Project Justification WindowsProject: Replacement of Windows.
Owner: Victoria Nielsen (victoria.nlsn@gmail.com; 413-230-4188).
Address of Work: 7 N Pine Street, Unit 1, Salem MA 01970 (McIntire District; condominium).
Contractor: FRG Contractors, Inc. (https://www.frgcontractor.com/).
Scope of the Project
Owner requests permission to replace ten windows in residential condominium in historical building. The windows are pictured and numbered in Appendix A. There are five windows on the
first floor and five windows on the sublevel. Three windows face the rear of the building towards the parking lot, one window faces an adjacent neighbor’s property, and six face N Pine
Street.
Justification for the Project
The unit has ten windows, all of which require replacement. Prior to engaging with FRG Contractors, owner had assessments of the windows completed by two different contractors specializing
in window repair and restoration. Both contractors determined that:
The windows are not original material/ historical windows. The windows were updated to “modern” double-pane windows, possibly in the 1980s or 1990s (exact date unknown; current owner
purchased the property in September 2024).
The current windows are not reparable. Both declined the project and recommended that the owner undertake complete replacement.
Owner also had a home energy assessment as part of the Mass Save program, which also recommended that owner replace windows.
Unit owner raised concerns with windows to Patti Kelleher in the Salem Planning and Community Development, who was very helpful in providing guidance on the process and provided information
on past window replacements in the building.
Issues with the current windows include the following (with pictures where applicable):
Rotted sill and frame (example in Appendices B and C).
Failed seal (example in Appendix D).
Non-functioning locking mechanisms (example in Appendix E).
Large gaps between the window frame and the interior molding (example in Appendix F).
Damage to the window frame (possibly by prior owner’s pet(?); Appendix F).
Drafts noted from the windows.
At least three windows cannot be opened at all.
One window will not stay open.
Water intrusion through at least two windows (even when the storm windows are sealed).
Specifications of Replacement Windows
We request permission to replace windows with ten Andersen Fibrex windows. Fibrex is a composite material of wood fiber and polymer. Fibrex mimics the appearance of wood and roughly
40% of the material is wood fiber. To replace the windows, there are two possibilities:
The 100 Series: these are 100% Fibrex material but are single hung windows (current windows are double hung). Please see manufacturer specifications here: Andersen Fibrex 100 Series
The 400 series: these are Fibrex but have cladding on the exterior – either aluminum or vinyl. Contractor did check with manufacturers and is unable to obtain 400 series without cladding.
Please see manufacturer specifications here: Andersen Fibrex 400 Series
The 400 series is preferred for its double hung features; however, applicant recognizes that the cladding may be problematic. Both options are provided here for the committee’s consideration.
Regardless of the series, the windows will match configuration and pattern of current windows with the following:
Replacement windows will match current window dimensions and size.
Both series have a similar appearance to current windows.
On windows #3, #4, and #5, exterior facing simulated muntins will be applied to match current appearance on both top and bottom window (please note that the other current windows do
not have muntins).
Rotted window frame and windowsill will be restored.
Windowsill/ frame and exterior facing aspects of the windows, including muntins and cladding (if applicable), will be painted to match the current color (pink/ salmon color of the building).
The storm windows will not be modified.
Environmental Impact
Fibrex requires less maintenance and is more durable than pure wood or vinyl windows, resulting in a longer lifespan and thus less landfill waste. Fibrex is also a highly effective insulator,
reducing energy demands by the household (which currently are extensive despite keeping the temperature at 63 F maximum, partially due to thermal loss from the windows). Old windows
will be disposed of appropriately.
Appendix A. Current Windows at 7 N Pine Street, Unit One.
Window #1 & Window #2 (rear of the building facing parking lot; sublevel)
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Window #3 (rear of building facing parking lot; first floor)
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Window #4 (side of building facing adjacent property; first floor)
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Window #5 (front of building facing N Pine Street; first floor)
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Window #6 (front of building facing N Pine Street; first floor)
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Window #7 (front of building facing N Pine Street; first floor)
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Window #8 and Window #9 (front of building facing N Pine Street; sublevel)
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Window #10 (front of building facing N Pine Street; sublevel)
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Appendix B. Example rotted window frame.
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Appendix C. Example rotted windowsill.
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Appendix D. Example failed seal.
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Appendix E. Non-functioning locking mechanism.
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Appendix F. Scratch marks (pet?) on window frame and large gap between window and interior molding.
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