We need your support to help make the second edition of the Window Preservation Standards book a reality. This work is being supported through donations, silent auctions, event attendance and sales of the first edition book by the Window Preservation Standards Collaborative. All donations matter from $5 to $1,000+ each is important to support the work of a paid editor to help us update and expand the first edition since it was published in 2013.

In the Fall of 2010 five window specialists realized the time was right to create national standards for the repair and weatherization of old and historic windows. The Window Preservation Standards Collaborative (WPSC) now includes over one hundred and fifty other window specialists from the United States, Canada, England and India.

The first edition of the Window Preservation Standards book catalogs specific methods for the assessment, maintenance, repair, preservation and weatherization of older and historic wooden windows. Many detailed methods, procedures and materials are included, as well as basic strategies for saving older and historic windows. The Standards were developed and written by more than 100 window specialists who collaborated from all across the United States and Canada. The Windows Standards book was purposely developed to include “what to do” not “how to do it,” to be used as a guide for learning and training, for specifying and supervising window work, etc. We took this approach because there are already several excellent resources on “how to” preserve windows including other books, preservation trades schools, videos, training courses, workshops, etc. The book was published in 2013 is 107 pages with 49 illustrations, color cover, black & white interior, 8.5″ x 11″.

Topics include the Window Preservation Standards Collaborative, guiding principles for window preservation work, window part names and definitions, organizing and planning window preservation projects, and how to use the Standards.

Methods include surveying and assessing conditions, glazing, painting, wood repairs, weatherization updates, storm windows and maintenance with many more. Each treatment standard has a brief description of a specific method with appropriate use, a step-by-step procedure that shows what is done and materials are listed. A special section describes how to judge the character of the completed work with easy observations and simple tests to assure the best quality work.

The results of energy performance testing done at the 2011 National Window Preservation Summit are included. They confirm what we already know: Save the primary sash and frame, add weatherstripping and a storm to make the window meet or exceed current performance standards for air infiltration. Get all the details in the book, including which energy upgrade methods worked best.

The Appendix includes a listing of all the one-hundred and two Collaborators who developed and wrote the Standards, how to participate in the Collaborative and help develop the standards, how to write a standard, and a review of other window energy use studies.

Development and publication of the first edition was a non-profit project done in partnership with the Preservation Trades Network, Kentucky Heritage Council and Kentucky Preservation.

Window Preservation Standards Book

Support revision to expand and update the Window Standards

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