Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: [GQC] Tim on November 21, 2006, 01:19:17 pm
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I just finished watching it, I must say that it is a very good DVD, well presented, I thought from the trailer that the host was gonna be a bit too cheesy, but he wasn't, presentation was excellent. Marc (if that's his name) looked very relaxed and pro as well. :)
Content wise, there are a lot of good tips, and a lot is covered.....but in my opinion there is also quite a bit left out. Some points ; forgive me if some of them sound harsh, it's not personal. :
- Squeezee pressure.
- Base distance of squeezee handle, and what the right angle of the rubber on the glass should be.
- No pole techniques covered.
- No ladder use tips and safety basics, haven't see one rung of a ladder in the whole dvd.
- No info on how to do round management. No mention of Software for Windowcleaners.
- No straight down method covered, which is with some windows a must, and should be mastered first before doing the swirl, would be nice to have a rough idea on fanning aswell.
Apart from that, very nice DVD, well spend money and a must for beginners, it covers all types of glass, and the Leaded glass technique and tips are very good. ;D
If there is any way to add some content with the points above, that would be great. Maybe a rev 2 of the DVD.
http://www.windowcleaningessentials.co.uk/
Pole cleaning video can be seen here if anyone needs to see how it should be done :
http://www.windowcleaningresources.co.uk/html/window_cleaning_tips.html
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Thank you for the suggestions.
The video is 45 mins long and is particularly of benefit to window cleaners that have just started, but have an idea on how to use the squeegee, or for employers to train employees how to increase speed,
however if you are starting from scratch, I would also recommend that you watch this promo video by ettore...
www.ewctettoreuk.co.uk/cleaning_methods.php
The Window Cleaning Essentials DVD will show you how to increase your speed once you have mastered those basic techniques.
As regards angle of the rubber and pressure... the blade should run sharp on the window, if you press on too hard when you squeegee then you will cause the rubber to bend and that will make the edge blunt leaving a film of water on the window.
Your wrist should be relaxed and your thumb pointing upwards not holding the handle with the thumb wrapped tightly around the handle, restricting your wrist movement (this will also cause you wrist problems if you continue).
Some points regarding round organisation are covered. Refining your round etc.
The site compliments the video, so look out for the areas you mention being demonstrated on the site. As you say, I briefly demonstrate pole technique on the site.
Thank you for your feedback.
Mark
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Oh I see, the cleaningresources is also part of it...cool!
Yea, I watched that Ettore one, and found it very useful when I started up, this one made me even better, so I'm very grateful for that.
Thanks! :)
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I've watched and was impressed with the DVD, there are a few points I would have approached a little differently, but by and large it is a good buy for the Newbie, covers decent techniques, and I've even picked up a tip or two myself ;) and I've been going 23 years! :o
But there is only so much you can get into a 45 minute DVD, so overall I thought it was good.
One tip I thought should have been in there however is that just prior to placing the squeegee on the glass, you should run the blade through finger and thumb.
1. it takes off excess water from the squeegee rubber.
2. you will feel any bits of grit, or hair or anything else for that matter that will cause lines or marks on the glass as you squeegee the pane.
It clears the working edge of the squeegee.
Ladders are not covered, but that is becoming a grey and murky area, and to go into ladder use would mean having to go into it in some depth because of health and safety.
Pole use is kinda advanced and better covered when you are more experienced.
I know some guy who have been going a fair time that are real Newbie's themselves where the pole is concerned.
It is also used almost exclusively on commercial work, a newbie starting out is not going to have the kind of work where that is needed (in general)
I watched the clip of Mark using the pole, it's how I used to use it, but I have developed a really good technique of my own, and it is quicker and more effective than the one in the clip.
One of my squeegee collection - or the handle I should say - is the Unger Swivlelock.
I've used a couple of different makes along the same lines, but in my personal opinion, so far, the Unger one is the best.
I never use the 'lock' facility, rather it is done up tight enough that it holds it position and equally I can twist it to any angle I like and it will hold that position too.
Wash the pane of glass as per the video clip.
Attach Unger Swivlelock and pull down the squeegee blade somewhere between vertical and 45 degrees (depends on height of glass)
Just as Mark shows in his video for normal squeegee technique on his DVD, start well below the top of the pane and slide squeegee up to top corner.
Because of the angle with the swivlelock the squeegee blade can now be as vertical as it would be if you were squeegeeing off a normal pane of glass with the squeegee held in your hand.
You can now either draw straight across (can be done very quickly too I might add) and finish vertically against the other side of the window frame, or, twist and draw down the side of the frame.
You then go back and do it again until you are at a height where you can reach comfortably without the pole and continue to squeegee off as normal.
By not finishing flush to the frame, but drawing the squeegee down then you of course reduce the area you need to squeegee with each stroke, but that is harder to do and easier to make mistakes, leave lines behind and so on.
I've also bought and now use the Mr Longarm pole and squeegee.
A good piece of kit it is too ;)
Some of the technique is similar to the one I stumbled into with my normal pole and Swivlelock handle, so I adapted to it like a duck to water.
I've not used a wagtail yet, can't compare that technique...tempted too get one though, just to see what it is like in use...
Maybe I can video myself using the poles (standard and Mr Longarm) and stick it on Youtube....
I'm late now >:(
work beckons...
Ian
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Some very good tips there, thanks for that! :)
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Thanks Ian
I.ve just bought a load of new gear including the Pro Curve pole.
I had a go with it, but I think it will take a little getting used to.
I also got the unger swivel lock, which I hadn't used before, and a few other bits and pieces to play with.
Will let you know how I get on.
That would be great if you upload a video Ian.