Condition Assessment & Documentation (final)

[johnleeke]

WPSC Window Standard Submission

Number:
Status: [ ] submitted work method, [ ] proposed treatment standard, [x] final treatment standard
Update: 12/21/2012
Author: Amy McAuley
References:
Contributors: John Leeke

Title of Treatment: Window Condition Assessment & Documentation
Class of Treatment: [ ] Maintain, [ ] Stabilize, [ ] Repair, [ ] Upgrade, [ ] Exception
Type of Treatment: [ ] Traditional, [x] Contemporary, [x] Conservation

Condition to be Treated:
There is no clear record of the types of deterioration or extent of conditions.

Description:
Create a comprehensive document that shows the condition of each window including sashes, frame, casings and all trim. The documentation includes photo, dimensions and notes for both interior and exterior views.

Typical Procedure:

1. Prepare for efficient work. Draw and copy blank note forms in advance. The forms may contain a sketch of window type elevations, check lists of common conditions, a key to symbols used in note taking, etc. Assemble the note forms in a binder. Gather together assessment and documentation gear.
2. Sketch floor plans or elevations of the building and develop a window numbering system, if not already done.
3. Key each window to its location on the plans or elevations with a window number and fill the window number in on the form.
4. Photograph each window with interior and exterior views, in the numbering system sequence.
5. Determine window size by measuring the width and height of the sash space, and record that on the form.
6. Document visually apparent significant details, such as how the construction of the window may be different from the standard type; or, details that indicate architectural character, such as glass types, muntin sections and moulding profiles; or, historical significance, such as names and dates scratched on glass panes.
7. Inspect each window to determine the types of deterioration and the extent of each deterioration. Write notes on the forms, describing the conditions. Consider exteriors first and then interiors. Take the time needed for accurate descriptions.
8. Refine the notes after the site visit, include after-thoughts and results from research.
9. Process photos and attach photos to the correct forms. Use archival tape.
10. Ink in all penciled comments and notes.
11. Make two photo copies of the master document, one for the client, one for archiving at the local or state preservation office or library. Scan and burn a copy onto digital compact discs, for the digital archive.

Materials:
• Archival quality paper
• Archival quality binders
• Pencils and pens
• Archival quality double-sided tape
• Digital compact discs

Quality of Results

Best Work: Comprehensive inclusion of every window. Neat appearance, concise presentation, easy to read and understand, photos present and clear. Sketches or drawings easy to view and able to discern important details.

Inadequate Work: Photos absent or not on correct form to accurately match window numbering. No measurements, no description of conditions.

[johnleeke]

Amy, thanks for submitting on this important topic.

Amy submitted this method in writing at the Summit. John has keyed it in and uploaded it here at the Forum for her.

I have made a few minor edits. Please check the message above for accuracy to ensure it is what you intended.

Would you like to scan and upload a copy of a form that shows how you typically fill out the form when documenting a window's conditions? (if you can, please make the scan at 300dpi, full size, ".tiff" file format, and attach it to a message here)

Thanks !

[oculus]

Here is the list of equipment that I bring onsite to complete the assessment. I do a lot of research and preparation before arriving, it tends to make the on site work go faster.

Digital camera
Tripod
Extra batteries or charger
Extension cord
Flashlight
Calipers
35' tape
100' surveyors tape
Molding profiler (I don't bring this too much anymore as I just free hand draw the profiles. It it might help someone who doesn't draw much).
Scrap paper including graph paper
Assessment binder with all research information
Pencils-wood
Pencil sharpener
Utility knife
Screwdriver
Awl
Hammer
Ladders-step and 24'
6" ruler
Architectural scale
Boot covers
Plastic ziploc bags
Any phone numbers that might be useful.

This is what I bring and I am a little bit fanatically about my documentation. I guess one of my main goals with assessments is to record enough data to be able to re-build the windows if a catastrophe occurs.

[oculus]

Here is my assessment sheet.

[johnleeke]

Here are some basic window documentation methods from the NPS:



More here:
http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/applyi ... tation.htm

[johnleeke]

Amy, I have expanded some of the steps into additional steps to make the procedure more explicit.

Also, I have added more detailed descriptions of what is assessed, going beyond conditions to include items for architectural character and historical significance. This is based on my own notes from the talk you gave at the Summit as you showed us your documentation binders.

Please check this out above to assure this standard meets your intent.

[oculus]

This all looks good John. I will get a new form scanned as soon as I can.
Thanks.
Amy

[oculus]

We should add digital camera to the list of basic materials.

[oculus]

See if this one works any better.

[johnleeke]

Yes, that form works better.