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Expo to focus on problems in older homes

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Richard J. Fletcher

JANESVILLE — Do you live in a historic home, want to make the right improvements but don’t know how?

Are your energy costs becoming too much to bear?

Are you considering replacing your wooden siding instead of adding yet another coat of paint?

A home expo sponsored by the Janesville Historic Commission will highlight ways to fix or at least mitigate some of common problems in older homes. Information will include affordable alternatives.

The commission has held seminars for many years and a few years ago began the expo. Representatives from companies and organizations that work with historic homes will be available. Residents can get tips on ways to make older homes more energy efficient, for example.

This year, the booths will include information on paint, windows, insulation and saving energy. The historic commission, state historic society and the Janesville Design and Development Center will be represented as well.

Residents can to visit the booths and attend seminars.

This year’s seminar topics will include information on painting a historic home and historic wood-grain styles and techniques.

Preservation and restoration is another way to “go green,” said Rich Fletcher, chairman of the historic commission. Repairing century-old windows is better for the environment and cheaper than replacing them with vinyl windows that last only 20 years, said Rich Fletcher, commission member.

Residents do not have to make reservations, and the event is free.

IF YOU GO

What: Preservation Expo and Seminar. More than a dozen exhibitors will be on site, including Sherwin-Williams, Alliant Energy and Marling Lumber.

Where: Olde Towne Mall, 20 S. Main St., Janesville.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1.

-- 9:45 a.m.: Opening remarks by a representative from the Janesville Historic Commission.

-- 10 a.m.: Restoration and repair of windows in historic homes, presented by Fred Harmon.

-- 10 a.m.: History and preservation in Wisconsin, presented by a representative from the Wisconsin State Historical Society.

-- 11 a.m.: Paint issues and historic homes, presented by Sutterlin Restorations.

-- Noon: Historic wood graining styles and techniques, presented by Joel Van Haaften, executive director of the Rock County Historical Society.

To learn more: Call Rich Fletcher at (608) 314-5557.