A range of tools are needed when starting a sash window repair business. Good quality tools are essential for quality work and will last longer. Quality generates word-of-mouth advertising which is ideal for a one man show.
The late 1800′s saw the invention of sash windows and the structure has scarcely changed since then. Due to this longevity it is still possible to buy some parts from specialist shops while others will need to be made by a joiner.
The windows were designed in such a way that dismantling them is a simple task. Designers recognised that weather and time would take their toll and simplified the design in accordance with this.
Many buildings with sash windows are classified as heritage buildings and replacing the old wooden sashes with plastic or aluminium frames is a travesty. The wood will warp, cords will fray and pulley mechanisms seize up but keeping the original ambiance is preferable.
Wooden windows will last for hundreds of years if maintained and painted regularly whereas plastic or aluminium version cannot be repaired easily and carry only a ten year guarantee. Mouldings and traditional details are not replicable in modern materials. It is imperative to retain the old windows were possible.
Owners of these buildings are frequently too busy to maintain their windows on a yearly basis, which is where your business will benefit.
Check with the local building council to see that the ventilation of the house is as it should be. The wood at the bottom of the sash tends to become decayed and filler will work for smaller areas while loose corner joints can be reinforced with corner brackets. The putty holding the panes in place becomes friable, and loose or broken panes will need replacing. The paintwork will need to be stripped and the wood resealed before repainting. Cords frequently become frayed and snapped and need to replaced.
The actual work you will do consists of treatment of rot, putting in new glass panes, cords and weights. Repainting will require a full stripping of the wood using sugar soap or detergent and removing all dust. Be careful with very old windows with lead paint which releases toxins when removed.
In countries that have an abundance of sash windows, you will have more than enough work to do if you repair sash window as a business.
If you have been thinking about doing a sash window refurbishment, you should check out the information available by a professional information session. A sash window workshop can show you the benefits of repairing or renovating your windows.
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