15-93 Resolution No. 15-93
RESOLUTION
ADOPTING AMENDED TEXT FOR THE ELGIN DESIGN GUIDELINE
MANUAL FOR LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS
REGARDING THE TEXT FOR REPLACEMENT OF WINDOWS
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN,ILLINOIS,that
the attached amended text, revised June 24, 2015, for the City of Elgin Guideline Manual for
Landmarks and Historic Districts regarding the text for replacement of windows,are hereby adopted
and approved by the City Council as the City of Elgin's guidelines for such program.
s/David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor
Presented: June 24, 2015
Adopted: June 24, 2015
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
Dated Revised June 24, 2015
General Narrative
Elgin's dwellings display a wide variety of historic wood windows in various sash designs and
sizes. It is preferred that wood windows should be repaired to match the original design. In
some instances it is less expensive to repair windows than to replace them with new
windows.
Where original wood windows are replaced, the installation of new wood windows to
match the original design is recommended. Aluminum clad windows are also acceptable as
replacement windows. Factors to be considered in determining whether the severity of
deterioration of windows requires replacement shall include but not be limited to the
following factors: damage, excessive weathering, loss of soundness or integrity of the wood,
deterioration due to rot or insect attack, and cost to repair. As to the factor of the cost to
repair windows, a particular window may be permitted to be replaced rather than repaired
if the estimated cost to repair the windows is more than the estimated cost of the purchase
and installation of appropriate replacement windows.
Windows may also be replaced without consideration of the severity of deterioration of the
windows, provided, however, character defining features such as its size, shape, operation,
frame, sash dimensions, glass configuration, material, and finish (generally a painted
surface) must all match the original window profile as close as possible.
Guidelines
A. which are original should be preserved in their original location, size, and design and
with their original materials and numbers of panes (glass lights).
B. which are not original should not be added to primary facades or to secondary facades
where readily visible.
C. repair is preferable to replacement, but if replaced the recommended replacement
should be in-kind to match the original window profile in material and design.
D. The replacement of a building's original wood or steel windows will be deemed
acceptable if the replacement in-kind is as close of a match as possible to the original
window's material, profile, and configuration. "Replacement-in-kind" windows are
windows that closely match the original window material and form (style, dimension,
texture, and detailing).
Wood replacement windows for original or non-original windows will also be considered
provided that the proposed window profile will continue to complement the historic
character of the building and district.
Dated Revised June 24, 2015
Replacement windows will be considered upon consideration of a submitted photo of the
existing window or a drawing which identifies the dimensions of the existing sash and as
applicable, muntins, mullions, transoms, and any other window details is submitted. A
manufacturer's specification or standard cut sheet with the replacement window details
will also be required prior to window replacement approval.
The replacement of just the sash with new sash installed to fit the existing frame rather
than the replacement of an entire window is recommended and preferred. Window
openings may not be modified to accommodate a replacement window.
E. Windows clad in aluminum or baked-on aluminum are acceptable as replacement
windows for use throughout the structure. Factors to be considered in determining whether
the severity of deterioration of windows requires replacement shall include but not be
limited to the following factors: damage, excessive weathering, loss of soundness or
integrity of the wood, deterioration due to rot or insect attack, and cost to repair. As to the
factor of the cost to repair windows, a particular window may be permitted to be replaced
rather than repaired if the estimated cost to repair the windows is more than the estimated
cost of the purchase and installation of appropriate replacement windows.
F. which are original of steel or aluminum should be repaired with materials to match the
original. If repair is not feasible, replacement should be with new windows to match the
original as closely as possible in materials and dimensions. Aluminum extruded windows are
an acceptable replacement substitute for original steel sash windows, as long as their size,
shape and profile match the original windows.
G. Vinyl extruded windows are not permitted for use on structures that are determined to
be significant or contributing to the overall character of the historic district or landmark. On
structures determined to be non-contributing by virtue of vintage or date of construction
outside of the period of significance of the historic district in which they are located, the
installation of replacement windows will be allowed provided that:
a. The replacement windows are of a material appropriate to the time period or
architectural style of the building, and
b. The replacement windows are built to match the size of the opening, the original
window configuration, and to the greatest extent possible, the profile and detail
appropriate to the style of the building.
H. which are new should not have snap-on or flush muntins. True divided muntins are
preferred over these types of muntins which do not have the same appearance as historic
windows. New muntins which are an integral part of the window sash and installed on both
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Dated Revised June 24, 2015
sides of the glass are preferable to snap-on simple grilles. Muntins that are permanently
affixed to the exterior of the window glass may also be permitted.
I. screens and/or storms should be wood or baked-on or anodized aluminum and fit within
the window frames.
J. that are approved for replacement may be fitted with new double-paned Low-E glass that
will improve the energy conservation on the interior. Only low-e glass that does not contain
a tint should be used.
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