Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: a900 on March 29, 2016, 12:56:18 pm
-
Hi all
I got a new business customer that's claiming I have scratched their Perspex garage door. It's a double garage door with 6 panels along and 4 down and its part of their frontage to hiring out sports cars. So quite large and needs to be smart when hiring out Aston martins and lambos.
They have only contacted me 2 weeks after the job so unsure if public liability will cover at this stage. I raised the point that someone else could have cleaned these Windows since I have been nearly 3 weeks ago now. They have told me they have cctv out the front constantly on which I have seen pointing at the area infront the garage door.
Scratches do appear Consistant with wfp method. Across the top one way and up and down the windows
How would you handle this? Has this happened to you? How might you get the scratches out?
-
Sounds odd to me that they're hiring out Astons and Lambos and have plastic (Perspex) windows in their Garage. I would never have cleaned them in the first place if it were me. Too risky! I am sorry as this really doesn't help you with your problem. But the only time I've ever tried to clean anything like that even with the gentlest of methods it didn't take long before marks appeared.
-
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1459262163_image.jpeg)
It's difficult to get the scratching in a picture but this does show the scratches on the outside. As soon as they said there was an issue I was thinking I should have said 'sorry I can't do Perspex'. I certainly won't in the future. Just need to work out the best solution for this one. . .
-
I wouldn't describe it as a cheap and tacky garage door but a bit pointless for them if it can't be cleaned without being scratched.
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1459263005_image.jpeg)
-
Seems ludicrous to me that they didn't tell you they were Perspex when they hired you because I would have thought that when they were fitted they would have been told that they require special treatment when it comes to cleaning.
-
As has been said, I would be very wary of cleaning perspex, it's much softer than glass and presumably scratches much more easily. If you ever want to clean any in future, get the customer to sign a disclaimer.
Did they tell you it was perspex before you started?
Firstly I would report it to my insurance company with all the facts including that they didn't mention it till three weeks after the clean, then wait to see what the insurance company says. If they accept the claim then go ahead on that basis. If they decline responsibility you report that back to the customer. That should be the end of it, it would be up to the customer to argue with your insurance company - that's why you have insurance.
If you still have problems, the below might be useful:
I am quite sure that 99% of cases of WFP 'scratching' glass is actually pre-existing scratches being exposed by the brush removing soiling that had disguised the scratch, and the customer giving the glass much closer scrutiny to see if the system has really cleaned the glass.
I'm so confident of this that on the very few occasions any of us have been accused of causing scratches, I have invited the customer to try to scratch a window with one of our brushes on the promise that if they succeed we will replace the glass we have been accused of scratching, together with the glass the customer has succeeded in scratching.
To date we have only ever had one customer accept the challenge, and that one failed to make the slightest mark on the glass.
They still cancel ;D but at least if they try to tell anyone else it was because we scratched their glass we can demonstrate they were unable (or unwilling) to prove we were responsible.
-
Seems ludicrous to me that they didn't tell you they were Perspex when they hired you because I would have thought that when they were fitted they would have been told that they require special treatment when it comes to cleaning.
What methods should be used?
-
Sorry to hear this bud.
My advice would be DO NOT ADMITT ANY LIABILITY WATSOEVER even if you knew at the time you were scratching the Perspex. Did you???
Anyway after saying that I don't know of any methods to remover scratches from Perspex and I'm sure as hell would not try.
Best you contact your insurance company to let them know of the situation as they may be able to help. After saying that I do hope you have proper insurance cover. That includes property being work on e.g. in this case that garage door as might cost a lot of money to get replaced if they should try and make a successful claim against you.
Best of luck
-
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1459262163_image.jpeg)
It's difficult to get the scratching in a picture but this does show the scratches on the outside. As soon as they said there was an issue I was thinking I should have said 'sorry I can't do Perspex'. I certainly won't in the future. Just need to work out the best solution for this one. . .
That looks terrible! Did you use any chems on it?
-
I remember when I did the ionics training course.they advised not to use a window brush on plastic or painted surfaces due to risk of scratching.need to tell insurance company I think to cover your self.
-
Is it an up and over kind of door? I wonder if it's scratching during use?
Having said that perspex will scratch with a brush.
-
Seems ludicrous to me that they didn't tell you they were Perspex when they hired you because I would have thought that when they were fitted they would have been told that they require special treatment when it comes to cleaning.
What methods should be used?
I don't know and having done a little research, I'm even more determined never to touch the stuff if ever I'm asked. Especially on that scale
-
Is it an up and over kind of door? I wonder if it's scratching during use?
Having said that perspex will scratch with a brush.
Good point as I was just wondering the same thing if the scratches are caused by the way the door opens.
-
Have a closer look - use a magnifying glass or microscope. Are they scratches - damage, in lines, to the surface OR are they strata lines within the perspex/pollycarbonate? The first one is unlikely and the second one happens with time. A good clean makes them more noticeable.
-
Have a closer look - use a magnifying glass or microscope. Are they scratches - damage, in lines, to the surface OR are they strata lines within the perspex/pollycarbonate? The first one is unlikely and the second one happens with time. A good clean makes them more noticeable.
Nice post
-
A duel trim mono brush will scratch perspex just the same as it will scratch plastic conservatory roofs, exactly like those pictures.
A soft flocked brush should always be used on these type of materials.
A few years ago I cleaned a near new plastic con roof with a medium dual trim mono, couldn't believe my eyes when It dried :o
Of course I told the customer the scratches were already there but I knew damn well I caused them.
-
They did point out their concern that they had some scratches in the past when they were fitted. I really didn't expect any scratches with a Gardiner extreme brush. But the scratches are horizontal at the top of the window pane and vertical across the pane. Exactly as you would the method for cleaning. That is the only reason I believe that it could have been me.
Earlier I contacted my insurance company and they are sending me a claim form. I also contacted the door manufacturer to ask how they would recommend cleaning these and dealing with scratches but waiting to hear back.
-
To clean Perspex search "How to clean caravan windows " or have a word with a caravan dealer personally I would walk away from job
-
They did point out their concern that they had some scratches in the past when they were fitted. I really didn't expect any scratches with a Gardiner extreme brush. But the scratches are horizontal at the top of the window pane and vertical across the pane. Exactly as you would the method for cleaning. That is the only reason I believe that it could have been me.
Earlier I contacted my insurance company and they are sending me a claim form. I also contacted the door manufacturer to ask how they would recommend cleaning these and dealing with scratches but waiting to hear back.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing for sure. Let’s just hope you are fully covered and the insurance company will take it on and sort it out for you one way or another.
I do understand what you are going through as I went through a similar situation last year and was a great relief I can tell you that the hassle was taken out of my hands by the insurance company I'm insured with.
-
Hindsight is a wonderful thing for sure. Let’s just hope you are fully covered and the insurance company will take it on and sort it out for
I do understand what you are going through as I went through a similar situation last year and was a great relief I can tell you that the hassle was taken out of my hands by the insurance company I'm insured with.
Thanks smurf
I'm with you on that. Looks like it's an insurance job. Will keep people updated
-
just googled.....removing scratches from perspex windows
there`s a lot of info, mainly involving polishing out the scratches, looks quite easy
found these two particularly interesting
http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/community/discussions/technical-and-advice/motorhomes/scratches-on-acrylic-windows/rt/265049/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNoOPXi_4o4
They did point out their concern that they had some scratches in the past when they were fitted. I really didn't expect any scratches with a Gardiner extreme brush. But the scratches are horizontal at the top of the window pane and vertical across the pane. Exactly as you would the method for cleaning. That is the only reason I believe that it could have been me.
Earlier I contacted my insurance company and they are sending me a claim form. I also contacted the door manufacturer to ask how they would recommend cleaning these and dealing with scratches but waiting to hear back.
the above quote could be your way out?? if your comfortable having a go at polishing the scratches out yourself, you could mention that you`ll remove the marks that you may or may not have made, plus also the pre-existing ones aswell?? Again only if your comfortable doing it
got to be worth a day rate?
tony
-
just googled.....removing scratches from perspex windows
there`s a lot of info, mainly involving polishing out the scratches, looks quite easy
found these two particularly interesting
http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/community/discussions/technical-and-advice/motorhomes/scratches-on-acrylic-windows/rt/265049/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNoOPXi_4o4
They did point out their concern that they had some scratches in the past when they were fitted. I really didn't expect any scratches with a Gardiner extreme brush. But the scratches are horizontal at the top of the window pane and vertical across the pane. Exactly as you would the method for cleaning. That is the only reason I believe that it could have been me.
Earlier I contacted my insurance company and they are sending me a claim form. I also contacted the door manufacturer to ask how they would recommend cleaning these and dealing with scratches but waiting to hear back.
the above quote could be your way out?? if your comfortable having a go at polishing the scratches out yourself, you could mention that you`ll remove the marks that you may or may not have made, plus also the pre-existing ones aswell?? Again only if your comfortable doing it
got to be worth a day rate?
tony
They are trying to blame him for the scratches so are unlike to pay extra to try to get them removed now are they ???
-
exactly they are TRYING to blame him, dont mean he did it
i doubt that they could prove than he scratched the perspex, plus why did it take two weeks from being cleaned for them to contact him. (why not sooner) then there`s the point that the door rolls over, that can cause issues. its not a forgone conclusion that he did it. and just because he feels its possible that he marked it, dose`nt mean he did.
fair enough if he isnt bothered, if he`s happy to take the blame and claim through his insurance regardless weather he done it or not, then fine
but it may be possible to reason with the customer
by removing the marks that he may or may not have made, (obviously from his point of view he did`nt mark it, if that is how he feels) plus also the pre-existing ones aswell
i think a lot depends on the attitude of the customer
tony ;)
-
Making some good points Tony.
I can't reason with the customer until next Monday as the chap who deals with issues at the business is on holiday.
In the mean time I spoke to the manufacturer and they told me they use polycarbonate. I believe this is a more delicate material than the acrylic (Perspex). I believe polycarbonate is more delicate and requires different scratch removal
-
The problem with perspex windows is the brush will not scratch the glass but grit on the perspex will do when moved with the brush . So which ever brush will make not difference unless its a wire brush.
-
Makes sense. They Need a good pre rinse to remove grit and that before a clean. The job in question hadn't been cleaned for a year so plenty of dirt. And lots of water was used. Scrubbed around the frames first.
Let's be honest there are enough windows out there that none of us need to hassle ourselves with Perspex or polycarbonate or other glass alternative plastic Windows. Lesson learnt for me. Hopefully this topic will save someone else from the hassle of cleaning these materials.
-
Hi all. Been meaning to update the topic for a few days and not got round to it.
Heard back from the company with the scratches and they have said that they have suggested getting one of their lads that valets cars to get the scratches out and charge me at £8.40 ph. They recon the will have it done in 3-4 hours. Apparently they are confident to get the scratches out as they have removed them before and it's a learning curve for them and me. They said they should have asked me to leave the panels and they want me to carry on cleaning for them after and that they may have more jobs lined up.
I'm glad that it hasn't broken down the relationship and £30-40 cost is nothing. Insurance excess is £500 alone. :o
Lesson for me and anyone else reading is don't clean plastic glass alternatives with wfp.
-
Hi all. Been meaning to update the topic for a few days and not got round to it.
Heard back from the company with the scratches and they have said that they have suggested getting one of their lads that valets cars to get the scratches out and charge me at £8.40 ph. They recon the will have it done in 3-4 hours. Apparently they are confident to get the scratches out as they have removed them before and it's a learning curve for them and me. They said they should have asked me to leave the panels and they want me to carry on cleaning for them after and that they may have more jobs lined up.
I'm glad that it hasn't broken down the relationship and £30-40 cost is nothing. Insurance excess is £500 alone. :o
Lesson for me and anyone else reading is don't clean plastic glass alternatives with wfp.
Result...Nice one.
-
Just a point - if the valeter has "removed the scratches before" isn't that a sign that they were scratched already by someone?
Whatever - that is a good result. Maybe try and be on hand when the valeter does his stuff and find out how he does it?
-
Done a few Perspex cleans. Easy enough with correct fluid. Just needs to be anti static and use the cloth with the kit.
Won't scratch it.
-
Done a few Perspex cleans. Easy enough with correct fluid. Just needs to be anti static and use the cloth with the kit.
Won't scratch it.
Got any more info? I would like to find a future solution as they have been so fair about it.