The Do’s and Don’ts of Historic Exterior Remodeling

Remodeling the exterior of a historic home requires careful consideration of regulations designed to preserve its architectural integrity. Understanding common restrictions, prohibited alterations, and encouraged practices is essential for maintaining the property’s historical significance.

Common Regulations:

• Approval Processes: Before initiating exterior modifications, homeowners typically must obtain approval from local historic preservation commissions or architectural review boards. These bodies ensure that proposed changes align with preservation standards.
• Material Usage: Regulations often mandate the use of materials that match or closely resemble the original construction to maintain historical authenticity.

For instance, replacing wooden siding with vinyl may be prohibited.

• Design Consistency: Alterations must be consistent with the home’s original architectural style. This includes maintaining proportions, decorative elements, and overall aesthetic.

Forbidden Projects:

• Demolition of Historic Features: Removing original architectural elements, such as distinctive moldings, windows, or facades, is generally prohibited, as it diminishes the property’s historical value.
• Incompatible Additions: Adding structures that do not harmonize with the original design, such as modern extensions or additional stories, is often forbidden. These can disrupt the historical character of the home.
• Unauthorized Exterior Changes: Altering the exterior appearance without prior approval, including changing paint colors, roofing materials, or window styles, is typically not allowed. Such changes can negatively impact the historic aesthetic.

Encouraged Projects:

• Restoration of Original Features: Repairing and preserving original elements, such as windows, doors, and decorative trim, is highly encouraged to maintain historical authenticity.
• Sensitive Upgrades: Implementing necessary updates, like improving energy efficiency or structural stability, in a manner that respects the home’s historic character is supported. For example, installing storm windows that do not alter the appearance of original windows.
• Use of Authentic Materials: When replacements are necessary, using materials that match the original in composition and appearance is encouraged to preserve the historical integrity.

Fenestration : DO’s and DON’Ts

Always refer to your local HDC for the final say and guidance, this is a comprehensive list meant only to provide a general idea to the process.

• Preserve Original Windows Whenever Possible
  • Repair over replace: Original windows often have better craftsmanship and materials than modern options. Re-glazing, repairing wood rot, and adding weather stripping are great ways to maintain functionality and efficiency.
  • Conserve historic glass: Wavy or bubbled glass is a defining characteristic of older windows and should be preserved.
• Replicate the Original Design
  • If replacement is unavoidable, use historically accurate designs, materials, and profiles.
  • Match the pane configuration, muntin profiles, and proportions to the originals.
• Use Period-Appropriate Materials
  • Replace wood with wood whenever possible.
  • If alternative materials are necessary (e.g., for cost or durability), ensure they closely mimic the original in texture and appearance.
• Consider Interior Storm Windows
  • These are a reversible way to improve energy efficiency without altering the exterior appearance.
  • Storm windows can also help protect original glass from the elements.
• Work with Preservation Professionals
  • Hire craftsmen and contractors experienced in historic preservation to ensure proper techniques and materials are used.
• Adhere to Preservation Standards
  • Consult the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Research local guidelines provided by historic district commissions or preservation authorities.
• Document the Process
  • Keep records of the original window and door designs before making any changes. This documentation can guide future restoration efforts.

DON’Ts

• Don’t Remove Original Windows Without Justification
  • Unless they are beyond repair, removing original windows can drastically reduce the historic value of the home.
• Don’t Use Incompatible Materials
  • Avoid replacing wood windows with vinyl or aluminum. These materials often clash with the historical appearance and can degrade the home’s value.
• Don’t Alter the Window Size or Shape
  • Enlarging, shrinking, or changing the shape of openings disrupts the historic character and often violates preservation regulations.
• Don’t Add Reflective or Tinted Glass
  • These are not historically accurate and can alter the aesthetic of the home.
• Don’t Overlook Details
  • Elements like muntins, sills, and trim are integral to a window’s historic appearance. Avoid generic, stock windows that don’t match the original details.
• Don’t Use Synthetic Divided Lites
  • Simulated divided lites (SDLs) glued to the surface of glass look inauthentic. Opt for true divided lites or high-quality simulated options with spacer bars that match the original design.
• Don’t Ignore Local Regulations
  • Failing to get approval from historic preservation commissions can result in fines and the need to undo unapproved changes.
• Don’t Disregard Energy Efficiency Options
  • While staying true to the original design, you can incorporate solutions like storm windows, low-E coatings, and proper sealing to enhance efficiency without altering the appearance.

Exterior Siding: DO’s and DONT’s

DOs

• Preserve Original Windows Whenever Possible

  

  • Repair over replace: Original windows often have better craftsmanship and materials than modern options. Re-glazing, repairing wood rot, and adding weather stripping are great ways to maintain functionality and efficiency.
  • Conserve historic glass: Wavy or bubbled glass is a defining characteristic of older windows and should be preserved.
• Replicate the Original Design
  • If replacement is unavoidable, use historically accurate designs, materials, and profiles.
  • Match the pane configuration, muntin profiles, and proportions to the originals.
• Use Period-Appropriate Materials
  • Replace wood with wood whenever possible.
  • If alternative materials are necessary (e.g., for cost or durability), ensure they closely mimic the original in texture and appearance.
• Consider Interior Storm Windows
  • These are a reversible way to improve energy efficiency without altering the exterior appearance.
  • Storm windows can also help protect original glass from the elements.
• Work with Preservation Professionals
  • Hire craftsmen and contractors experienced in historic preservation to ensure proper techniques and materials are used.
• Adhere to Preservation Standards
  • Consult the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Research local guidelines provided by historic district commissions or preservation authorities.
• Document the Process
  • Keep records of the original window and door designs before making any changes. This documentation can guide future restoration efforts.

DON’Ts

• Don’t Remove Original Windows Without Justification
  • Unless they are beyond repair, removing original windows can drastically reduce the historic value of the home.
• Don’t Use Incompatible Materials
  • Avoid replacing wood windows with vinyl or aluminum. These materials often clash with the historical appearance and can degrade the home’s value.
• Don’t Alter the Window Size or Shape
  • Enlarging, shrinking, or changing the shape of openings disrupts the historic character and often violates preservation regulations.
• Don’t Add Reflective or Tinted Glass
  • These are not historically accurate and can alter the aesthetic of the home.
• Don’t Overlook Details
  • Elements like muntins, sills, and trim are integral to a window’s historic appearance. Avoid generic, stock windows that don’t match the original details.
• Don’t Use Synthetic Divided Lites
  • Simulated divided lites (SDLs) glued to the surface of glass look inauthentic. Opt for true divided lites or high-quality simulated options with spacer bars that match the original design.
• Don’t Ignore Local Regulations
  • Failing to get approval from historic preservation commissions can result in fines and the need to undo unapproved changes.
• Don’t Disregard Energy Efficiency Options
  • While staying true to the original design, you can incorporate solutions like storm windows, low-E coatings, and proper sealing to enhance efficiency without altering the appearance.