Blocking Those Dangerous UV Rays: An Architect Responds

After I posted my article here last week on the damage the ultra-violet rays of the sun can cause to our Arts & Crafts furniture, artwork, textiles and leather, I received the following email from preservationist and architect Lee H. Levey:

Bruce -

While I am sure you are knee deep in work preparing for the Arts and Crafts Conference, I would like to comment on your recent post regarding sunlight and antiques.

As a preservation architect concerned about retaining the original fabric of historic homes, I can say that the advice about window films and window replacement is off-base. Replacing historic widows with new units is about as appropriate as removing the original finish from a Stickley table to get rid of a water ring from a glass.

Most older windows can be repaired with minor work to the frame, sash, glazing and operating parts at a far lower cost than the replacement of the entire window or sash. The benefit is that you have saved money and retained an important historic element of the house.

Window films must also be carefully considered. A dark or very reflective film will present an inappropriate and out of period look to the house. Some films will actually crack the single pane glass as they reflect the light rays back through the glass, causing "hysteresis."

A far better solution would be the installation of interior or exterior storm windows. They are a good energy conservation method, are removable and the glass can be coated for U-V protection.

I look forward to attending the Grove Park Inn Conference for our 14th year.

Regards,

Lee H. Levey, AIA Architect

PS - If you missed last week's article, click on Archives below.

- Bruce Johnson