Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: aquakadabra on October 10, 2012, 01:07:51 pm

Title: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: aquakadabra on October 10, 2012, 01:07:51 pm
got a job with some windows over looking a canal and need to clean the outsides, reach and wash pole wont reach over the canal to clean them and we cant use a boat or barge due to health and safety the window are sash windows any ideas
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: scottt24 on October 10, 2012, 02:26:42 pm
Bigger pole ?
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: aquakadabra on October 10, 2012, 03:04:49 pm
no pole will reach
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 10, 2012, 03:09:09 pm
modern sash or older, either way you can do them from inside, you may have to stand on a few ledges though, so make sure they have eyebolts fitted and you hook on a harness
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: aquakadabra on October 10, 2012, 04:23:19 pm
how can you do them from inside
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 10, 2012, 05:18:46 pm
the bottom of a sash window swings in the way, and the top drops down

is it old wooden sash windows, if so I spent two hours this morning cleaning from the inside this morning, and I can talk you through it also how big are they, the smaller ones are easy but the 8ft jobs are a bit harder and involves a bit of bottle
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: CLEANCARE WC on October 10, 2012, 05:28:57 pm
the bottom of a sash window swings in the way, and the top drops down

is it old wooden sash windows, if so I spent two hours this morning cleaning from the inside this morning, and I can talk you through it also how big are they, the smaller ones are easy but the 8ft jobs are a bit harder and involves a bit of bottle

Im out!
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: robbo333 on October 10, 2012, 05:38:07 pm
Can you run your hose inside the building and clean one window by opening the window next to it and leaning out. Just a thought!
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: Dean Taberner on October 10, 2012, 06:19:15 pm
Depending on the depth of the canal use chest high waders. We have done it before. Its a lovely experience.
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: bobplum on October 10, 2012, 06:29:58 pm
Boat ???
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 10, 2012, 06:39:27 pm
Depending on the depth of the canal use chest high waders. We have done it before. Its a lovely experience.

also depends how tall he is ;)
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: colin purewater on October 10, 2012, 06:53:21 pm
Just get in the canal mate put some waders
On if needs be put the money on it to make it worth
While
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on October 10, 2012, 07:12:21 pm
If using the pole off a tied up boat is not allowed then getting in the canal wont be allowed either. Have you asked how you are allowed to clean it ?
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 10, 2012, 07:33:45 pm
right a guide on how to open and clean a sash window

open bottom sash a few inches, pop the two clips on left hand side into position and drop the window into the gaps

on right hand side is a length of wood with a small screw, remove the screw, then remove the wood
grab the rope if it has one and swing the window inwards,

this part can now be cleaned safely

top sash if small enough drop down into to the halfway down position, stand on sill lean out clean top half, get on floor and lean out and clean bottom half

push it back up and a reverse of part one for the lower half done

large sash same for part 1 if you can be bothered or just push up window connect safety harness to certified eye bolt, remember to wear the harness get out the window close it and pull down the top window clean it then push it back up, clean bottom window then open it get back inside, unconnect from eyebolt close window done.

the building owner is responsible for the fitting of eye bolts and making sure they are certified yearly

explain all that to them and the fact all windows need serviced so they do slide up and open in etc

and you might find the barge becomes an option ;)
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: Dean Taberner on October 10, 2012, 07:34:13 pm
Backpack, small pole and clean from the inside.
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 10, 2012, 07:38:19 pm
Backpack, small pole and clean from the inside.

yes he will still need to open the bottom sash and lean out though, so eyebolts still required
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: Johnny B on October 10, 2012, 10:09:04 pm
With all the windows that are to be had, is this one really worth the hassle?

John
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 10, 2012, 10:18:03 pm
With all the windows that are to be had, is this one really worth the hassle?

John

depends how much he charges, I have refused loads because they are hassle, but the ones I have are easy enough and were clean to start with, if I was into this type of work I would charge highly for it to make it worthwhile,

but any big city cleaner of old knows exactly how to clean sash windows before WFP from the inside

the few jobs I have I plan to keep increasing the price until I can afford to do it by other means or they dump me ;D not fussed either way, I just know they can be done and safely if you take your time
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: gary999 on October 10, 2012, 10:22:03 pm
dont bother ;D
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 10, 2012, 10:52:44 pm
dont bother ;D

that would be my plan, but he asked so I answered ;D
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: aquakadabra on October 11, 2012, 07:32:02 am
thanks for the advice
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: DMC Window Cleaners Ltd on October 11, 2012, 08:46:17 am
enough of the what ifs, put a picture up so we can see the location then we can get a better answer
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: Perfect Windows on October 11, 2012, 09:07:21 am
dont bother ;D

+1

Tell them they are inaccessible.  They'll understand.  If not, leave the customer to another cleaner who's prepared to risk their lives.
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: DMC Window Cleaners Ltd on October 11, 2012, 04:56:25 pm
why is everyones answer "dont bother" ???
as a professional window cleaner find a safe way to do it and get on with it!!!

at the end of the day if the job is harder, less access, higher or what ever the job may bigger price accordingly, you need access equiptment then use it.

just because a job is hard dont walk away as theres always someone else thats going to come along and do it.

Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: AJ on October 11, 2012, 05:47:18 pm
Cleaning sash windows from inside.

attach harness
Unlock window in centre
slide top window all the way down
over the top, (on set of steps) clean top half of top window out side.
leaving top window down, lift bottom window half way up.
clean the top half of the bottom window.
push both parts to the top
standing on the floor, bring bottom window half way down
from underneath, clean bottom half of the bottom window.
pull top window half way down
from underneath, clean bottom half of top window.

 I hope that sounds right. its straight forward once you have done it a couple of times.
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: richard jagger on October 11, 2012, 06:28:59 pm
Google" window wizard"it will work.
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: Johnny B on October 11, 2012, 07:22:11 pm
why is everyones answer "dont bother" ???
as a professional window cleaner find a safe way to do it and get on with it!!!

at the end of the day if the job is harder, less access, higher or what ever the job may bigger price accordingly, you need access equiptment then use it.

just because a job is hard dont walk away as theres always someone else thats going to come along and do it.



Do you fancy the job then?  ;D

John
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 11, 2012, 07:37:41 pm
Cleaning sash windows from inside.

attach harness
Unlock window in centre
slide top window all the way down
over the top, (on set of steps) clean top half of top window out side.
leaving top window down, lift bottom window half way up.
clean the top half of the bottom window.
push both parts to the top
standing on the floor, bring bottom window half way down
from underneath, clean bottom half of the bottom window.
pull top window half way down
from underneath, clean bottom half of top window.

 I hope that sounds right. its straight forward once you have done it a couple of times.

that works with certain types, we called them shufflers

a picture of the type of window from the OP would help
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: DMC Window Cleaners Ltd on October 11, 2012, 07:47:34 pm
why is everyones answer "dont bother" ???
as a professional window cleaner find a safe way to do it and get on with it!!!

at the end of the day if the job is harder, less access, higher or what ever the job may bigger price accordingly, you need access equiptment then use it.

just because a job is hard dont walk away as theres always someone else thats going to come along and do it.



Do you fancy the job then?  ;D

John

john il take on any job if there is a will there is a way if aquakadabra is close enough to me il happily lead him a hand or advice
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: Johnny B on October 11, 2012, 10:00:59 pm
why is everyones answer "dont bother" ???
as a professional window cleaner find a safe way to do it and get on with it!!!

at the end of the day if the job is harder, less access, higher or what ever the job may bigger price accordingly, you need access equiptment then use it.

just because a job is hard dont walk away as theres always someone else thats going to come along and do it.



Do you fancy the job then?  ;D

John

john il take on any job if there is a will there is a way if aquakadabra is close enough to me il happily lead him a hand or advice

Good man!

John
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: mikey on October 11, 2012, 10:10:49 pm
it sounds to me your going to have to cill walk  ::)   give as a pic cant be that bad  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 11, 2012, 10:12:14 pm
Cleaning sash windows from inside.

attach harness
Unlock window in centre
slide top window all the way down
over the top, (on set of steps) clean top half of top window out side.
leaving top window down, lift bottom window half way up.
clean the top half of the bottom window.
push both parts to the top
standing on the floor, bring bottom window half way down
from underneath, clean bottom half of the bottom window.
pull top window half way down
from underneath, clean bottom half of top window.

 I hope that sounds right. its straight forward once you have done it a couple of times.

that bit in red, I forgot that in my explanations, it is very important and also keep an eye on at all times because it is very easy to break a pane of glass with the lock ;)
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: mikey on October 11, 2012, 10:21:49 pm
this is exactly right stuart as ever  8) 8 but if the top window is painted shut   o dear   have you got armbands



cill walk it   or walk away        personally        walk away
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: stuart mc on October 11, 2012, 10:53:35 pm
this is exactly right stuart as ever  8) 8 but if the top window is painted shut   o dear   have you got armbands



cill walk it   or walk away        personally        walk away

I like the odd job like this, as long as it pays well, but yes cill walking is the way ;D if you want to do it quickly
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: G Griffin on October 11, 2012, 10:57:23 pm
I'd do it with a trolley. There's loads in the canal near us.
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: geoffreyspecht on October 13, 2012, 12:09:09 am
this is exactly right stuart as ever  8) 8 but if the top window is painted shut   o dear   have you got armbands



cill walk it   or walk away        personally        walk away
u can still clean the window from the inside no need to stand on the cill
Title: Re: inaccessable windows any ideas
Post by: rosskesava on October 13, 2012, 12:55:43 am
I'd do it with a trolley. There's loads in the canal near us.

That is  ;D ;D ;D

.....................................................

The other thing I don't get and maybe I'm nit picking, but this is like the blind leading the blind. All we have to go on is not much really other than the window is over a river or canal and it's inaccessible.

A picture or two would be so helpfull otherwise it's just guess work.

Sorry if that sounds rude but that's the truth of it.