that at some point we would need to restore or replace many of the existing windows. Previous owners had attempted to remedy some of the problems associated with the original large, single-pane wood windows, with mixed success. Several window sashes were replaced, but unfortunately not professionally, it seems. Both the original and replacements have poor sound abatement, leak far too much air, show signs of excess damage (including rot) and in some cases are not functional at all. At some point outer storm windows were installed over virtually all the windows. Unfortunately, these were not installed terribly well or according to the “cottage style” of the original windows (~60:40), but 50:50, resulting in the bars between the lower and upper sashes being mismatched throughout the house (this can be observed in the attached photographs). They also make cleaning the windows all but impossible. Just as problematically, the storm windows ruin the original aesthetic and character of the house. One can see from the 19th century image of the house that there were originally no storm windows, and the windows are set back inside the frames. In terms of the front porch, a previous owner installed a set of storm doors that obscure the beauty of the original door, with bars running across the glass. They are also in bad shape. We would replace these storm doors with full-view glass to help showcase the original front door. In an effort to remedy the problems with the windows, as well as help restore the original aesthetic and historical character of the house, we looked into various options. Our first desire was simply to restore the windows (ideally, removing the storm windows in the process, or if not, building new storm windows that fit with the original windows). The first major hurdle to this is the fact that at least five of the windows are not original, and four of these are in prominent street view on the front (east) and south sides of the house. If only these windows were replaced, the aesthetic disconnect would continue due to the ongoing presence of the mismatched storm windows installed by a previous owner over virtually all the windows. As for the windows that appear to be original, many suffer from extensive damage, rot, glass scratching, glass cracks, and other problems. The restoration company H. G. Christman told us they could not give an exact figure on restoring these windows, as the extent of damage and restoration work needed will not be known until the sashes are physically removed, the side wells inspected, etc. The expense skyrockets for the windows that are stained rather than painted, as restoration in these cases essentially involves getting an artist to mimic the original as closely as possible on restored parts of the frame. Crucially, restoration of these windows would not significantly enhance energy efficiency or sound abatement in the home. In fact, if we were to try to shoulder the significant cost of restoring the windows that might be capable of restoration, and removed the storm windows to best approximate the original aesthetic of the home, we would be in a far worse position in terms of energy efficiency and sound abatement. A major impetus for this project is better sound abatement. Laporte Ave serves as a thoroughfare for emergency vehicles day and night, as well as being a high-traffic road generally; it is known for significant and consistent street noise (sound levels, in other words, rarely if ever encountered when the home was originally built). The old single pane glass, even with the current storm windows, is simply insufficient to the task of abating the sound: this affects not only our sleep, but also our work (we both often need to work from home) and day to day life. This is our home, not a museum. When it became clear consulting, for instance, with H. G. Christman, that the old single pane glass would remain even after the significant expense and time put into restoration (thus not greatly improving sound abatement), we hesitated. Not only that, but energy efficiency is another significant concern. According to the