802-NRM19-05_Treatment_Plan.pdf

TREATMENT PLAN

BALTIMORE NATIONAL CEMETERY

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING/MAINTENANCE GARAGE

REPAIRS AND LIFE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

CATONSVILLE AND CITY OF BALITMORE,

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

Prepared for:

ARCHITURA CORPORATION

August 2018 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 OVERVIEW

2.0 PROJECT UNDERSTANDING

3.0 APPROACH FOR USING THE TREATMENT PLAN

4.0 BUILDING MATERIAL: WOOD

4.1 IDENTIFY, RETAIN, AND PRESERVE: WOOD

4.2 PROTECT AND MAINTAIN: WOOD

4.3 REPAIR: WOOD

4.4 REPLACE: WOOD

4.5 DESIGNING THE REPLACEMENT FOR MISSING HISTORIC

FEATURES: WOOD

5.0 BUILDING FEATURE: WINDOWS

5.1 IDENTIFY, RETAIN, AND PRESERVE: WINDOWS

5.2 PROTECT AND MAINTAIN: WINDOWS

5.3 REPAIR: WINDOWS

5.4 REPLACE: WINDOWS

5.5 DESIGNING THE REPLACEMENT FOR MISSING HISTORIC

FEATURES: WINDOWS

5.6 ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIONS FOR A NEW USE: WINDOWS

6.0 BUILDING FEATURE: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

6.1 IDENTIFY, RETAIN, AND PRESERVE: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES .. 19

6.2 PROTECT AND MAINTAIN: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

6.3 REPAIR: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

6.4 REPLACE: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

6.5 DESIGNING THE REPLACEMENT FOR MISSING HISTORIC

FEATURES: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

APPENDICES:

I Standard for Rehabilitation II Preservation Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows III Preservation Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork IV Preservation Brief 16: The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic

Building Exteriors V Preservation Brief 37: Appropriate Methods of Reducing Lead-Paint on Historic Housing

Christine Davis Consultants, Inc., Treatment Plan

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

1.0 OVERVIEW

The proposed undertaking will involve repairs and Life Safety Design Improvements to the Administration Building/Maintenance Garage within the Baltimore National Cemetery. The cemetery is located at 5501 Frederick Avenue and is partially within Catonsville, Baltimore County and partially within the City of Baltimore. The agency for the project is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Association (NCA).

The Baltimore National Cemetery is a historic resource listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Maryland Inventory of Historic Places (MIHP) No. B-5146 and BA-3239; National Park Service (NPS) Reference No.

16000059; Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS) MD-4-A and MD-4-B).

The resource is part of a Multiple Property Submission known as the Inter-World War National Cemeteries 1936 to 1939. Baltimore National Cemetery is one of seven national cemeteries established between 1936 and 1939. These seven resources are listed on the National Register under Criterion A for their association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history, specifically, the expansion of the National Cemetery System during the Inter-World War period.

On May 10, 2018, a Project Review Form was submitted to the Maryland

Historical Trust/Maryland State Historic Preservation Office (MHT/MDSHPO). In a letter dated June 21, 2018, MHT/MDSHPO responded and stated that all proposed work must conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties in order to avoid an adverse effect on historic properties. MHT/MDSHPO determined that the proposed rehabilitation will have no adverse effect on historic properties and no further comment from their office would be needed if the following conditions are met:

All existing wood windows will be repaired as needed and left in place. Any windows that are deteriorated beyond repair will be replaced “in-kind,” with new wood features that match the old in design, materials, pane division, and appearance.

Historic exterior wood features such as the portico, trim, cornice, louvers, and half timbers, will be repaired as needed. Features that are deteriorated beyond repair will be replaced “in-kind,” with new wood features that match the old in design, materials, and appearance.

The garage doors will be replaced with doors more in keeping with the architectural style of the site or modern coiling doors colored to blend into the stone walls.

Interior structure changes to historic fabric identified during the life safety design review will be submitted to the MHT/MDSHPO for review and comment. If required, an addendum to the Treatment Plan will be completed.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

2.0 PROJECT UNDERSTANDING

The project involves exterior building repairs and related Life Safety Design improvements for the Administration Building/Maintenance Garage, a building within the Baltimore National Cemetery, which itself part of the National Register-listed Inter-World War National Cemeteries 1936 to 1939. The Administration Building/Maintenance Garage is one building. The “Administration Building” is the eastern portion of the building while the “Maintenance Garage” is the western portion. The Rehabilitation Treatment of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties should be applied to one building material, Wood, and two building features, Windows and Entrances and Porches. A treatment for the interior Life Safety design will be submitted as an addendum to this document, if applicable.

Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. The Rehabilitation Standards acknowledge the need to alter or add to a historic building to meet continuing or new uses while retaining the building’s historic character (Appendix I). The following historic elements will be rehabilitated as part of the undertaking:

Building Material: Wood

Historic exterior wood features such as the portico, trim, cornice, louvers, and half timbers, will be repaired or replaced.

Building Feature: Windows

All windows will be restored or replaced, including window frame, sash, storm window, shutters, hardware, and louvered blinds.

Building Feature: Entrances and Porches

Human Doors. All exterior human doors will be replaced including new door hardware and automatic door operators. The replacement of the doors will conform with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – Life Safety Code

– “Means of Egress Requirements.”

Garage Doors. All exterior garage doors located on the south side of the Maintenance Garage will be replaced, including electrical improvements. Current doors are overhead coiling doors.

Existing Portico. The existing portico structure over the main entrance of the Administration Building will be restored, including the repair and replacement of all exterior architectural woodwork that is identified as being in poor condition.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

3.0 APPROACH FOR USING THE TREATMENT PLAN

Each identified material (Wood) and feature (Windows and Entrances and Porches) will be discussed separately and organized into five categories: Identify, Retain and Preserve; Protect and Maintain; Repair; Replace; and Designing the Replacement for Missing Historic Features. The Windows section also includes a category for Alterations and Additions for a New Use.

Identify, Retain, and Preserve Historic Materials and Features. The guidance begins with recommendations to identify the form and detailing of those architectural materials and features that are important in defining the building’s historic character and which must be retained to preserve that character.

Protect and Maintain Historic Materials and Features. Protection generally involves the least degree of intervention and is preparatory to other work.

Protection includes the maintenance of historic materials and features as well as ensuring that the property is protected before and during rehabilitation work. A historic building undergoing rehabilitation will often require more extensive work.

Thus, an overall evaluation of its physical condition should always begin at this level.

Repair Historic Materials and Features. If repair is required, it should begin with the least degree of intervention possible. Repairing also includes the limited replacement in kind or with a compatible substitute material of extensively deteriorated or missing components of features when there are surviving prototypes features that can be substituted by documentary and physical evidence. Although using the same kind of material is always the preferred option, a substitute material may be an acceptable alternative if the form, design, and scale, as well as the substitute material itself, can effectively replicate the appearance of the remaining features.

Replace Deteriorated Historic Materials and Features. An entire character-defining feature may need to be replaced because the level of deterioration or damage of materials precludes repair. If the missing feature is character-defining or if it is critical to the survival of the building (e.g., a roof), it should be replaced to match the historic feature based on physical or historic documentation of its form and detailing. As with repair, the preferred option is always replacement of the entire feature in kind (i.e., with the same material, such as wood for wood).

However, when this is not feasible, a compatible substitute material that can reproduce the overall appearance of this historic material may be considered. A character-defining feature should never be removed and replaced with new material if it can reasonably be repaired and, thus, preserved.

Design for the Replacement of Missing Historic Features. When an entire interior or exterior features is missing, such as a porch, it no longer plays a role in physically defining the historic character of the building unless it can be

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland accurately recovered in form and detailing through the process of carefully documenting the historic appearance. If the feature is not critical to the survival of the building, allowing the building to remain without the feature is one option.

But if the missing feature is important to the historic character of the building, its replacement is recommended as the first, or preferred, course of action. If adequate documentary and physical evidence exists, the feature may be accurately reproduced. A second option for replacing a missing feature, particularly when the available information about the feature is inadequate to permit an accurate reconstruction, is to design a new feature that is compatible with the overall historic character of the building. The new design should always take into account the size, scale, and material of the building itself and should be clearly differentiated from the authentic historic features. For properties that have changed over time, and where those changes have acquired significance, reestablishing missing historic features generally should not be undertaken if the missing features did not coexist with the features currently on the building.

Juxtaposing historic features that did not exist concurrently will result in a false sense of the building’s history.

Alterations and Additions for a New Use. Some exterior and interior alterations to a historic building are generally needed to ensure its continued use, but it is important that such alterations do not radically change, obscure, or destroy character-defining spaces, materials, features, or finishes. Alterations may include changes to the site or setting, such as the selective removal of buildings or other features of the building site or setting that are intrusive, not character-defining, or outside the building’s period of significance.

Preservation Briefs. Four Preservation Briefs have been identified as being useful for this project: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows (Appendix II);

Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork (Appendix III); The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors (Appendix IV); and Appropriate Methods of Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards on Historic Housing (Appendix V).

This supplemental information can be used to recognize and resolve common problems prior to the commencement of the work.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

4.0 BUILDING MATERIAL: WOOD

4.1 IDENTIFY, RETAIN, AND PRESERVE: WOOD

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Identifying, retaining and preserving wood features that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building (portico, trim, cornice, louvers, half timbers, window frame, storm window, shutters, louvered blinds) and their paints, finishes, and colors.

Removing or substantially changing wood features which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.

Removing a major portion of the historic wood from a façade instead of repairing or replacing only the deteriorated wood, then reconstructing the façade with new material to achieve a uniform or “improved” appearance.

Changing the type of finish, coating, or historic color of wood features, thereby diminishing the historic character of the exterior.

Failing to renew failing paint or other coatings that are historic finishes.

Stripping historically-painted surfaces to bare wood and applying a clear finish rather than repainting.

Stripping paint or other coatings to reveal bare wood, thereby exposing historically-coated surfaces to the effects of accelerated weathering.

Removing wood siding (clapboards) or other covering (such as stucco) from log structures that were covered historically, which changes their historic character and exposes the logs to accelerated deterioration.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

4.2 PROTECT AND MAINTAIN: WOOD

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Protecting and maintaining wood features by ensuring that historic drainage features that divert rainwater from wood surfaces (such as roof overhangs, gutters, and downspouts) are intact and functioning properly.

Failing to identify and treat the causes of wood deterioration, such as faulty flashing, leaking gutters, cracks and holes in siding, deteriorated caulking in joints and seams, plant material growing too close to wood surfaces, or insect or fungal infestation.

Applying chemical preservatives or paint to wood features that are subject to weathering, such as exposed beam ends, outriggers, or rafter tails.

Using chemical preservatives (such as creosote) which, unless they were used historically, can change the appearance of wood features.

Implementing an integrated pest management plan to identify appropriate preventive measures to guard against insect damage, such as installing termite guards, fumigating, and treating with chemicals.

Retaining coatings (such as paint) that protect the wood from moisture and ultraviolet light. Paint removal should be considered only when there is paint surface deterioration and as part of an overall maintenance program which involves repainting or applying other appropriate coatings.

Stripping paint or other coatings from wood features without recoating.

Removing damaged or deteriorated paint to the next sound layer using the gentlest method possible (e.g., hand scraping and hand sanding) prior to repainting.

Using potentially-damaging paint-removal methods on wood sur faces, such as open-flame torches, orbital sanders, abrasive methods (including sandblasting, other media blasting, or high-pressure water), or caustic paint-removers.

Removing paint that is firmly adhered to wood surfaces.

Using chemical strippers primarily to supplement other methods such as hand scraping, hand sanding, and thermal devices.

Failing to neutralize the wood thoroughly after using chemical paint removers so that new paint may not adhere.

Removing paint from detachable wood features by soaking them in a caustic solution, which may roughen the surface, split the wood, or result in staining from residual acids leaching out of the wood.

Using biodegradable or environmentally-safe cleaning or paint- removal products.

Using paint-removal methods that employ a poultice to which paint adheres, when possible, to neatly and safely remove old lead paint.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

Using thermal devices (such as infrared heaters) carefully to remove paint when it is so deteriorated that total removal is necessary prior to repainting.

Using a thermal device to remove paint from wood features without first checking for and removing any flammable debris behind them.

Using thermal devices without limiting the amount of time the wood feature is exposed to heat.

Using coatings that encapsulate lead paint, when possible, where the paint is not required to be removed to meet environmental regulations.

Applying compatible paint coating systems to historically-painted wood following proper surface preparation.

Failing to follow manufacturers’ product and application instructions when repainting wood features.

Repainting historically-painted wood features with colors that are appropriate to the building and district. Using paint colors on historically-painted wood features that are not appropriate to the building or district.

Protecting adjacent materials when working on other wood features.

Failing to protect adjacent materials when working on wood features.

Evaluating the overall condition of the wood to determine whether more than protection and maintenance, such as repairs to wood features, will be necessary.

Failing to undertake adequate measures to ensure the protection of wood features.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

4.3 REPAIR: WOOD

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Repairing wood by patching, splicing, consolidating, or otherwise reinforcing the wood using recognized conservation methods. Repair may include the limited replacement in kind or with a compatible substitute material of those extensively deteriorated or missing components of wood features when there are surviving prototypes, such as brackets, molding, or sections of siding.

Removing wood that could be stabilized, repaired, and conserved, or using untested consolidants and unskilled personnel, potentially causing further damage to historic materials.

Replacing an entire wood feature, such as a cornice or balustrade, when repair of the wood and limited replacement of deteriorated or missing components is feasible.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

4.4 REPLACE: WOOD

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Replacing in kind an entire wood feature that is too deteriorated to repair (if the overall form and detailing are still evident) using physical evidence as a model to reproduce the feature or when the replacement can be based on historic documentation. Examples of such wood features include a cornice, entablature, or a balustrade. If using wood is not feasible, then a compatible substitute material may be considered.

Removing a wood feature that is unrepairable and not replacing it, or replacing it with a new feature that does not match.

Using substitute material for the replacement that does not convey the same appearance of the surviving components of the wood feature.

Replacing a deteriorated wood feature or wood siding on a primary or other highly-visible elevation with a new matching wood feature.

Replacing a deteriorated wood feature or wood siding on a primary or other highly-visible elevation with a composite substitute material.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

4.5 DESIGNING THE REPLACEMENT FOR MISSING HISTORIC

FEATURES: WOOD

This work should only be considered after the preservation concerns have been addressed.

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Designing and installing a replacement masonry feature, such as a step or door pediment, when the historic feature is completely missing. It may be an accurate restoration based on documentary and physical evidence, but only when the historic feature to be replaced coexisted with the features currently on the building. Or, it may be a new design that is compatible with the size, scale, material, and color of the historic building.

Creating an inaccurate appearance because the replacement for the missing masonry feature is based upon insufficient physical or historic documentation, is not a compatible design, or because the feature to be replaced did not coexist with the features currently on the building.

Introducing a new wood feature that is incompatible in size, scale, material, or color.

5.0 BUILDING FEATURE: WINDOWS

5.1 IDENTIFY, RETAIN, AND PRESERVE: WINDOWS

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Identifying, retaining, and preserving windows and their functional and decorative features that are important to the overall character of the building. The window material and how the window operates (e.g., double hung, casement, awning, or hopper) are significant, as are its components (including sash, muntins, ogee lugs, glazing, pane configuration, sills, mullions, casings, or brick molds) and related features, such as shutters.

Removing or substantially changing windows or window features which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.

Changing the appearance of windows that contribute to the historic character of the building by replacing materials, finishes, or colors which noticeably change the sash, depth of the reveal, and muntin configurations; the reflectivity and color of the glazing; or the appearance of the frame.

Obscuring historic wood window trim with metal or other material. Replacing windows solely because of peeling paint, broken glass, Replacing windows soley because of their peeling paint, broken glass, stuck sash, or high air infiltration.

These conditions, in themselves, do not indicate that windows are beyond repair.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

5.2 PROTECT AND MAINTAIN: WINDOWS

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Protecting and maintaining the wood or metal which comprises the window jamb, sash, and trim through appropriate treatments, such as cleaning, paint removal, and reapplication of protective coating systems.

Failing to protect and maintain window materials on a cyclical basis so that deterioration of the window results.

Protecting windows against vandalism before work begins by covering them and by installing alarm systems that are keyed into local protection agencies.

Leaving windows unprotected and subject to vandalism before work begins, thereby also allowing the interior to be damaged if it can be accessed through unprotected windows.

Making windows weathertight by recaulking gaps in fixed joints and replacing or installing weather-stripping.

Protecting windows from chemical cleaners, paint, or abrasion during work on the exterior of the building.

Failing to protect historic windows from chemical cleaners, paint, or abrasion when work is being done on the exterior of the building.

Protecting and retaining historic glass when replacing putty or repairing other components of the window.

Failing to protect the historic glass when making window repairs.

Sustaining the historic operability of windows by lubricating friction points and replacing broken components of the operating system (such as hinges, latches, sash chains or cords) and replacing deteriorated gaskets or insulating units.

Failing to maintain windows and window components so that windows are inoperable or sealing operable sash permanently.

Failing to repair and reuse window hardware such as sash lifts, latches, and locks.

Adding storm windows with a matching or a one-over-one pane configuration that will not obscure the characteristics of the historic windows. Storm windows improve energy efficiency and are especially beneficial when installed over wood windows because they also protect them from accelerated deterioration.

Adding interior storm windows as an alternative to exterior storm windows when appropriate.

Installing sash locks, window guards, removable storm windows, and other reversible treatments to meet safety, security, or energy conservation requirements.

Evaluating the overall condition of the windows to determine whether more than protection and maintenance, such as repairs to windows and window features, will be necessary.

Failing to undertake adequate measures to ensure the protection of window features.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

5.3 REPAIR: WINDOWS

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Repairing window frames and sash by patching, splicing, consolidating, or otherwise reinforcing them using recognized preservation methods. Repair may include the limited replacement in kind or with a compatible substitute material of those extensively deteriorated, broken, or missing components of features when there are surviving prototypes, such as sash, sills, hardware, or shutters.

Removing window features that could be stabilized, repaired, or conserved using untested consolidants, improper repair techniques, or unskilled personnel, potentially causing further damage to the historic materials.

Replacing an entire window when repair of the window and limited replacement of deteriorated or missing components are feasible.

Removing glazing putty that has failed and applying new putty; or, if glass is broken, carefully removing all putty, replacing the glass, and reputtying.

Installing new glass to replace broken glass which has the same visual characteristics as the historic glass.

5.4 REPLACE: WINDOWS

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Replacing in kind an entire window that is too deteriorated to repair (if the overall form and detailing are still evident) using the physical evidence as a model to reproduce the feature or when the replacement can be based on historic documentation. If using the same kind of material is not feasible, then a compatible substitute material may be considered

Removing a character-defining window that is unrepairable or is not needed for the new use and blocking up the opening or replacing it with a new window that does not match.

Using substitute material for the replacement that surviving components of the window or that is physically incompatible.

Modifying a historic single-glazed sash to accommodate insulated glass when it will not jeopardize the soundness of the sash or significantly alter its appearance.

Modifying a historic single-glazed sash to accommodate insulated glass when it will jeopardize the soundness of the sash or significantly alter its appearance.

Using low-e glass with the least visible tint in new or replacement windows.

Using low-e glass with a dark tint in new or replacement windows, thereby negatively impacting the historic character of the building.

Using window grids rather than true divided lights on windows on the upper floors of high-rise buildings if they will not be noticeable.

Using window grids rather than true divided lights on windows in low-rise buildings or on lower floors of high-rise buildings where they will be noticeable, resulting in a change to the historic character of the building.

Ensuring that spacer bars in between double panes of glass are the same color as the window sash.

Using spacer bars in between double panes of glass that are not the same color as the window sash.

Replacing all of the components in a glazing system if they have failed because of faulty design or materials that have deteriorated with new material that will improve the window performance without noticeably changing the historic appearance.

Replacing all of the components in a glazing system with new material will noticeably change the historic appearance.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

5.5 DESIGNING THE REPLACEMENT FOR MISSING HISTORIC

FEATURES: WINDOWS

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Designing and installing a new window or its components, such as frames, sash, and glazing, when the historic feature is completely missing. It may be an accurate restoration based on documentary and physical evidence, but only when the historic feature to be replaced coexisted with the features currently on the building. Or, it may be a new design that is compatible with the size, scale, material, and color of the historic building.

Creating an inaccurate appearance because the replacement for the missing window is based upon insufficient physical or historic documentation, is not a compatible design, or because the feature to be replaced did not coexist with the features currently on the building.

Installing replacement windows made from other materials that are not the same as the material of the original windows if they would have a noticeably different appearance from the remaining historic windows.

5.6 ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIONS FOR A NEW USE: WINDOWS

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Adding new window openings on rear or other secondary, less- visible elevations, if required by a new use. The new openings and the windows in them should be compatible with the overall design of the building but, in most cases, not duplicate the historic fenestration.

Changing the number, location, size, or glazing pattern of windows on primary or highly-visible elevations which will alter the historic character of the building.

Cutting new openings on character-defining elevations or cutting new openings that damage or destroy significant features.

Adding balconies at existing window openings or new window openings on primary or other highly-visible elevations where balconies never existed and, therefore, would be incompatible with the historic character of the building.

Replacing windows that are too deteriorated to repair using the same sash and pane configuration, but with new windows that operate differently, if necessary, to accommodate a new use. Any change must have minimal visual impact. Examples could include replacing hopper or awning windows with casement windows, or adding a realigned and enlarged operable portion of industrial steel windows to meet life-safety codes.

Replacing a window that contributes to the historic character of the building with a new window that is different in design (such as glass divisions or muntin profiles), dimensions, materials (wood, metal, or glass), finish or color, or location that will have a noticeably different appearance from the historic windows, which may negatively impact the character of the building.

Installing impact-resistant glazing, when necessary for security, so that it is compatible with the historic windows and does not damage them or negatively impact their character.

Installing impact-resistant glazing, when necessary for security, that is incompatible with the historic windows and that damages them or negatively impacts their character.

Using compatible window treatments (such as frosted glass, appropriate shades or blinds, or shutters) to retain the historic character of the building when it is necessary to conceal mechanical equipment, for example, that the new use requires be placed in a location behind a window or windows on a primary or highly- visible elevation.

Removing a character-defining window to conceal mechanical equipment or to provide privacy for a new use of the building by blocking up the opening.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

6.0 BUILDING FEATURE: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

6.1 IDENTIFY, RETAIN, AND PRESERVE: ENTRANCES AND

PORCHES

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Identifying, retaining, and preserving entrances and porches and their functional and decorative features that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building. The materials themselves (including masonry, wood, and metal) are significant, as are their features, such as doors, transoms, pilasters, columns, balustrades, stairs, roofs, and projecting canopies.

Removing or substantially changing entrances and porches which are important in defining the overall historic character of the building so that, as a result, the character is diminished.

Cutting new entrances on a primary façade.

Altering utilitarian or service entrances so they compete visually with the historic primary entrance;

increasing their size so that they appear significantly more important; or adding decorative details that cannot be documented to the building or are incompatible with the building’s historic character.

Retaining a historic entrance or porch even though it will no longer be used because of a change in the building’s function.

Removing a historic entrance or porch that will no longer be required for the building’s new use.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

6.2 PROTECT AND MAINTAIN: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Protecting and maintaining the masonry, wood, and metals which comprise entrances and porches through appropriate surface treatments, such as cleaning, paint removal, and reapplication of protective coating systems.

Failing to protect and maintain entrance and porch materials on a cyclical basis so that deterioration of entrances and porches results.

Protecting entrances and porches against arson and vandalism before work begins by covering them and by installing alarm systems keyed into local protection agencies.

Leaving entrances and porches unprotected and subject to vandal ism before work begins, thereby also allowing the interior to be damaged if it can be accessed through unprotected entrances.

Protecting entrance and porch features when working on other features of the building.

Failing to protect materials and features when working on other features of the building.

Evaluating the overall condition of entrances and porches to determine whether more than protection and maintenance, such as repairs to entrance and porch features, will be necessary.

Failing to undertake adequate measures to ensure the protection of entrance and porch features.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

6.3 REPAIR: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Repairing entrances and porches by patching, splicing, consolidating dating, and otherwise reinforcing them using recognized preservation methods. Repair may include the limited replacement in kind or with a compatible substitute material of those extensively deteriorated features or missing components of features when there are surviving prototypes, such as balustrades, columns, and stairs.

Removing entrances and porches that could be stabilized, repaired, and conserved, or using untested consolidants, improper repair techniques, or unskilled personnel, potentially causing further damage to historic materials.

Replacing an entire entrance or porch feature when repair of the feature and limited replacement of deteriorated or missing components are feasible.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

6.4 REPLACE: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Replacing in kind an entire entrance or porch that is too deteriorated to repair (if the overall form and detailing are still evident) using the physical evidence as a model to reproduce the feature or when the replacement can be based on historic documentation. If using the same kind of material is not feasible, then a compatible substitute material may be considered.

Removing an entrance or porch that is unrepairable and not replacing it, or replacing it with a new entrance or porch that does not match.

Using a substitute material for the replacement that surviving components of entrance or porch features or that is physically incompatible.

Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore County, Maryland

6.5 DESIGNING THE REPLACEMENT FOR MISSING HISTORIC

FEATURES: ENTRANCES AND PORCHES

RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Designing and installing a new entrance or porch when the historic feature is completely missing or has previously been replaced by one that is incompatible. It may be an accurate restoration based on documentary and physical evidence, but only when the historic entrance or porch to be replaced coexisted with the features currently on the building. Or, it may be a new design that is compatible with the size, scale, material, and color of the historic building.

Creating an inaccurate appearance because the replacement for the missing entrance or porch is based upon insufficient physical or historic documentation, is not a compatible design, or because the feature to be replaced did not coexist with the features currently on the building.

APPENDIX I

STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION

STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION

1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal change to its distinctive materials, features, spaces and spatial relationships.

2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other historic properties, will not be undertaken.

4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture and, where possible, materials.

Replacement of missing features will be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.

8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

APPENDIX II

PRESERVATION BRIEF 9:

THE REPAIR OF HISTORIC WOODEN WINDOWS

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Cultural Resources

Heritage Preservation Services

Preservation Briefs: 9 The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows

JohnH. ~yers------------------------------------------------------------------

The windows on many historic buildings are an important aspect of the architectural character of those buildings.

Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation . This is self-evident for or namental windows, but it can be equally true for warehouses or factories where the windows may be the most dominant visual element of an otherwise plain building (see figure 1). Evaluating the significance of these windows and planning for their repair or replace ment can be a complex process involving both objective and subjective considerations . The Secretary of the In terior's Standards for Rehabilitation, and the accompany ing guidelines, call for respecting the significance of original materials and features , repairing and retaining them wherever possible, and when necessary, replacing them in kind. This Brief is based on the issues of significance and repair which are implicit in the standards, but the primary emphasis is on the technical issues of planning for the repair of windows including evaluation of their physical condition, techniques of repair, and design considerations when replacement is necessary.

Figure 1. Windows are frequently important visual focal points, especial lyon simple facades such as this mill building. Replacement of the multi pane windows here with larger panes could dramatically change the ap pearance of the building. The areas of missing windows convey the im pression of such a change. Photo: John T. Lowe

Much of the technical section presents repair techniques as an instructional guide for the do-it-yourselfer. The infor mation will be useful, however, for the architect, contrac tor, or developer on large-scale projects. It presents a methodology for approaching the evaluation and repair of existing windows, and considerations for replacement, from which the professional can develop alternatives and specify appropriate materials and procedures.

Architectural or Historical Significance Evaluating the architectural or historical significance of windows is the first step in planning for window treat ments, and a general understanding of the function and history of windows is vital to making a proper evalua tion. As a part of this evaluation, one must consider four basic window functions: admitting light to the interior spaces, providing fresh air and ventilation to the in terior, providing a visual link to the outside world, and enhancing the appearance of a building . No single factor can be disregarded when planning window treatments; for example, attempting to conserve energy by closing up or reducing the size of window openings may result in the use of more energy by increasing electric lighting loads and decreasing passive solar heat gains.

Historically, the first windows in early American houses were casement windows; that is, they were hinged at the side and opened outward. In the beginning of the eigh teenth century single- and double-hung windows were in troduced. Subsequently many styles of these vertical sliding sash windows have come to be associated with specific building periods or architectural styles, and this is an important consideration in determining the significance of windows, especially on a local or regional basis. Site specific, regionally oriented architectural comparisons should be made to determine the significance of windows in question. Although such comparisons may focus on specific window types and their details, the ultimate deter mination of significance should be made within the con text of the whole building, wherein the windows are one architectural element (see figure 2).

After all of the factors have been evaluated, windows should be considered significant to a building if they; 1) are original, 2) reflect the original design intent for the building, 3) reflect period or regional styles or building practices, 4) reflect changes to the building resulting from major periods or events, or 5) are examples of ex ceptional craftsmanship or design. Once this evaluation of significance has been completed, it is possible to pro-

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ceed with planning appropriate treatments, beginning with an investigation of the physical condition of the windows.

Physical Evaluation

The key to successful planning for window treatments is a careful evaluation of existing physical conditions on a unit-by-unit basis. A graphic or photographic system may be devised to record existing conditions and illustrate the scope of any necessary repairs. Another effective tool is a window schedule which lists all of the parts of each win dow unit. Spaces by each part allow notes on existing conditions and repair instructions. When such a schedule is completed, it indicates the precise tasks to be performed in the repair of each unit and becomes a part of the specifications. In any evaluation, one should note at a minimum, 1) window location, 2) condition of the paint,

3) condition of the frame and sill, 4) condition of the sash (rails, stiles and muntins), 5) glazing problems, 6) hard ware, and 7) the overall condition of the window (ex cellent, fair, poor, and so forth).

Many factors such as poor design, moisture, vandalism, insect attack, and lack of maintenance can contribute to window deterioration, but moisture is the primary con tributing factor in wooden window decay. All window units should be inspected to see if water is entering around the edges of the frame and, if so, the joints or seams should be caulked to eliminate this danger. The glazing putty should be checked for cracked, loose, or missing sections which allow water to saturate the wood, especial ly at the joints. The back putty on the interior side of the pane should also be inspected, because it creates a seal which prevents condensation from running down into the joinery. The sill should be examined to insure that it slopes downward away from the building and Cl-llows water to drain off. In addition, it may be advisable to cut a dripline along the underside of the sill. This almost in visible treatment will insure proper water run-off, particu-larly if the bottom of the sill is flat. Any conditions, in cluding poor original design, which permit water to come in contact with the wood or to puddle on the sill must be corrected as they contribute to deterioration of the win dow.

One clue to the location of areas of excessive moisture is the condition of the paint; therefore, each window should be examined for areas of paint failure. Since ex cessive moisture is detrimental to the paint bond, areas of paint blistering, cracking, flaking, and peeling usually identify points of water penetration, moisture saturation, and potential deterioration. Failure of the paint should not, however, be mistakenly interpreted as a sign that the wood is in poor condition and hence, irreparable. Wood is frequently in sound physical condition beneath unsight ly paint. After noting areas of paint failure, the next step is to inspect the condition of the wood, particularly at the points identified during the paint examination.

Each window should be examined for operational soundness beginning with the lower portions of the frame and sash. Exterior rainwater and interior condensation can flow downward along the window, entering and collecting at points where the flow is blocked. The sill, joints be tween the sill and jamb, corners of the bottom rails and muntin joints are typical points where water collects and deterioration begins (see figure 3). The operation of the window (continuous opening and closing over the years and seasonal temperature changes) weakens the joints, causing movement and slight separation. This process makes the joints more vulnerable to water which is readi ly absorbed into the end-grain of the wood. If severe deterioration exists in these areas, it will usually be ap parent on visual inspection, but other less severely deteri orated areas of the wood may be tested by two traditional methods using a small ice pick.

An ice pick or an awl may be used to test wood for soundness. The technique is simply to jab the pick into a wetted wood surface at an angle and pry up a small sec-

Figure 3. Deterioration of poorly maintained windows usually begins on horizontal surfaces and at joints where water can collect and saturate the wood. The problem areas are clearly indicated by paint failure due to moisture. Photo: Baird M. Smith, AlA tion of the wood. Sound wood will separate in long fibrous splinters, but decayed wood will lift up in short ir regular pieces due to the breakdown of fiber strength.

Another method of testing for soundness consists of pushing a sharp object into the wood, perpendicular to the surface. If deterioration has begun from the hidden side of a member and the core is badly decayed, the visi ble surface may appear to be sound wood. Pressure on the probe can force it through an apparently sound skin to penetrate deeply into decayed wood. This technique is especially useful for checking sills where visual access to the underside is restricted.

Following the inspection and analysis of the results, the scope of the necessary repairs will be evident and a plan for the rehabilitation can be formulated. Generally the ac tions necessary to return a window to "like new" condi tion will fall into three broad categories: 1) routine main tenance procedures, 2) structural stabilization, and 3) parts replacement. These categories will be discussed in the following sections and will be referred to respectively as Repair Class I, Repair Class II, and Repair Class III.

Each successive repair class represents an increasing level of difficulty, expense, and work time. Note that most of the points mentioned in Repair Class I are routine main tenance items and should be provided in a regular main tenance program for any building. The neglect of these routine items can contribute to many common window problems.

Before undertaking any of the repairs mentioned in the following sections all sources of moisture penetration should be identified and eliminated, and all existing decay fungi destroyed in order to arrest the deterioration pro cess.