Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: John Mart on February 01, 2019, 12:06:25 pm

Title: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 01, 2019, 12:06:25 pm
Customer leaves a message to say we cracked a window. Phone the cleaner and he said he didn't notice anything at the time. It was a first floor window and nothing unusual to report. I phone the guy back and it emerges he's just have roof repair work and scaffolding up and gets annoyed when I say that's where I'd be looking. In this situation would you pay for a new window?
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Simon Trapani on February 01, 2019, 12:21:31 pm
I know that's what public liability insurance is for but no it sounds much more likely to have been the roofers or scaffolders. Don't be taken for a mug.

Do you use hot or cold & how much d'you trust the employee?
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: drakestar! on February 01, 2019, 01:02:28 pm
Hold your ground and if you know that it's wasn't anything to do with you don't except liability for it.
He will need proof.
I had 1 like this who blamed me for loads of  scratches on their glass after the painters had left.
In time he admitted that it wasn't me.
Took a while..
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: SB Cleaning on February 01, 2019, 01:05:52 pm
I would go out and inspect the window before saying anything about the roofers  ::)roll
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 01, 2019, 03:04:05 pm
It's got a 20cm crack emanating from the frame. I've said I'll send to insurers. We don't use hot. He's adamant it wasn't there before we cleaned the windows. He seems decent and honest.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Shrek on February 01, 2019, 03:10:33 pm
No way , I’d just dump the customer. I got blamed for scratching a single window on a conservatory last week. She said you can only see it in the sunlight , I had a look and couldn’t see anything and she couldn’t see anything, but she suggested I get some stuff to get the scratches out  ???
I showed her the flocked brush I use and said I can’t scratch the glass with the tools I use. She said it was a blue brush I usually use ( I only use Gardiners and I don’t think they sell blue brushes) , so I showed her my brushes in the van and told her to get someone else if she’s insisting that it’s me. She said it’ll be ok , carry on. Maybe it was the tradder before me but it defo wasn’t me
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Stoots on February 01, 2019, 03:36:12 pm
Personally i would just say sorry nothing to do with us.

Dump and leave it at that.

whats he gonna do ?

not very good customer service i know, sorry  :-X
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 01, 2019, 03:51:04 pm
Personally i would just say sorry nothing to do with us.

Dump and leave it at that.

whats he gonna do ?

not very good customer service i know, sorry  :-X
It’s one of a row of 5 £25 townhouses of which we do 4. I’ll forward it to Hiscox Insurance and forget it.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Splash & dash on February 01, 2019, 04:02:18 pm
Personally i would just say sorry nothing to do with us.

Dump and leave it at that.

whats he gonna do ?

not very good customer service i know, sorry  :-X
It’s one of a row of 5 £25 townhouses of which we do 4. I’ll forward it to Hiscox Insurance and forget it.


Are you covered for the window you are working on ? Most insurance companies don’t only one I know of that does is gleaming . If you are responsible for the damage and Ime not saying that you are you would be better paying for it out of your own pocket as there will be an access charge then your premium will go up  and you will have to declare a  claim for the next 5 years , never worth the hassle for a £40-60 pain of glass surely
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Slacky on February 01, 2019, 04:10:53 pm
Why are you bothering with an insurer?

Just deny it or fess up and pay out of your pocket.

Not worth the aggro of using your insurer.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 01, 2019, 05:07:05 pm
Why are you bothering with an insurer?

Just deny it or fess up and pay out of your pocket.

Not worth the aggro of using your insurer.
No? I’d think it would be several hundred? Am I wrong? I know we couldn’t have done it by the way.

Using insurance is a way of letting someone else sort it.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Frankybadboy on February 01, 2019, 05:40:40 pm
cowboys  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: AuRavelling79 on February 01, 2019, 07:38:08 pm
Why are you bothering with an insurer?

Just deny it or fess up and pay out of your pocket.

Not worth the aggro of using your insurer.
No? I’d think it would be several hundred? Am I wrong? I know we couldn’t have done it by the way.

Using insurance is a way of letting someone else sort it.

How do you "know" this. Also what type of pane is it? Sealed unit? Single pane? Old, new?
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 01, 2019, 08:37:10 pm
Why are you bothering with an insurer?

Just deny it or fess up and pay out of your pocket.

Not worth the aggro of using your insurer.
No? I’d think it would be several hundred? Am I wrong? I know we couldn’t have done it by the way.

Using insurance is a way of letting someone else sort it.

How do you "know" this. Also what type of pane is it? Sealed unit? Single pane? Old, new?
Sealed unit. 6 years. New build.

“Know” is too strong, but the window was closed and it is a bow shaped crack that starts or ends up against the frame. Around 20cm.  I can’t conceive of how a brush could have done it.  As above, a few weeks before there was scaffolding up but the seemingly honest owner is adamant the crack was not there until Vince cleaned.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: P @ F on February 01, 2019, 08:42:48 pm
If I knew I hadnt done it then I would no way pay for it , couple year ago I had one ring me up and say I had shattered a pane in the glass connie roof , I knew I hadnt so said I would pop over to have a look  , she sumised that I had dropped the pole onto roof while reaching an above window .
I then asked her  if both her boys had flown the nest , to which she replied that they were both at university thank god , I then asked her whose football that was near to the place of damage then ?
The penny dropped on her then , she went red and I went home  ;D 
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: AuRavelling79 on February 01, 2019, 10:07:50 pm
If your cleaner says he's sure he didn't do it then I would back him to the hilt.
If he starts giving it "hmmm, might have" or the corner of the brush might "have" ... then I'd stump up.

Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Spotfree on February 01, 2019, 10:34:48 pm
No doubt the windows were filthy by the time the building work had finished, then your guy comes along and cleans them, revealing the builder's damage? I'd buy it.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: capn sparkle on February 02, 2019, 02:43:13 am
Have a proper chat with Vince.
Reassure him that the broken pane is not an issue but you need to know for certain if he is responsible or not, if not back him to the hilt.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: deeege on February 02, 2019, 07:29:06 am
Forward onto Hiscox and forget about it.  If it was not a part of a decent run of houses I’d probably deny it and dump.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 02, 2019, 08:04:20 am
Forward onto Hiscox and forget about it.  If it was not a part of a decent run of houses I’d probably deny it and dump.
That's the deciding factor and the only reason I haven't just denied and dumped. I'd pay if I thought we'd done it.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 02, 2019, 08:08:48 am
If your cleaner says he's sure he didn't do it then I would back him to the hilt.
If he starts giving it "hmmm, might have" or the corner of the brush might "have" ... then I'd stump up.
He's broken a couple of pots before and has told me. It isn't the sort of working environment where people get "hauled over the coals" for an accident. Deege's post sums it up. It's on a very good estate and we do 4 or 5 in a row (one of which was a recommendation by the broken window house). I believe the owner is genuine in thinking we'd broken the window, but I don't believe he is correct.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Jonny 87 on February 02, 2019, 08:39:15 am
It’s about £60 to sort a pane of glass on a standard new build.

It’s mad to go through insurance.

The insurance company may also deny it was your fault, which will leave a bad taste in the mouth for the customer.

If a roofer has caused it, then you’d be able to see an impact point on the glass.

If it comes from the frame it’s like a problem with temperature. Hot inside room, cold weather outside, pop under pressure. Unfortunately it can happen.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Dave Willis on February 02, 2019, 08:43:44 am
Suck it up and move on, it’s only an hours earnings down the pan.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: JackieW on February 02, 2019, 09:01:46 am
Is it a larger square shape or long and narrow?

If double glazed is it the inner or outer pane that has cracked?

Was it cold outside and warm inside?

https://www.windowsonlineuk.co.uk/blog/causes-double-glazing-crack/
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 02, 2019, 09:03:09 am
Is it a larger square shape or long and narrow?

If double glazed is it the inner or outer pane that has cracked?
Long and narrow and the outer.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: JackieW on February 02, 2019, 09:07:06 am
I have a long and narrow top opener that cracked as I happened to be looking out the window.

Googled  the answer.

It was cold outside, long narrow double glazed and it was January the peak time for this to happen. Not saying that is what happened with yours but a possibility.

Show the customer all the other factors that could have caused the crack as opposed to your cleaner cracking it with his brush.

Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Slacky on February 02, 2019, 09:33:50 am
Dont deny it, dont talk to the customer. Just sort it out. You cant prove it wasn't your guy and the custard cant prove it was. But you guy was probably the last person on the glass.

It'll be £60.00. It's pocket money. In the grand scheme of things what's 60 squid these day to us lot?

Do the right thing, be co-operative, don't resist what everyone tells you, just go with the flow. Be nice about it. Repair it, sort it, shake the customers hand and buy them a bunch of flowers for their inconvenience.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 02, 2019, 10:44:15 am
I have a long and narrow top opener that cracked as I happened to be looking out the window.

Googled  the answer.

It was cold outside, long narrow double glazed and it was January the peak time for this to happen. Not saying that is what happened with yours but a possibility.

Show the customer all the other factors that could have caused the crack as opposed to your cleaner cracking it with his brush.
Thanks for that.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 02, 2019, 10:46:24 am
Dont deny it, dont talk to the customer. Just sort it out. You cant prove it wasn't your guy and the custard cant prove it was. But you guy was probably the last person on the glass.

It'll be £60.00. It's pocket money. In the grand scheme of things what's 60 squid these day to us lot?

Do the right thing, be co-operative, don't resist what everyone tells you, just go with the flow. Be nice about it. Repair it, sort it, shake the customers hand and buy them a bunch of flowers for their inconvenience.
There's no way this will be £60 to sort. More like 3 or 4 x £60.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Small but perfectley formed on February 02, 2019, 02:20:01 pm
Would work out cheaper to get someone to replace it you will have excess and increased premiums next year.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: tlwcs on February 02, 2019, 02:47:06 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1549118550_51B51ABA-49B3-41A2-9B9A-3A049B8BA61E.jpeg)

I did this with warm water in the week. Sent it to the customer and gave him a couple of options on my insurance replacing it, he said he would deal with it.
I thought I’m going to get shafted and end up paying over the odds for one of his mates to change it.
He rang the next day and told me his wife said it was already cracked, that it wasn’t my fault and not to worry.
In your case I wouldn’t offer to pay anything.
Tony
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 04, 2019, 11:23:39 am
Just as a matter of interest. I've spoken to a local supplier who's said they're reinforced security glass on this David Wilson Homes development. In his opinion it would be impossible to break a pane with a water fed pole. He said £200ish to replace and best passed to insurer as the panes are a "nightmare" to remove.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Don Kee on February 04, 2019, 03:40:58 pm
Just as a matter of interest. I've spoken to a local supplier who's said they're reinforced security glass on this David Wilson Homes development. In his opinion it would be impossible to break a pane with a water fed pole. He said £200ish to replace and best passed to insurer as the panes are a "nightmare" to remove.

Test the theory.

Go down to her house and with her next to you, repeatedly keep hitting another of her windows as hard as you can with your wfp and prove it.

Simples.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: P @ F on February 04, 2019, 07:55:25 pm
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Then call the insurance Co  :D
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Frankybadboy on February 05, 2019, 07:20:22 pm
Just as a matter of interest. I've spoken to a local supplier who's said they're reinforced security glass on this David Wilson Homes development. In his opinion it would be impossible to break a pane with a water fed pole. He said £200ish to replace and best passed to insurer as the panes are a "nightmare" to remove.
what a load of old tosh  ;D ;D ;D ;D


pop the beading on the inside of the window,measure glass up and the depth of it.put beading back in,take to a glass manufacture get the plane made,fit within 10mins  easy
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 05, 2019, 07:21:38 pm
Just as a matter of interest. I've spoken to a local supplier who's said they're reinforced security glass on this David Wilson Homes development. In his opinion it would be impossible to break a pane with a water fed pole. He said £200ish to replace and best passed to insurer as the panes are a "nightmare" to remove.
what a load of old tosh  ;D ;D ;D ;D


pop the beading on the inside of the window,measure glass up and the depth of it.put beading back in,take to a glass manufacture get the plane made,fit within 10mins  easy
Not my cup of tea. I’d get someone else to do it.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: robbo333 on February 05, 2019, 07:43:06 pm
If it's reinforced security glass, then how could you break it with a brush? Sounds odd!

If it's not reinforced security glass, which I doubt (on a first floor DW home!) then just get some alternative quotes to replace it for normal glass and get it sorted.

Your reputation is at stake here! I am guessing you never did it, as your cleaner seems honest. I am also guessing that it's not that expensive to replace, so get some cheaper quotes and just pay for it.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 05, 2019, 08:08:42 pm
If it's reinforced security glass, then how could you break it with a brush? Sounds odd!

If it's not reinforced security glass, which I doubt (on a first floor DW home!) then just get some alternative quotes to replace it for normal glass and get it sorted.

Your reputation is at stake here! I am guessing you never did it, as your cleaner seems honest. I am also guessing that it's not that expensive to replace, so get some cheaper quotes and just pay for it.
I’ve passed it to the insurance company. I think that’s reasonable. Let them sort it out. I’m sure they’ll pay out.

Getting additional quotes will cause the customer inconvenience and create additional hassle for me. It’s what the insurance is for. It distances me from the problem and is certainly more professional than either a DIY attempt or getting various people in to quote.

I don’t think it’s possible to have broken it with a brush and it was cold water.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: robbo333 on February 05, 2019, 08:20:04 pm
Fair play.

Sometimes, it's not about the money, or blame...but just getting it sorted without the hassle and the interference with everyday work.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Walter Mitty on February 07, 2019, 10:09:34 am
Just as a matter of interest. I've spoken to a local supplier who's said they're reinforced security glass on this David Wilson Homes development. In his opinion it would be impossible to break a pane with a water fed pole. He said £200ish to replace and best passed to insurer as the panes are a "nightmare" to remove.

Test the theory.

Go down to her house and with her next to you, repeatedly keep hitting another of her windows as hard as you can with your wfp and prove it.

Simples.

In fact, keep going around the house with her breaking windows until you find one that doesn't break.  Then you can say it wasn't you.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: Dry Clean on February 07, 2019, 01:22:30 pm
If it's reinforced security glass, then how could you break it with a brush? Sounds odd!

If it's not reinforced security glass, which I doubt (on a first floor DW home!) then just get some alternative quotes to replace it for normal glass and get it sorted.

Your reputation is at stake here! I am guessing you never did it, as your cleaner seems honest. I am also guessing that it's not that expensive to replace, so get some cheaper quotes and just pay for it.
I’ve passed it to the insurance company. I think that’s reasonable. Let them sort it out. I’m sure they’ll pay out.

Getting additional quotes will cause the customer inconvenience and create additional hassle for me. It’s what the insurance is for. It distances me from the problem and is certainly more professional than either a DIY attempt or getting various people in to quote.

I don’t think it’s possible to have broken it with a brush and it was cold water.

There's no way you broke that window and I would be surprised if the customer didn't know that, you should never reward dishonesty.
Title: Re: Broken window
Post by: John Mart on February 07, 2019, 02:20:09 pm
If it's reinforced security glass, then how could you break it with a brush? Sounds odd!

If it's not reinforced security glass, which I doubt (on a first floor DW home!) then just get some alternative quotes to replace it for normal glass and get it sorted.

Your reputation is at stake here! I am guessing you never did it, as your cleaner seems honest. I am also guessing that it's not that expensive to replace, so get some cheaper quotes and just pay for it.
I’ve passed it to the insurance company. I think that’s reasonable. Let them sort it out. I’m sure they’ll pay out.

Getting additional quotes will cause the customer inconvenience and create additional hassle for me. It’s what the insurance is for. It distances me from the problem and is certainly more professional than either a DIY attempt or getting various people in to quote.

I don’t think it’s possible to have broken it with a brush and it was cold water.

There's no way you broke that window and I would be surprised if the customer didn't know that, you should never reward dishonesty.
Agreed and if it wasn't one of four or five in a row I'd have told him to do one.