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2 <br />American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U- <br />value for an old single glazed wood window in excellent condition is 0.8–0.99. If that is the top <br />end of where we can hope to get (dropping to maybe 0.55 with new storm windows), we are still <br />nowhere near the energy-efficiency levels afforded by low-E double paned glass windows <br />(which tend to have a U-value around 0.3 or lower). We gradually came to realize that in the <br />best case scenario, if we restored the windows and replaced the storm windows, we would a) <br />have a similar or larger expense than good replacement insert options; b) not restore the home <br />to its original aesthetic and character, since the original did not include storm windows; c) have <br />a dramatically longer lead time (since each window would have to be individually removed, <br />repaired at the shop, and returned); and d) have a finished product that would not really <br />improve our quality of life (via sound abatement), nor have a positive environmental impact <br />with better energy efficiency. <br />After much deliberation and consultation with a number of window experts, then, we feel that <br />the house would best be served by wood-clad replacement window inserts, using the reputable <br />Marvin brand’s highest window line (Marvin Ultimate: <br />https://www.marvin.com/products/collections/signature/ultimate/double-hung-g2). Vinyl was <br />out of the question for us, as was vinyl composite material. We thought about fiberglass, but we <br />really want to maintain the material integrity of the house as far as we can, so we would opt <br />for full wood replacement windows in almost all cases. We would replicate the cottage-style <br />double hung windows throughout (some of the existing replacements have not done this), using <br />inserts that preserve the beauty and integrity of the original exterior and interior trim. Four of <br />the 22 windows, which are smaller and located on the second floor at the back of the house, <br />would be replaced with the Marvin Elevate window, their second-highest line which is wood on <br />the inside and durable fiberglass composite on the outside. We would replace one large picture <br />window on the main level (which is itself not an original window), but preserve the interior and <br />exterior trim. Importantly, we would not replace the two original stained glass windows. These <br />will be left in place. We would also leave in place the attic windows, which include several <br />windows with original wood grids. Our approach is to replace only windows for which a <br />comparable replacement exists. <br />Attached you will find the detailed estimate from Quality Window & Door, Inc., a local and <br />reputable company that has replaced windows and doors on historic South Bend homes in the <br />past. This estimate gives all the details of the materials to be used, scale, dimensions, finishes, <br />etc. We will not be changing the existing color, keeping with the current white trim exterior. <br />On the main level we will be staining the wood interior to match the surrounding trim. On the <br />main level also we are including antique brass hardware that approximates the original <br />window aesthetic, and we will reclaim original handle hardware and install it on the new wood <br />windows. We would gladly donate the old sashes to the City, which we understand holds a <br />stock of old windows for restoration projects. <br />As should be clear from the sample photographs below, the windows on our home need <br />significant attention. Rather than try to replace them at the cheapest cost possible, we are <br />trying to take our duty of care for this historic home seriously, and we think that this solution <br />will not only remedy our current significant problems with sound and energy efficiency—and <br />the other issues that come with windows that are only semi-functional and impossible to <br />clean!—but will go a long way to restoring the original aesthetic, character, and beauty of this <br />house. Our house’s windows have suffered from a hodge-podge approach to repair and <br />restoration under previous owners; we hope to return the windows to a unified design that is in <br />historic character. Thank you for taking the time to consider this proposal.