Standards and Guidelines 2023-0607

Home Browse Search

City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 31 Residential Standards: Windows Install new storm windows • New storm windows should match the size of the window openings on which they are installed in the material, size, frame to glass proportion, the divisions of the sash, and color . The color of the storms should match the trim around the opening . • Double or triple track aluminum storms are acceptable if they match the underlying trim and lite pattern . Repair or install shutters by windows where no shutters exist • Shutters should not be installed on buildings where no evidence of their original installation exists . • Existing shutters should be repaired with the same materials . • If historic shutters are deteriorated beyond repair, new shutters should be made to match the originals in material, size and installed the same way as the originals were installed . • Composite materials for the replicated shutters may be considered if the design, profile, and installation match the original . • Shutters that are installed to replicate original missing units must appear to be operational in their mounting . Repair or replace deteriorated decorative windows such as leaded, stained-glass panels • Decorative windows shall be retained and repaired . • When deteriorated beyond repair as determined by an expert with experience working on the window type, restoration should include retaining the glass within a new frame that matches the original frame in size, materials, and design . Projects involving lead remediation The following pertains only to the nature of the work as it pertains to historic aspects of the project . Owners or their representatives must ensure when conducting lead remediation, that all work complies with local, state, and federal standards . Read more about the EPA RPP rule on lead remediation here . • Original wall cladding that contains lead should be maintained and repaired rather than removed and replaced . • Encapsulation and/or removal of lead paint using safe tools and techniques before applying a new non-lead paint is the preferred project approach over wholesale replacement of original materials. The following is not recommended and generally not approved by the Commission: • Vinyl clad or full vinyl sash/frame insert replacement . • Sashes that are smaller than the original frames, openings, or glass size to frame ratio . • Sashes that are larger than the original frames, openings, or glass size to frame ratio . • Changes in operation such as double hung to casement, steel fixed to double hung, double hung to jalousie. • New windows that have applied glass divisions but do not have an interior divider in the insulated glass . Administratively Approvable New wood storms that match the profile, size, and color of the window openings on which they are installed. New double/triple track aluminum storm windows in colors that match the window trim on which they are installed. Administratively Approvable Replacement of existing shutters with new that match in materials, design, and installation method. Administratively Approvable Repair of deteriorated decorative windows with materials that match the original. Lead Paint Historic buildings may have lead paint– refer to the section on lead paint here to understand lead safe work practices .