Worried about heat loss with your old single-glazed windows? Before you consider replacement, try these tips:

· Replace broken or cracked panes.

· Reglaze where putty has failed.

· Seal all exterior gaps and cracks with a paintable silicone caulk.

· Repaint all surfaces where paint has failed.

· Add weatherstripping to top, bottom and meeting rails of sashes.

· Install sash lock to reduce infiltration.

· Install exterior storm windows (interior storms do not protect the historic window.)

· Add jamb liners to tighten the windows if space permits.

· Consider using thermally lined drapes or window treatments.

.

For more information on the value of repairing vs. replacing go to

John Leeke's http://www.historichomeworks.com (great energy analysis between old wood windows and replacement windows)

National Park Service's http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm (Preservation Brief 9 - The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows)

Allen Charles Hill's http://home.att.net/~allen.hill.historic.preservation (Windows - "To Replace or Not to Replace)