With the support of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the State Historic Preservation Office, the Michigan Historic Preservation Network is offering a free two-week wood window rehabilitation training workshop in Vermontville, Michigan, April 7th – 18th. This intensive 10-day workshop will teach students to repair and rehabilitate wood double-hung windows. Attendees will receive hands-on instruction, historic preservation training, business training, lead-safe certification, and weatherization training.
In Michigan, and throughout the United States, 20% of the housing was built before 1950, and a significant part of that housing stock has traditional wood double-hung windows. Window rehabilitation can be a well-paid small business requiring minimal materials and this workshop is designed to increase the pool of trained craftspeople. The program aims to expand the skills of workers with existing knowledge rather than introduce individuals with no previous trade experience.
“Historic windows are one of the main architectural features of a historic house,” says Bob Yapp, President of Preservation Resources, Inc. “There is not a vinyl window ever made that can mimic or look like the original window with their multiple panes or division of light.”
The workshop will provide:
1. All necessary tools – trainees may bring their own tools but they should be clearly marked.
2. Safety gear as needed.
3. Breakfast and lunch each day.
4. Lead Safe Work Practices training sufficient to qualify the trainee for EPA/RRP certification upon completion of the appropriate test.
5. Instruction in the business aspects of preservation trades and marketing rehabilitation.
Source Michigan Historic Preservation Network
