Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
Well, I've meant the gutter clearing rather than gutter cleaning in the previous post. Gutter, fascia and soffit cleaning is rather a domain of wfp guys nowadays, isn't it. But I might be able to use the backpack and brush for it, if I bought a longer hose...

Smurf

  • Posts: 8538
For gutter clearing by hand so to reduce ladder setup and to be able to reach over most conservatories etc with safe ladder access then a chepo harris pole with a progutter tool works well.
Progutter tools £7 each http://www.diy.com/search/results/?question=progutter
5m Harris pole £15.87 http://www.diy.com/departments/harris-telescopic-roller-extension-pole-185-50m/262320_BQ.prd

For ladder safety when working at roofline height on your own then I would recommend the following:

 Ankalad stabaliser  http://www.laddersafetysupplies.co.uk/stabiliser.shtml
I would not attempt roofline work like gutter clearing without an ankalad fitted to a ladder as makes the ladder so much safer to use when the outriggers are deployed properly.  keep an eye out on fleebay as new or good used ones do come up from time to time if you can’t afford to buy new.

Microlite standoff http://www.laddersafetysupplies.co.uk/microlite.shtml  this is far better than a chepo standoff as has been designed to rest on roof tile too. Again search fleebay etc as you might be able to pick up a bargain.
I would not attempt roofline work like gutter clearing without an ankalad fitted to a ladder now as is so much safer to use.

Obviously goes without saying you need a long enough ladder too for the job.

Hope this helps and keep safe as no job is worth your life.

Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
For gutter clearing by hand so to reduce ladder setup and to be able to reach over most conservatories etc with safe ladder access then a chepo harris pole with a progutter tool works well.
Progutter tools £7 each http://www.diy.com/search/results/?question=progutter
5m Harris pole £15.87 http://www.diy.com/departments/harris-telescopic-roller-extension-pole-185-50m/262320_BQ.prd

For ladder safety when working at roofline height on your own then I would recommend the following:

 Ankalad stabaliser  http://www.laddersafetysupplies.co.uk/stabiliser.shtml
I would not attempt roofline work like gutter clearing without an ankalad fitted to a ladder as makes the ladder so much safer to use when the outriggers are deployed properly.  keep an eye out on fleebay as new or good used ones do come up from time to time if you can’t afford to buy new.

Microlite standoff http://www.laddersafetysupplies.co.uk/microlite.shtml  this is far better than a chepo standoff as has been designed to rest on roof tile too. Again search fleebay etc as you might be able to pick up a bargain.
I would not attempt roofline work like gutter clearing without an ankalad fitted to a ladder now as is so much safer to use.

Obviously goes without saying you need a long enough ladder too for the job.

Hope this helps and keep safe as no job is worth your life.

@Smurf

Thank you very much for your links. Especially the Microlite looks very useful.

Smurf

  • Posts: 8538
No probs...

As far as cleaning the outside of gutters, fascias, soffits etc if you can't do it by hand (which by the way does a better job) you can make a cheap wfp out of a harris pole.

You don't need to use purified water either to wash down plastics as if you can connect the wfp hose reel to an outside or inside tap (using an adaptor kit) it will do the same job. Obviously if really fithy stick some detergent on the brush and give it a good scrub.

Here  is an old vid how to make a wfp out of a harris pole if interest assuming you don't have a wfp already.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q8HhgHcz0M
Instead of a rectus fitting get one of these so can connect directly onto a standard garden hose.
http://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/nylon-male-pole-hose-connectors.html

Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
No probs...

As far as cleaning the outside of gutters, fascias, soffits etc if you can't do it by hand (which by the way does a better job) you can make a cheap wfp out of a harris pole.

You don't need to use purified water either to wash down plastics as if you can connect the wfp hose reel to an outside or inside tap (using an adaptor kit) it will do the same job. Obviously if really fithy stick some detergent on the brush and give it a good scrub.

Here  is an old vid how to make a wfp out of a harris pole if interest assuming you don't have a wfp already.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q8HhgHcz0M
Instead of a rectus fitting get one of these so can connect directly onto a standard garden hose.
http://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/nylon-male-pole-hose-connectors.html

Looks really interesting, Smurf. Good way to use a wfp technology and save loads of money at the same time. Thank you very much.

Smurf

  • Posts: 8538
That diy chepo harris wfp conversion using just tap water and some detergent is ideal for plastic conservatory roofs too. If they have glass roof panels then you can simply trad pole them afterwards. 

Just goes to show you can do extra add-on services for next to nothing kit wise to be able to earn some extra dosh.


Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
Absolutely, mate, absolutely.  And the less custies one has, the harder they must try utilise their purchasing power by upselling them new and new extras...

Smurf

  • Posts: 8538
You probably are aware already but you can also trad clean awkward windows using a pole too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ5btTyr6eQ



Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
You probably are aware already but you can also trad clean awkward windows using a pole too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ5btTyr6eQ

Yep mate, cheers again. I like the Britpop and Dodgy too. I spent half a year in Britain in 1997.

And I even happened to buy a Flipper, too. But up to now I've been only using a Lewi combi on the above-ground-floor windows. Anyway, I haven't begun my maintenance cleans yet.

paul macca

  • Posts: 42
Try static caravan cleaning inside and out.I used to own a 30 x 15 ft one and when i cleaned the exterior of mine to get the moss off etc with  Fenwicks caravan cleaner detergent, most of the other caravan holders asked if i would do theirs.I would imagine there a quite a few caravan parks in your area.
your would get at least £30 for the exterior clean and would only take an hour.

Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
Try static caravan cleaning inside and out.I used to own a 30 x 15 ft one and when i cleaned the exterior of mine to get the moss off etc with  Fenwicks caravan cleaner detergent, most of the other caravan holders asked if i would do theirs.I would imagine there a quite a few caravan parks in your area.
your would get at least £30 for the exterior clean and would only take

Great idea, mate, thanks very much! I haven't thought about caravan parks yet  :D

Smurf

  • Posts: 8538
Try static caravan cleaning inside and out.I used to own a 30 x 15 ft one and when i cleaned the exterior of mine to get the moss off etc with  Fenwicks caravan cleaner detergent, most of the other caravan holders asked if i would do theirs.I would imagine there a quite a few caravan parks in your area.
your would get at least £30 for the exterior clean and would only take

Great idea, mate, thanks very much! I haven't thought about caravan parks yet  :D
Hardest part is getting the foot in the door  contact wise on bit sites.

Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
Sure, Smurf.

Anyway, on the carpet cleaning forum, there have recently been suggestions about using outsourced canvassers for  window cleaning canvassing campaigns.

Of course, some canvassing businesses are scammy or dodgy.

But if we limit ourselves to the legit ones, with a good social proof, what's your take on the real cost per acquisition when you use such services?

They will sell you some leads, and some percentage of them you convert to your regular customers.

After all, how much can you normally pay for every pound per month on the new window cleaning deals such canvassers help you secure?

Don Kee

  • Posts: 4851
Where in the 'South West' are you?

Danielson B

  • Posts: 45
Where in the 'South West' are you?

Gloucester.

Carley Miller

  • Posts: 6
Hi,

Have you thought about advertising online? at the start I hand delivered 700 flyers and got one customer.  The web has been where 99% of my custom has come from.  I advertise on local facebook selling pages and also have a website which only cost me £200 to get up and running.  May be worth a try?