Section 106 Guidelines: City of St Louis

Windows

This is an example of the window.

Windows are perhaps the most important element to be considered in retaining a building's historic character. It is always preferable to retain existing windows if at all possible by:

  • reglazing
  • renewing dried putty
  • reworking sash weights or adding new sliding tracks remilling deteriorated sash members
  • installing new window sash kits in existing frames.

    Spend some time assessing whether your windows really require full replacement. A properly repaired historic window with a good storm sash will provide excellent energy efficiency, equal to that of most double-pane thermal windows.

    Be aware that for some windows-those of very large size or with square heads and round glazing for example-it will be difficult to find replacement sash that can replicate the original appearance and will comply with the Standards:

    These are examples of windows on visible facades.

    If windows on visible facades must be replaced, they should be, in order of preference:

  • single-pane wood windows that replicate the originals
  • thermal wood windows that replicate the original window sizes and style
  • approved historic replacement windows fabricated to replicate the appearance of the original window.

    *Be aware that not every replacement window will comply with the Standards, even if it is the same size as the original window; the proportions of the replacement must duplicate those of a historic wood window:

    This is an example of original window detail (left), acceptable replacement window detail (middle), and frame replacement window detail (right).

    Those windows with decorative grilles, or "muntins", must also be replicated on visible facades:

    This is an example of windows on visible facades.

    Replacement windows must have true-divided lights (individual glass panes supported by the muntins) on single glazed sash; or have muntins of appropriate dimensions applied to the EXTERIOR of the window. Muntins which snap-in from the inside or are placed between the glass are not acceptable, since the muntin pattern will be obscured by the outside pane.

    On non-visible facades, other windows are acceptable, providing that they fully fill the original masonry opening. The muntin pattern of these windows, if any, need not be duplicated unless desired. Arched windows on these facades may be altered to rectangular windows by the insertion of a wood "eyebrow".

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