This course explores the history of windows, their construction, repair and rehabilitation through a combination of classroom and hands-on experiential learning. Students will explore factors leading to the replacement of historic windows, reasons why to save, how traditional windows are constructed, common deterioration issues and then best practices for maintenance and repair. The students will receive an introduction to lead safe work practices and the RRP Rule and will utilize historic properties for examination and learning. This course will use hands-on work on historic windows to prepare students for a Historic Preservation - Window Restoration Badge.
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
• Articulate basic RRP requirements and lead safe work practices.
• Articulate and understand the different types of wood and metal windows, their similarities and differences.
• Articulate positive attributes and common myths and misconceptions about historic windows.
• Articulate methods to increase energy efficiency of historic windows.
• The use of simple hand tools to reclaim and prepare wooden window sashes to receive new glass and traditional glazing.
• Learning to identify the presence of lead and its abatement.
• Quickly assess general condition and design repair procedures.
• Understanding safety protocols and the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) as well as safe disposal of waste.
• Forming and molding epoxy products to rebuild missing elements.
• Safe removal of broken glass and glazing which has failed over time.
• Measuring and cutting glass followed by application of glazing compounds of various types.
• The use of appropriate primers and finishes.
• Describe and demonstrate basic window re-roping and rehabilitation techniques including removal for rehabilitation, in-situ rehabilitation, glazing, paint stripping and re-coating.