D. Hart Report on site visit to 40 Derby StreetReport on site visit to 40 Derby St., Salem Mass. June 8, 2016.
According to the MHC Form B, the building is described as have been built in 1907
and was recorded in 1995. At that time it was reported that most of the windows
where replacement vinyl windows but there were a few wooden two over two
window units extent. These windows seem to have prevailed until today. The
exterior was reportedly cement asbestos shingles which appeared to have survived
until today. It would appear that the best approach to replacing the windows at this
point would be to use either single glaze wooden windows of two over two
configuration, or thermal windows in wood (Pella Architectural Series) in a two
over two configuration. If single glazed windows are chosen, an exterior storm
window would protect the window units and would be as efficient or more efficient
than double glazed windows as has been reported in many publications regarding
window treatment.
The use of wooden windows would be appropriate, and if in the future the owners
decide to remove the cement asbestos shingles and restore the clapboards or
shingles beneath, the appearance would be then restored back to the approximate
1907 original appearance.
Publications that deal with the issues of window repairs and history include the
National Park Services’
Preservation Brief No. 9 The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
These can be found on the internet at https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-
preserve/briefs
David M. Hart, AIA, 6/9/2106