DEAR TIM: I live in a beautiful old home that has drafty double hung wood windows. I am really interested in the new high performance windows. However, I don't wish to alter the appearance of my grand old home. Is there a window replacement alternative that will work for me? I have changed window ropes before. Do you think I can install these myself? C.T.

DEAR C.T.: This is your lucky day! Not only is there a wide range of high performance wood products from which to choose, but many of them can also be installed by you. You will need a several standard hand tools and a little patience. I have installed hundreds of these products with great success.

The beauty and architectural integrity of your home will not be compromised. All of the interior and exterior trim around your windows will not be harmed. The only things that need to be removed in most cases are the actual windows themselves and the narrow parting strip between each sash.

Several of the major wood window manufacturers offer replacement kits that are custom made for each of your window openings. As long as your measurements are accurate and your openings are square, you can install many of these products in less than 1 hour.

These replacement kits offer, in almost all cases, all of the same options as you would find in a new window. You have your choice of glass options, different species of wood, authentic divided lites, bare or primed wood, aluminum clad, etc. In fact, you can actually order different options for top and bottom sash. For example, many older homes often had a two pane divided lite window for the top sash and a clear window for the lower sash. You can duplicate your existing sashes in almost every instance.

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Buy the right replacement windows with the help of my Window Replacement Checklist. I offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

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Installation of these products is really quite simple. Virtually all work can be done from inside your home. Because you have successfully replaced broken sash cords, this project should be a no brainer. Gently remove the sash stop moldings that hold the bottom sash in its track. Remove the sashes, parting strip, cut the sash cords and remove the metal pulleys. Now for the fun part.

Most kits have metal clips that hold the new side jambs in place. These vinyl jambs replace the old sash cords and metal weights. The are exactly the same product used in the new windows. These jambs insure a snug fit to eliminate the draft you now feel. Once the clips are in place you simply snap in the new jamb liners and install the new windows. Often the kits require the installation of a small piece of weatherstripping near the top sash.

If you want to really make the job go smoothly, consider finishing the windows (painting & staining) before they are installed. Don't discard the old sashes. Many salvage companies will buy them from you. They often sell them to people who need replacement sashes or who need old glass for historic restoration projects.

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