Bandelier Historic Structure Report: CCC Buildings

BUILDING COMPONENTS (continued)

Windows and Doors

The vast majority of the existing casement window sash and screens (including hardware) are original and in relatively good condition. All the existing doors are suspected to be original and are in similar condition. Door thresholds are sound but obviously worn. Most of the condition defects relate to deferred maintenance — missing or cracked putty, excessive paint buildup or alligatoring or both, difficulty in operation, rotten muntins, and so on. A general 1988 window survey indicates approximately 20 sash and screens with rotten components and only a few deteriorated sills. The majority of these rotted areas and their frames require minor repair or repainting or both. Except for recent window repairs, most of the windows and doors have defective weather stripping or none at all. All require caulking at the frame perimeter. The original colors were a rich, multicolored scheme of greens (Munsell 2.5G/5/8), reds (7.5R/4/8 and 2.5YR 7/8), and blues (10B5/8), colors in the tradition of southwestern architecture. In the early 1960s, the original color scheme was discontinued and a more uniform scheme came into use. This change to a rather uniform brown resulted in a significant change to the overall building complex presentation. Because of the quantity of doors and windows present and the expressed desire to retain existing colors in this project work, only random paint sampling was undertaken. Because these historical data remain in situ, exact locations for use of the original colors can be easily established if and when desired. In any work on windows or doors where paint is stripped to bare wood, paint samples should be taken, properly identified, accessioned, and stored inn the park collection.

The original multipane window sashes in the residential area (B-7, B-8, B-10, B-11, and B-32) were replaced with double-glazed, single-light casement windows in 1981. This unfortunate removal of historic fabric resulted in a major visual change to the buildings' character. In 1981, the windows in B-30 were replaced with sloped glazing units, presumably to lessen solar glare.

In an effort to improve thermal efficiency, insulating panels were installed on B-2, B-9, and B-15/16 in FY 1984. This work consisted of installing 16 fixed, double-pane windows at original single-light locations and piggyback wood-frame glass panels on 78 casement sashes. These sashes were positioned in response to the existence (or lack) of window screens to avoid altering the exterior reflective character of the original windows. One criterion in this design was to install a system that would not require seasonal removal, storage, and reinstallation. Concurrent with this work was the installation of door and window weather stripping. Where these new frames were installed on the interior, the additional thickness resulted in the need to move the locking barrel bolts and latches. Minor modifications to any future new stiles will lessen the required modification to this historic hardware. Similar work was initially a component of the regional day labor work, but for several reasons it was put on hold. One reason is that on approximately 20 percent of the previous installations, condensation forms between the two panes because of the lack of sealed insulation glass and the difficulty in sealing out all existing moisture.

A second and more significant reason has to do with personal safety considerations. When used solely as overnight cabins, B-19, B-20, B-23, B-24, B-27, B-28, and B-29 had no significant problems. However, with their conversion to full-time or seasonal quarters and discontinuation of B-21 as a central water heater came requirements for individual furnaces, hot-water heaters, and stoves. Once air infiltration is sealed, especially in such small quarters, air exchange is insufficient to supply oxygen for these gas appliances to function properly. Subsequent readings have indicated excessive carbon monoxide levels in several of the units. Because of this situation, weather stripping and energy conservation work was halted so that this condition could be resolved.

Floors

The buildings' floors are andesite flagstone, vinyl and ceramic tile, concrete, and wood. Small areas of carpet have been installed in residences. Except for B-19, all interior flagstone flooring is in sound condition; exterior flagstone walks are discussed elsewhere. Much of the original oil and varnish finish is worn, giving the stone a mottled appearance, but this condition is easily reversed without creating excessive need for maintenance.

Through rehabilitation over the years, most of the original vinyl floor tile has been replaced, in many cases with ceramic tile. Bathroom floor tile was replaced in kind in the cabin units under the 1984 plumbing contract. Other areas are in varying condition of wear. In the residential areas, the ceramic tile is in good condition, but in the public areas, cracked, loose, or missing tile needs repair. Wood floors are in good condition but require periodic treatment. The concrete floors are sound. Like wood floors, painted concrete floors require periodic upkeep.