Educating others in the way of historic preservation is a passion for Vintage Window Restoration. Whether it is a two week field school to a one hour classroom presentation, we seek out opportunities to share knowledge with homeowners, government personnel, contractors, realtors, students and anyone else that has an interest in the craft.
Our two day workshops are ideal as weekend educational experiences for anyone that is looking to really get their hands dirty and retain as much information possible. Compared to the one day workshop, students perform many more hours in hands-on work and at many more aspects of window maintenance and repair.
The morning begins early with coffee and treats, but without the luxuries of a classroom setting with numerous guest speakers, unless it is desired. We cover the maintenance and repair from the beginning of job site setup to the final touch-up of paint. Safety orientation is the beginning as we discuss the numerous hazards and what to look for and what PPE to wear. We take the job one step at a time learning to gently remove the windows and talk about each part of a window as we work. Once the sash are removed, we clean the sash, make repairs, and remove any loose glazing putty and paint. Once those are completed we focus on the window jambs and discuss all of the issues that can be found. New sash cord is installed and any repairs to the jamb are made. Once everything is cleaned up and treated, we install the window sash and all of the components. Some touch-up painting is performed and the job site is cleaned up. it is a lot to take on for two day, but has been found to be possible. The windows are at a state of repair and operability with a few minor things remaining to be done, such as paint touch-up. Students walk away with far more hands-on experience and the handling of tools to make their work productive and of a higher quality from the beginning.
This workshop was held at the Flavel House Museum in Astoria, Oregon. I was the workshop designer and instructor for Clatsop Community College’s Historic Preservation and Restoration Program. We covered all of the topics normally held in a two day workshop. Work was left at a state where final coats of paint needed to be applied, other than that, fully repaired, glazed and ready for decades of more service.
Two day workshops are great for organizations that want to make a greater impact on their community. It is an opportunity to repair the windows on a building that has been long since neglected or an iconic museum that needs a little TLC. Besides education and training, we are capable of saving and repairing wood windows, manufacturing custom storm sash and wooden screens, and repair any siding and trim around your windows. We are your one stop shop for historic windows, doors and facade! Contact Vintage Window Restoration for all your window workshop needs.