Roger's Home Journal

Fenestration debate heats up!

By Roger Faris

I believe that it’s especially important to speak out about windows in our older homes. I’ll say it once more: A window replacement project may be an opportunity to restore architectural integrity that’s been lost to past remuddling. Other goals could include a reduction of heating and cooling expenses, or preserving our planet for future generations.

When I delved into the aesthetics of fenestration, a couple of points caused a storm of reaction. I related how, in an Atlantic Monthly article, architectural critic James Kunstler encouraged us to pay more attention to how our houses look from the street. In arguing for harmonious proportions of windows he contended that horizontal windows tend to "subvert the dignity of the standing human figure." Part of Kunstler’s thesis was that "the civic life of our communities is degraded when our homes look like television sets. "Pretty strong words!

So I wasn’t too surprised with the response from the television set people. An industry representative was defensive about how they merely respond to public demand for a "movie theater-like experience." Then he hinted at possible legal action if I "continue to disparage or defame the horizontal orientation of our nations most loved electronic appliance".

My original story described the unfortunate period of the 1950s and ‘60s when suburban architectural themes were dominant. During that time, millions of attractive and functional double-hung, multi-pane wood windows were discarded in favor of huge picture windows. Window trim was usually eliminated in the "updating" project.

I was startled and caught off guard when the National Picture Window Association tried tactics of intimidation. They had some tough looking guys follow me around for several days, until I showed them that my pockets were full of rocks. Picture window people will always back off when you do that.

When I brought up energy efficiency aspects in my fenestration article, I definitely took on more than I was prepared to handle. I didn’t know how sensitive people are about such things as thermal breaks to prevent heat loss and condensation problems. For a few people my frankness about low-emissivity coatings on window glass was just too much.

Then I stepped on more toes with an explanation of the U-factor rating system for windows. This is a number that provides an overall energy efficiency rating of a window unit. The system is based on the research and standards of the National Fenestration Rating Council. A lower U-factor number indicates a more efficient window. I reported that, according to Kris Sandra, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Service, people who live in cold climates should look for a rating of .35 or less.

How could I have known that Kris Sandra was under intense scrutiny for being an employee of a governmental body. Libertarian populists, religious extremists, OPEC lobbyists and a lot of others pounced on me like cats on a moth. Now I live with constant controversy, and possible danger.

I’ll never be intimidated. My position remains that there are good reasons to reduce our energy use. We waste an enormous amount of the stuff. I’ll go out on any limb to favor a reduction in the tons of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide we put into the air. There’s something so right about respiratory health and a stable global climate. Sensible fenestration is part of the solution. Wake up and smell the Windex!

Roger Faris is the director of the Well Home Program at the Phinney Neighborhood Association. The program provides advice, encouragement, tools, and classes for home improvement and repair. Call (206) 789-4993 for information. For the Earthquake Home Retrofit Program, call (206) 382-2159.

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!