Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: malcolmmccaw on December 18, 2009, 06:56:24 pm

Title: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: malcolmmccaw on December 18, 2009, 06:56:24 pm
Does any one have any advice on what is the best footwear, for occasionally walking on slightly sloping porch roofs? as ive found this is dangerous in wet conditions. I know its not ideal walking on them (& some i wouldnt even chance it) but sometimes its necessary when getting to above glass on traditonal cleaning where using a pole isnt viable, ie: extensions with sloping roofs (skylight type) being built on. Plus ive never been a fan of pole results, i can get the blading perfect but find microfibring the corners using a clamp a right ponce about! (& a timeburner) and i find being directly on the glass is best. Re. footwear ive been looking at ice cleats and crampons for straping on the base of the shoe, but im not sure if they would be any good. HELP  ???
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: Mike #1 on December 18, 2009, 07:03:20 pm
best option is to leave them if fall off you aint working for a while not worth it for the sake of a couple quid here and there
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: Mike 108 on December 18, 2009, 07:04:14 pm
This question is best suited to Gary Mallett.

How about it, Gary?
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: jonnyald on December 18, 2009, 07:11:46 pm
. I know its not ideal walking on them (& some i wouldnt even chance it) but sometimes its necessary when getting to above glass on traditonal cleaning where using a pole isnt viable.

why isnt a pole viable then?  if u do  a window per day practice with a pole soon you will use it naturally
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: martinsadie on December 18, 2009, 07:14:08 pm
if its dangerous dont go on
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: david watts on December 18, 2009, 07:28:55 pm
i posted last year at this time nearly had to eat xmas dinner through a straw;
slates came off me slide down.
got away with it but ive paid 10 grand for a roof over my kitching anyone found walking on that
will need a straw ;D
if you damage a roof wearing crampons your ins isnt going to look good :o
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: Window Washers on December 18, 2009, 07:33:17 pm
if its dangerous dont go on
This is the best advice you will get on this post.

Customers understand if it is a hazard, just be honest with them.

Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: weetot on December 18, 2009, 07:41:15 pm
if its dangerous dont go on

Totally agree, my mate fell off the back roof of a shop he had done for 15 years, just slipped on the slopey bit, dislocated 3 fingers by trying to hold onto anything thats there, manged to hit an out building on the way down, got a 3 inch cut on his forehead then wandered around the town for 30 minutes with blood pouring out his head, not knowing where he was until an old couple stopped him and asked if they could help, as they thought he was drunk. They took him home made him strong tea and phoned for an ambulance.

The newsagent shop he came off never ever contacted him to see if he was ok, as he thinks" they maybe thought i was going to sue them".
Brillian eh, 15 years and they couldnt give a stuff.

Sorry cant help on the footwear dept:....Just bloody leave them if you cant WFP them.
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: TonyD on December 18, 2009, 07:48:55 pm
I'd let the customer know that I'd be missing that window out due to the slippery roof in wet/winter and offer a small reduction.  I normally do them with the pole though, even over a large garage roof it's suprising what you can reach with practice and a good swivel like a Wagtail.

If I can't reach it well enough to do an acceptable job with the pole, and the customer moans about the explanation I'd offer to remove them from my diary. 
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: wfp master on December 19, 2009, 06:36:30 pm
. I know its not ideal walking on them (& some i wouldnt even chance it) but sometimes its necessary when getting to above glass on traditonal cleaning where using a pole isnt viable.

why isnt a pole viable then?  if u do  a window per day practice with a pole soon you will use it naturally
u dont get a good finish using a pole soap round edges etc
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: lee09 on December 19, 2009, 06:44:25 pm
Knock a pound off, tell em or leave a note saying you missed that window because........
Most customers will understand and if they don't, dump em. I'm sure if you fell they would tell all that would listen just how stupid you were for going on the roof to start with.
It aint hard is it, it's common sence.
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: cornelius jemmerso on December 19, 2009, 06:49:14 pm
. I know its not ideal walking on them (& some i wouldnt even chance it) but sometimes its necessary when getting to above glass on traditonal cleaning where using a pole isnt viable.

why isnt a pole viable then?  if u do  a window per day practice with a pole soon you will use it naturally
u dont get a good finish using a pole soap round edges etc

thats not true SF !(it just a case of practice,practice
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: trevor perry on December 19, 2009, 07:37:14 pm
i wouldnt advise any to walk on roofs but i have got to admit i do occasionally and the best shoes for all round grip whether on a roof or on the floor are a firm called shoes for crews they are on  the web and would recomend them for slippy decking or icy conditions like we have now.
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: david watts on December 19, 2009, 08:59:08 pm
if i had to recomend a shoe to walk on wet roofs it would be;
addidas sambas keep you looking good in a and e dont tuck your trousers in your socks ;)
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: weetot on December 19, 2009, 09:14:11 pm
if i had to recomend a shoe to walk on wet roofs it would be;
addidas sambas keep you looking good in a and e dont tuck your trousers in your socks ;)

 ;D
Title: Re: Wet roof/porch tiles
Post by: daztheger on December 19, 2009, 09:39:22 pm
NIKE AIR MAX defo the best for walking on roofs , good grip & air bubble gives extra grip if you nearly slide, but if its too dodgy dont do it the customer always understands and wont expect it cheaper as youre taking a risk when the weathers good