Rehabilitation Strategy: Replace

Recommended

• Replacing in kind an entire window that is too deteriorated to repair using the same sash and pane configuration and other design details
• If using the same kind of material is not technically or economically feasible, then a compatible substitute material may be considered

Not Recommended

• Removing a character-defining window that is unrepairable and blocking it in; or replacing it with a new window that does not convey the same visual appearance

Rehabilitation Strategy: Design for Missing Historic Features

Recommended

• Designing and installing new windows when the historic windows are completely missing
• Replacement windows may be:
  • an accurate restoration
  • a new design that is compatible with the window openings and the historic character of the building

Not Recommended

• Creating a false historical appearance because the replaced window is based on insufficient historical, pictorial, and physical documentation
• Introducing a new design that is incompatible with the historic character of the building

Rehabilitation Strategy: Building Additions or Alterations

Recommended

• Designing and installing additional windows on rear or other-non character-defining elevations if required by the new use
• New window openings may be cut into exposed party walls
  • compatible with the overall design of the building
  • don't duplicate the fenestration pattern and detailing of a character-defining elevation
• Providing a setback in the design of dropped ceilings to allow for the full height of the window openings

Not Recommended

• Installing new windows that are incompatible with the building's historic appearance
• Inserting new floors or furred-down ceilings which cut across the glazed areas of windows

Rehabilitation Strategy: Energy Retrofitting

Recommended

• Utilizing inherent energy conserving features
• Improving thermal efficiency
• Installing interior storm windows
• Installing exterior storm windows which do not damage or obscure the windows and frames
• Considering the use of lightly tinted glazing on non-character-defining elevations

Not Recommended

• Removing historic shading devices
• Replacing historic multi-paned sash with new thermal sash utilizing false muntins or no muntins
• Installing interior storm windows that damage the historic window
• Installing inappropriate exterior storm windows
• Replacing operable windows with fixed glass or inoperable sash
• Using tinted or reflective glazing on character-defining or other conspicuous elevations

Summary of Historic Tax Credit Programs

The chart below summarizes the criteria and applicability of either 10% or 20% tax credits available for certified historic building rehabilitation. For future updates to this information, please refer to the latest documents available from the National Park Service.