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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Glen on March 02, 2021, 08:54:08 pm

Title: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Glen on March 02, 2021, 08:54:08 pm
What's the quickest way to clean uPVC fascia and soffits and aluminium gutters without a pressure washer or WFP? It's covered in green algae and hasn't been done for years.

I was thinking of using Brintons MMC Pro or other biocide but not sure of its suitability.

It's a 4 bed detached and I can't spend all day doing them.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Smudger on March 02, 2021, 09:01:19 pm
Do you want it done quick or do it right?

Darran
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Glen on March 02, 2021, 09:03:27 pm
Do you want it done quick or do it right?

Darran

Both if I can!
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: adman on March 02, 2021, 09:10:38 pm
sub it out to someone with the right kit
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Glen on March 02, 2021, 09:17:25 pm
sub it out to someone with the right kit

Helpful
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Smudger on March 02, 2021, 10:17:05 pm
Personally, I never clean s/f/g  with pressure washer - good chance of water ingress

w/f/p all the way, proper scrub and rinse

Darran
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Rogue Trader on March 02, 2021, 10:19:17 pm
Detergent and scrub with pole
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Richard Groves on March 02, 2021, 11:14:09 pm
I'd be inclined to buy the cheapest wfp and just plug it into a tap. Dip or spray the brush with diluted degreaser such as no nonsense brand from Screwfix if really green and rinse off, even a detergent such as flash does a good job. That one job could pay for it and then you've always got it. Certainly going to be the quickest way. Are you a trad window cleaner ? If so and you have an unger pole or similar could you just buy a brush and rig something up ?
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Simon Trapani on March 03, 2021, 03:21:04 am
Avoid!
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 03, 2021, 07:41:20 am
What's the quickest way to clean uPVC fascia and soffits and aluminium gutters without a pressure washer or WFP? It's covered in green algae and hasn't been done for years.

I was thinking of using Brintons MMC Pro or other biocide but not sure of its suitability.

It's a 4 bed detached and I can't spend all day doing them.

Thanks in advance.

Pass the job on to someone who has the right tools for the job.....basically you need a water fed pole....pressure washer is not a good idea...
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 03, 2021, 07:43:02 am
sub it out to someone with the right kit

Helpful

What did you expect?


You need a wfp mate!👍😄
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: zesty on March 03, 2021, 08:03:28 am
Cleaning gutters with WFP is pretty horrible, I either don’t do them, or I price it silly high.

I actually preferred the days of doing them off a ladder, much easier on the shoulders.

You haven’t got many options without WFP, ladder work might be the only way if it’s not too high.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: swanson on March 03, 2021, 08:18:54 am
WFP all the way
I even get up the ladder to do them .
Price it right for that type of property i would charge £135
It would take me roughly 3 hours.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: NWH on March 03, 2021, 09:19:55 am
Where’s the profit in that then charging £40 odd an hour for back breaking work like cleaning facias and gutters when they are green.
As for buying the cheapest pole for doing stuff like that you want the lightest pole possible far more strain than cleaning windows.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Jay Le Huray on March 03, 2021, 12:35:16 pm
I do loads of these and always use WFP with good results
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Granny on March 03, 2021, 12:46:08 pm
Just get the ladder out.
I've done loads it's often easier, especially for the brackets if you're up close.
I've often started them WFP and ended up getting on the ladder because it's easier and quicker.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: windowswashed on March 03, 2021, 02:00:38 pm
Avoid!

Me too, rather have a day off. Stopped FSG 10years ago as balancing health work lifestyle better these days.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Smudger on March 03, 2021, 02:07:01 pm
Avoid!

Me too, rather have a day off. Stopped FSG 10years ago as balancing health work lifestyle better these days.

I wouldn't be cleaning  s/f/g either if I was using the radial brush  ;D

Darran
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: TomCrowther on March 03, 2021, 03:51:46 pm
I agree with other responses. What is the point in doing harder work for the same money you would normally make? We charge high for roofline work as it is manually harder work, plus you have to clean the windows too! £200 plus for 3 bed semis.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Smudger on March 03, 2021, 04:28:36 pm
You lot have made my day, - wimps the lot of you  ;D

loved doing s/f/g works - get the right angle and its p!ss easy work  ;D

Darran
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Splash & dash on March 03, 2021, 04:34:45 pm
You lot have made my day, - wimps the lot of you  ;D

loved doing s/f/g works - get the right angle and its p!ss easy work  ;D

Darran


I agree but it’s harder work than normal window cleaning so should be charged out at considerably more than regular window prices .
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Richard Groves on March 03, 2021, 06:06:48 pm
Where’s the profit in that then charging £40 odd an hour for back breaking work like cleaning facias and gutters when they are green.
As for buying the cheapest pole for doing stuff like that you want the lightest pole possible far more strain than cleaning windows.
I only said cheapest pole because the OP doesn't have a wfp. Perhaps they just don't need it for anything else other than the occasional job. Lightest pole possible may mean they need several jobs to break even. If they're going to use it a lot then obviously go lightest not cheapest. But then that begs the question - why don't they have a wfp already ?
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 03, 2021, 06:23:06 pm
i picked up a bungalow today...he wants the outside gutters/soffits cleaning too on the first clean.....its an hours work including the windows.....i priced it up at £80...ill bolt it on to one of my shorter days in a couple of weeks...... :)
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: NWH on March 03, 2021, 06:50:06 pm
I’ve never understood people doing jobs like this for next to nothing I have an I don’t really  want to do that dirty filthy back breaking neck clicking job Tax,someone on here once said if you don’t get told to F*** off once in a while on price you are too cheap 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 03, 2021, 07:12:29 pm
I’ve never understood people doing jobs like this for next to nothing I have an I don’t really  want to do that dirty filthy back breaking neck clicking job Tax,someone on here once said if you don’t get told to F*** off once in a while on price you are too cheap 🤣🤣🤣🤣

some of us are not greedy and want to provide a decent service for a fair price for both parties...you give the impression you just want to rip off as many customers as you can.....

im surprised ive not seen you on Watchdog! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: KS Cleaning on March 03, 2021, 07:23:09 pm
i picked up a bungalow today...he wants the outside gutters/soffits cleaning too on the first clean.....its an hours work including the windows.....i priced it up at £80...ill bolt it on to one of my shorter days in a couple of weeks...... :)
I’m surprised you still have some shorter days on your schedule with all this work you’re regularly picking up.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 03, 2021, 07:31:24 pm
i picked up a bungalow today...he wants the outside gutters/soffits cleaning too on the first clean.....its an hours work including the windows.....i priced it up at £80...ill bolt it on to one of my shorter days in a couple of weeks...... :)
I’m surprised you still have some shorter days on your schedule with all this work you’re regularly picking up.

yes i still have them(and i always will)....in fact ill be finished for around 2pm tomorrow until monday as i want 3 straight days off but ive not pencilled this job in until a week on monday....i have lost a couple of jobs too due to dying/moving over the last few weeks...ive also got 2 jobs on my "to dump soon" list...the refining never ends no matter how many years in the game.... :)
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: NWH on March 03, 2021, 08:15:22 pm
I’m surprised you are still taking on work Daz I thought you only wanted 6 hours work a day,slowly but surely that 6 will turn into 7 and so on.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 03, 2021, 08:28:27 pm
I’m surprised you are still taking on work Daz I thought you only wanted 6 hours work a day,slowly but surely that 6 will turn into 7 and so on.

no they wont mate...anyone whos been in this game a fair while knows that no window cleaning jobs last forever...theres a constant trickle of new jobs and old jobs falling by the wayside...either dumped,died,moved or cant afford it anymore...

all our rounds are built on shifting sand...they never stay the same...always evolving and changing a little bit....in my case always for the better/more profitable....
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Simon Trapani on March 03, 2021, 08:30:04 pm
I feel a record day coming on Daz ;D
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: NWH on March 03, 2021, 09:08:45 pm
I’m surprised you are still taking on work Daz I thought you only wanted 6 hours work a day,slowly but surely that 6 will turn into 7 and so on.

no they wont mate...anyone whos been in this game a fair while knows that no window cleaning jobs last forever...theres a constant trickle of new jobs and old jobs falling by the wayside...either dumped,died,moved or cant afford it anymore...

all our rounds are built on shifting sand...they never stay the same...always evolving and changing a little bit....in my case always for the better/more profitable....

Yeah I know Daz you are right m8 it’s always changing. 
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Steve H on March 03, 2021, 09:17:03 pm
Guys i do FSG when i get them and like the look of the job and yes charge a higher hourly rate for sure or no point.
Some are easy enough, especially bungalows!. If you have one thats a bit grotty what are you putting on them thats safe and not going to ruin anything? I generally dont use chemicals, but occasionally think it would make life easier with the dirtier jobs. I have some razor sharp (i think its called) from WC Warehouse, not been opened as yet. Anything you guys recommend? Something not too harsh if possible.
Thanks in advance .
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Splash & dash on March 03, 2021, 10:18:54 pm
Guys i do FSG when i get them and like the look of the job and yes charge a higher hourly rate for sure or no point.
Some are easy enough, especially bungalows!. If you have one thats a bit grotty what are you putting on them thats safe and not going to ruin anything? I generally dont use chemicals, but occasionally think it would make life easier with the dirtier jobs. I have some razor sharp (i think its called) from WC Warehouse, not been opened as yet. Anything you guys recommend? Something not too harsh if possible.
Thanks in advance .



Virosol works well and if diluted 10-1 is very good , if really green or black with algi and grey fading a weak hypo mix will freshen them up no end but that’s obviously a bit harsher chemical .
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 04, 2021, 08:18:19 am
Guys i do FSG when i get them and like the look of the job and yes charge a higher hourly rate for sure or no point.
Some are easy enough, especially bungalows!. If you have one thats a bit grotty what are you putting on them thats safe and not going to ruin anything? I generally dont use chemicals, but occasionally think it would make life easier with the dirtier jobs. I have some razor sharp (i think its called) from WC Warehouse, not been opened as yet. Anything you guys recommend? Something not too harsh if possible.
Thanks in advance .

Personally I use a virosol mix in a backpack.

Plug pole into backpack
Squirt on
Leave for a few mins
Hot wfp scrub and rinse
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: james peters on March 04, 2021, 04:13:08 pm
[(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874168_IMG_20210304_090521668.jpg)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874186_IMG_20210304_104100047.jpg)

I did this one today...It would have been hard going with TFR, like virosol.
so I used a  1 to 12 mix of hypo. it literally fell off.
Hypo is fast becoming my preferred method.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Splash & dash on March 04, 2021, 04:22:35 pm
[(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874168_IMG_20210304_090521668.jpg)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874186_IMG_20210304_104100047.jpg)

I did this one today...It would have been hard going with TFR, like virosol.
so I used a  1 to 12 mix of hypo. it literally fell off.
Hypo is fast becoming my preferred method.




Nice job done there , yes I agree we are starting to use it more on plastic cleans , just don’t like it dripping on me , but it dies a very good job
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Mike Burd on March 04, 2021, 04:36:03 pm
[(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874168_IMG_20210304_090521668.jpg)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874186_IMG_20210304_104100047.jpg)

I did this one today...It would have been hard going with TFR, like virosol.
so I used a  1 to 12 mix of hypo. it literally fell off.
Hypo is fast becoming my preferred method.
It doesn't remove spider's nests in the corners though.  ;D
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: james peters on March 04, 2021, 05:16:00 pm
no but it kills the spiders :D
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Steve H on March 04, 2021, 08:39:49 pm
Thanks Guys will give Virosol a go, see how i get on, i think Hypo might be a bit harsh for me, also dont want it all over me either by the sounds of things. Im assuming with Virosol you can leave it on for a certain amount of time before it damages anything. Just wary incase i dont rinse it all off or it stains something its dripped on.. I suppose 1-10 makes it pretty weak?
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Slacky on March 04, 2021, 08:45:06 pm
Use Hypo on something like that and you ruin your clothes.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Splash & dash on March 04, 2021, 11:30:16 pm
Thanks Guys will give Virosol a go, see how i get on, i think Hypo might be a bit harsh for me, also dont want it all over me either by the sounds of things. Im assuming with Virosol you can leave it on for a certain amount of time before it damages anything. Just wary incase i dont rinse it all off or it stains something its dripped on.. I suppose 1-10 makes it pretty weak?


10-1 Virosol is fine evan in bright sunlight and allowing it to dry on glass or plastic it will be fine , just go more careful on conservatory roofs with self cleaning glass we have never had a problem with it but think someone on hear did slacky. ????
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Slacky on March 05, 2021, 06:07:14 am
Yes I did. It was Virosol. Caused the glass to turn opaque and milky. An easy solution to resolve it though is to apply descaler to the affected glass.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: james peters on March 05, 2021, 07:45:50 am
Use Hypo on something like that and you ruin your clothes.

I wore my spotty uniform .
actually ,  it was  ok. I was able to stand way back all around the house.
sprayed the hypo on all around  first.
by the time I had got back to the start to scrub and rinse off with just pure it had stopped dripping.
I wouldnt use hypo, if I had to stand underneath.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Slacky on March 05, 2021, 08:11:55 am
It'll happen...
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: dazmond on March 05, 2021, 08:19:18 am
Yes I did. It was Virosol. Caused the glass to turn opaque and milky. An easy solution to resolve it though is to apply descaler to the affected glass.

Good to know mate....just in case!👍🙂

I always have some viakal in the van...
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Steve H on March 06, 2021, 03:50:29 pm
Thanks guys, some good advice there as usual
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: EandM on March 07, 2021, 12:31:10 pm
I'm thinking, industrial steam cleaner with the lance modified to fit on an old Gardiner pole...
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Mx19 on March 07, 2021, 12:40:15 pm
[(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874168_IMG_20210304_090521668.jpg)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874186_IMG_20210304_104100047.jpg)

I did this one today...It would have been hard going with TFR, like virosol.
so I used a  1 to 12 mix of hypo. it literally fell off.
Hypo is fast becoming my preferred method.

What ratio mix did you use  for this? I do a lot of FSG and have been thinking about using hypo on them. Do you reckon hypo has a better effect on the tiger stripes as well?
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: SB Cleaning on March 07, 2021, 02:11:53 pm
[(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874168_IMG_20210304_090521668.jpg)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874186_IMG_20210304_104100047.jpg)

I did this one today...It would have been hard going with TFR, like virosol.
so I used a  1 to 12 mix of hypo. it literally fell off.
Hypo is fast becoming my preferred method.

What ratio mix did you use  for this? I do a lot of FSG and have been thinking about using hypo on them. Do you reckon hypo has a better effect on the tiger stripes as well?
Hypo wont shift the tiger stripes, I use the Pink stuff smothered over the brush with water off, usually does the trick.
Title: Re: Fascia, soffit and gutter cleaning - no WFP or pressure washer
Post by: Splash & dash on March 07, 2021, 04:33:17 pm
[(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874168_IMG_20210304_090521668.jpg)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1614874186_IMG_20210304_104100047.jpg)

I did this one today...It would have been hard going with TFR, like virosol.
so I used a  1 to 12 mix of hypo. it literally fell off.
Hypo is fast becoming my preferred method.

What ratio mix did you use  for this? I do a lot of FSG and have been thinking about using hypo on them. Do you reckon hypo has a better effect on the tiger stripes as well?
Hypo wont shift the tiger stripes, I use the Pink stuff smothered over the brush with water off, usually does the trick.


Depends what is causing the tiger stripes  we find it does  usually fade them  if not totally remove them .