Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: BRETT on December 21, 2008, 10:33:13 am

Title: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: BRETT on December 21, 2008, 10:33:13 am
how do you  wfp guys who dont still carry ladders  deal with flat roofs below windows if they stick out to far to be able to get the proper angle with the brush to clean properley. ???
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: Slash on December 21, 2008, 10:37:44 am
Thats why I always carry ladders. ;)
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: Mike 108 on December 21, 2008, 10:40:39 am
You still need ladders.  Sometimes, they make life easier.
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: williamx on December 21, 2008, 10:42:09 am
It depends, on most of these types of property you can access the window from the side, failing that I can use my sl2 pole which can reach 60', I then attack the window, while being half way up their garden.

I also have a workbox that also can be used as a small step, it raises me up about a foot off the ground which sometimes is all you need.

Failing all of these methods, I just leave the window and don't charge them for it.

Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: Pristine Clean on December 21, 2008, 05:16:13 pm
Don't you think that leaving a window, and not charging for it... is a bit sad!

I use WFP and traditinal. There are times when tradition will be the only way.

I would never leave a window as the customer will eventually see it, even thou you explain it to them the reason why its not done.

Get a ladder, mop and  a squegee! Do them all and be a cut above the rest!


Dave
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: seandyer2003 on December 21, 2008, 05:23:17 pm
the flat roof thing is a worry for me as i have ALOT of properties with these, have thought about maybe having a lad with me to do bottoms trad, and he could pop up ladder to do flat roof windows, otherwise it means putting pole down , getting ladders and trad gear ... bit of a time waster :(
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: ftp on December 21, 2008, 05:38:04 pm
Are you all cleaning conservatories without ladders too?
I started out without ladders and even have ladderless windowcleaning as part of my signage. However after a couple of months i had to get a set of stepladders for conservatories, then a ladder for gate hopping and now ladders for gutter repairs. It's very difficult to be totally without ladders. Oh and some lightweight steps for insides too.  ::)
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: dmlservices on December 21, 2008, 06:12:11 pm
Don't you think that leaving a window, and not charging for it... is a bit sad!

I use WFP and traditinal. There are times when tradition will be the only way.

I would never leave a window as the customer will eventually see it, even thou you explain it to them the reason why its not done.

Get a ladder, mop and  a squegee! Do them all and be a cut above the rest!

thats what i always do .
flat roof windows always get done trad , it is quicker,
thats why ladders are always on my van , ;)
then again i was trad for15 years.
i see loads of wfp cleaners , climbing ladders to  access windows , then clean them using pole   ??,
but many are newbies, and would not have a clue hoe to clean trad  ;D

daz



Dave
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: the gedi on December 21, 2008, 08:17:09 pm
check your insurance you might find your not covered to walk on a flat roof , so inform house owner , or leave window unless you can use wfp
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on December 21, 2008, 08:28:03 pm
I find 99% of windows above flat roofs can be reached if you have a lightweight pole that's long enough,.. it might be at an awkward angle,. but it beats ladders.
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: NWH on December 21, 2008, 09:28:24 pm
I find 99% of windows above flat roofs can be reached if you have a lightweight pole that's long enough,.. it might be at an awkward angle,. but it beats ladders.
So do i but i`m considering getting 1 of those telescopic ladders just for the odd flat roof with windows that can`t be done from the ground.
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: Peter Fogwill on December 21, 2008, 09:31:39 pm
how do you  wfp guys who dont still carry ladders  deal with flat roofs below windows if they stick out to far to be able to get the proper angle with the brush to clean properley. ???

Like someone suggested the middle of the garden, and also change the angle on the brush so that it is the right angle.

Peter
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: NWH on December 21, 2008, 09:42:46 pm
My new year resolution is to be 100% ladderless lol. ;D ;D
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: edd on December 21, 2008, 09:51:10 pm
or if you like us still carry a pointer use that or stand on it for a few steps just enough to reach
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: karygate on December 22, 2008, 07:20:57 am
to deal with ones like this i carry a multi ladder . far safer and works well.
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: Ian Lancaster on December 22, 2008, 03:58:00 pm
Failing all of these methods, I just leave the window and don't charge them for it.

We pick up lots of work because the existing window cleaner can't reach the odd window.

If you're trad, then it's reasonable to be unable to do windows above conservatories etc, but if you're WFP it's not reasonable to leave a window just because it's over a flat roof.

Part of our selling jargon is:  "If we can see it, we can clean it"

I don't think "Unless it's over a flat roof" would go down very well ::)
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: supernova77 on December 22, 2008, 04:03:50 pm
I carry a ladder and just use it to gain access to flat roofs.

It seems a bit silly to miss a window just because it's above a flat roof!

Andy
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: williamx on December 22, 2008, 05:19:26 pm
Failing all of these methods, I just leave the window and don't charge them for it.

We pick up lots of work because the existing window cleaner can't reach the odd window.

If you're trad, then it's reasonable to be unable to do windows above conservatories etc, but if you're WFP it's not reasonable to leave a window just because it's over a flat roof.

Part of our selling jargon is:  "If we can see it, we can clean it"

I don't think "Unless it's over a flat roof" would go down very well ::)

I have not come across one that I cannot reach with my pole yet, but there got to one that is just not possible.

I am looking forward to that day with glee ;D
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: trike on December 22, 2008, 05:27:32 pm
i carry a teloscopic[spelt wrong] ladder
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: dmlservices on December 22, 2008, 06:08:40 pm
or if you like us still carry a pointer use that or stand on it for a few steps just enough to reach

i do that as well ;)

always carry 2 8ft a frames on van ,

also very handy to get over the odd locked gate

daz
Title: Re: flat roofs and wfp?
Post by: Chris Galloway on December 22, 2008, 06:15:27 pm
I carry a large a frame, a small a frame and a tele ladder. I use both trad and wfp for differing situations.

I take on work which many dont in this area, and because i dont employ i dont need expensive insurance to cover employees.

I charge extra for ladder work due to the increased risks and time taken than i do with wfp, so it works both ways, however - i ensure its always safe to use a ladder, and use supports where necessary.

as they say, horses for courses  ;D