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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Shane sharples on February 24, 2016, 07:46:40 pm

Title: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Shane sharples on February 24, 2016, 07:46:40 pm
Hi all , new build first clean today and on one window was very rough and wouldn't clean off or even scrape off ( with finger nail behind cloth) . is this possible? the metal lintel above the window has got rust on it but is that where it's come from? but more importantly , how can I clean it?
Thank you
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Colin h on February 24, 2016, 07:49:14 pm
Has someone used a grinder near the window.
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Matt Birk on February 24, 2016, 07:52:48 pm
Yes, sounds like someone has used a grinder nearby and burnt the glass.
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: SeanK on February 24, 2016, 07:53:07 pm
If the glass is rough then it could actually be burns in the glass from a grinder/cutter or welding/burning equipment I have a few like this and there's nothing you can do.
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Shane sharples on February 24, 2016, 07:55:53 pm
I'm not sure, it's a new build, the couple only moved in last year so I doubt it was them ,  the owner just messaged saying she's payed but not happy the brown spots haven't gone 🤔
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: M & C Window Cleaning on February 24, 2016, 08:19:12 pm
I've come across this a few times over the years. As others have said sounds like burns from a grinder. What I do now is bring it to their attention before they bring it to mine and tell them that unfortunately it can't be removed as the glass is damaged. They usually do understand
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Smudger on February 24, 2016, 08:25:28 pm
I've come across this a few times over the years. As others have said sounds like burns from a grinder. What I do now is bring it to their attention before they bring it to mine and tell them that unfortunately it can't be removed as the glass is damaged. They usually do understand

As above
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: duncan h on February 24, 2016, 08:27:13 pm
YA. Did my own Kitchen window other week and thought, whats all the bits. I did some grinding while resting on trailer :(
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Smurf on February 24, 2016, 08:33:17 pm
Same old people’s expectations being higher than the basic window cleaning service offered.
I would tell them I'm a window cleaner meaning I clean dirt off windows and I'm not a glass restoration firm that rectifies damaged/stained glass.
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Matt. on February 24, 2016, 08:41:29 pm
Has someone used a grinder near the window.

I have seen this on lots of jobs. And if it's the case there's nothing u can do to remove it just go back and explain to site manager
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Spruce on February 24, 2016, 08:42:54 pm
Still do a customer who damaged the glass on some rear windows when painting steel work with metal etch primer. The spots of primer that splattered onto the glass ate into it.

He told me what caused it.

I also had a complaint from a woman with the same issues on a couple of conservatory windows.  That came from cutting paving stones. So both stone and steel cutting and grinding discs can cause this issue as its the silica in the disc that does the damage.
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Shane sharples on February 24, 2016, 08:46:02 pm
Ok cheers lads , appreciate the advice , il let the owner know - she's already not happy with the problems she's having with her new £300,000 property- the garage is damp, they missed a brick out in one of her walls 🤔 The garden is on a slope so all her neighbours rain water collects in her back garden which has ruined it! she can add this to her list now...
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: dave f on February 25, 2016, 02:18:57 pm
I do a house the patio doors are riddled with rust spots  there as been no grinding etc  but I had a thought  unusual for me but i  asked  if the kids have had sparkelrs at bon fire night  yes came the reply so that must of been the cause the . white hot fillings
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Smurf on February 25, 2016, 02:43:25 pm
Builders try to blame the window cleaner for everything you know  ;D
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Shane sharples on February 25, 2016, 02:59:36 pm
She messaged back saying thanks , iv sent another email to them!
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Ian Lancaster on February 25, 2016, 06:31:28 pm
A similar effect occurs near railway lines.  Tiny specks of steel from the rails and train wheels get thrown into the air, they fall on plastic sills and rust into the surface leaving a brown speckling all over.  We do a row of houses that back onto the railway and they're all the same.  No point in replacing as it will only start again.
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Shane sharples on February 25, 2016, 08:49:11 pm
A similar effect occurs near railway lines.  Tiny specks of steel from the rails and train wheels get thrown into the air, they fall on plastic sills and rust into the surface leaving a brown speckling all over.  We do a row of houses that back onto the railway and they're all the same.  No point in replacing as it will only start again.

Cheers Ian, but this house is in a small culdesac , I think some of these builders are splash and dash with their building skills, owners not happy
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Dave Willis on February 25, 2016, 08:53:46 pm
I've had this before - funny thing is the plastic frames don't seem to get it  ???
Title: Re: Rust spots on glass?
Post by: Shane sharples on February 25, 2016, 08:58:54 pm
I've had this before - funny thing is the plastic frames don't seem to get it  ???

Your right mate, the frames were perfect , just the glass was damaged/burnt