[Smurf]

Daz.

Yes  still got ford escort.

Yes I'm pretty much full up now, the thing is I don't really work in the rain.

My thoughts about the gutter cleaning is I believe you can make more money at it and I can't see issues working in the rain with it. (not going to stand in heavy rain, but there are quite a few days this time of year where you are in and out of the van window cleaning).
This time off year is when the leaves are falling more rain shows up blocked gutters etc.

After reading the posts on here regarding the vac it seems you can't do it half heartedly and would be looking at a spend of £2000+

The thing that p's me off with window cleaning is the weather.

 I can't see how you can stand there in medium to heavy rain and convince the customer its o.k.
(more importantly I don't want to).

I do think gutter clearing is a good add on for us.

Yep your right, van is past its best but you'd be surprised what I fit in my van and still have room.

Business plan should include newer van, extreme pole, as aching shoulders, offer less compact part of my round 2 monthly service at 30-50 percent.

So I can get around quicker and earn more, maybe just in enjoy the enforced days off
Gutter vac may have to wait.

Raining again at the moment
Do think we have had a lot of rain this year.

I use to run around in an old but tidy berlingo van with the following in it:

In the back...(and passanger area)
250 wfp setup
Pressure washer kit
Omni 4200 watt gutter vac kit
Trad kit
Microlite standoff
Ramps for the gutter vac
Conservatory roof ladder (roof ladder bar, main ladder bottom stabaliser and  top standoof bar)
etc

On the roof bars...
12 rung triple ladder with an ankalad fitted
Conseratory roof ladder (main ladder and roof ladder bit)

That's not including stuff I sometimes carted about with a trailer on the back of it 
Was a we bit overloaded at times and to be honest was a nightmare to get to anything but was a good little workhorse 

You don't need to spend thousands to get setup either as a lot of the stuff I bought was used fleebay bargains.

[lee_dewing]

 
Nice one Smurf.

I reckon I could definitely fit a skyvac or similar with my wfp equipment also probably not 11-12 25 litre barrels but 6.

So could do a couple of gutter jobs followed up by some window cleaning, not ideal and would be cramped.

Tbh if I was going out to do a couple of gutter jobs I would just stick to that not mix and match.

Some say they give the odd window a wash after gutters if they've made a mess that wouldn't be a big deal couple of barrels of water.

Even though my van is 14 yrs old its a good reliable van.

I think buying a second hand van would be more tricky now, to get a reliable one.

Read many horror stories on here of the vivario's.

Hoping to get a new shape citoren berlingo next same footprint as what I have but more suited to the job.

[lee_dewing]

Smurf you do have a gutter vac.

Thought you didn't use them as seen all your ladder setup pics for gutter jobs.

You have same gutter bac as smudger then?

What's the story on omni vac tubes are they telescopic aluminum?
Oh and what's  the cost? 2k?

[dazmond]

each to their own lee but what i would do if i were you is buy a van that you can fit a 500L tank in,get rid of the barrels.you ll work quicker and easier,work in the rain window cleaning unless its strong wind as well(customers get used to it)and enjoy the odd day/half day off when its impossible to window clean.wfp with a high flow too(you ll work quicker)

so far this year ive had about 4 days off (when the weather has got the better of me including this afternoon).

if you ve got shoulder issues a guttervac will make it worse.

if you spent your money on a half decent van,500L van mount and xtreme poles instead you ll earn plenty of money  just window cleaning and add ons(f/s/g,conny roofs and solar panels)using existing equipment without the need to buy a guttervac.

as a sole trader we can only do so much work a day/week/month/year.

[lee_dewing]

Wise words there Daz.

Yep was thinking about the vac and my shoulder.

Don't know if shoulder aches will pass, doing my best, exercises and stretches.

Newer van yes, unfortunately can't make pure water, done at parents no off street parking.
That's why barrels on sack truck wheeled out and loaded on, not the best but good enough.

Looking at the extreme 25 new version as I understand it you can clamp anywhere along the pole.

Will add the other 2 sections on later on the line, still have slx reaches over 30 feet for the odd high few jobs.

Also gonna try new omni valve and tubeless pole setup looks good.(save time and water, compensate higher flow rate).

How long will an extreme pole last Daz?
I'm pretty good have had my slx 2 years nearly.

I know I'll have to fix something inside or ontop of the van to stop extreme pole getting a fatal blow   

Got a feeling I won't like extreme brushes, will try soft supreme.
Might get 1 extreme brush for the 30 foot windows.

I know you work in the rain Daz and I know you have to.

Where I live,  believe is drier (Essex).
People seem to comment about it going to rain later etc

I know there having a moan and a dig.

Do you just miss a clean for a custie if they protest.

Looking to spread some of my round to 8 weeks for those that want it for a premium.
Get around more on schedule.

Looking for less days sure its getting wetter out there over last few years

[dazmond]

i just miss them out till next time lee if i get a "not today".it very rarely happens though in reality.

i got 18 months out of my first xtreme used every day but the newer versions are more robust.id say 2-3 years if  maintained properly.

[lee_dewing]

Nice one.
I know what I'm getting for Xmas.

Daz: Is working in the rain something you've always done or since you went wfp (I think you've been wfp 8-9yrs)

Only ask as there must have been a period in time where custies caused a fuss.

Why can't they all be out but leave money under the flower pot

Thanks Lee

[dazmond]

Nice one.
I know what I'm getting for Xmas.

Daz: Is working in the rain something you've always done or since you went wfp (I think you've been wfp 8-9yrs)

Only ask as there must have been a period in time where custies caused a fuss.

Why can't they all be out but leave money under the flower pot

Thanks Lee

nearly 6 years wfp lee.ive always worked in rain since i switched.most customer dont mind.my doubts were all in my head.

as the years have gone on customers have got used to it to the point they dont even mention the weather now hardly and just pay up.any that dont like it get missed(around 3-4 customers out of 300+ accounts).happy days.

[lee_dewing]

Nice

[Smurf]

Smurf you do have a gutter vac.

Thought you didn't use them as seen all your ladder setup pics for gutter jobs.

You have same gutter bac as smudger then?

What's the story on omni vac tubes are they telescopic aluminum?
Oh and what's  the cost? 2k?

I was probably one of the first in the uk to start using a wet & dry vac as a so say guttervac so yes.

Omnipole first generation guttervac poles where made from t1 grade aerospace aluminium. They where semi telescopic i.e. two size poles that slide inside each other per section. You could make the sections as long or as short as you wanted and clamp together but still heavy to use on acute angles or above two storey jobs.

In the early days people tried a variety of materials to make vac poles from plastic pipe, aluminium, carbon rod sections and gardiner modular base sections that just slotted together. Hence why Alex decided to make carbon poles sections exclusively for grippa as he did not want to get involved with selling guttervac poles himself.

You may also like to know the very first carbon wfp's where actualy made from carbon fishing rods 
Jeff Brimble holds the record for the tallest building cleaned (88ft) using a wfp made out of fishing rod sections.
http://robinson-solutions.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/q-with-electric-window-cleaner-jeff.html

[Spruce]

A couple of questions please Smurf.

When you have finished cleaning your customers gutters, what do you do with the contents of your filled Vacuum cleaner?

When and how to you clean all those pipes including the flexible hose?

How messy (dirty) does the van get after doing a job if the customer doesn't have an outside water tap? (Rare these days I know, but many switch their outside tap off and leave an extension out for you.)

Are there times when you wished you had a generator?

If your main focus is gutter cleaning then it would pay to have the best setup as Smurf does. But I'm starting to believe that we have to decide what our core business is and focus on that. Hence I think the Daz's post is very relevant.
How many guys went into carpet cleaning as an add on to their existing window cleaning round and never really 'cracked it'?

Isn't in the same category as also offering a garden service (grass cutting etc) as an add on to window cleaning?

each to their own lee but what i would do if i were you is buy a van that you can fit a 500L tank in,get rid of the barrels.you ll work quicker and easier,work in the rain window cleaning unless its strong wind as well(customers get used to it)and enjoy the odd day/half day off when its impossible to window clean.wfp with a high flow too(you ll work quicker)

so far this year ive had about 4 days off (when the weather has got the better of me including this afternoon).

if you ve got shoulder issues a guttervac will make it worse.

if you spent your money on a half decent van,500L van mount and xtreme poles instead you ll earn plenty of money  just window cleaning and add ons(f/s/g,conny roofs and solar panels)using existing equipment without the need to buy a guttervac.

as a sole trader we can only do so much work a day/week/month/year.

[Spruce]

Lee,

Smurf has a LWB van for all his gear. If you are considering gutter cleaning with all the gear, that Escort van won't be big enough.

[Smurf]

A couple of questions please Smurf.

When you have finished cleaning your customers gutters, what do you do with the contents of your filled Vacuum cleaner?

When and how to you clean all those pipes including the flexible hose?

How messy (dirty) does the van get after doing a job if the customer doesn't have an outside water tap? (Rare these days I know, but many switch their outside tap off and leave an extension out for you.)

Are there times when you wished you had a generator?

If your main focus is gutter cleaning then it would pay to have the best setup as Smurf does. But I'm starting to believe that we have to decide what our core business is and focus on that. Hence I think the Daz's post is very relevant.
How many guys went into carpet cleaning as an add on to their existing window cleaning round and never really 'cracked it'?

Isn't in the same category as also offering a garden service (grass cutting etc) as an add on to window cleaning?

each to their own lee but what i would do if i were you is buy a van that you can fit a 500L tank in,get rid of the barrels.you ll work quicker and easier,work in the rain window cleaning unless its strong wind as well(customers get used to it)and enjoy the odd day/half day off when its impossible to window clean.wfp with a high flow too(you ll work quicker)

so far this year ive had about 4 days off (when the weather has got the better of me including this afternoon).

if you ve got shoulder issues a guttervac will make it worse.

if you spent your money on a half decent van,500L van mount and xtreme poles instead you ll earn plenty of money  just window cleaning and add ons(f/s/g,conny roofs and solar panels)using existing equipment without the need to buy a guttervac.

as a sole trader we can only do so much work a day/week/month/year.

No probs  Spruce,

“When you have finished cleaning your customers gutters, what do you do with the contents of your filled Vacuum cleaner?”

More often than not the vac drum has to be emptied whilst working/flushing the system through so best to ask customer where they want the waste put.  Or when asking already suggest a convenient place to put it like under a bush, behind a tree etc etc.  Some like it put on the compost heap or in the recycle bin for green waste or even bagged up if not sludge. 

It's very rare for anyone to refuse but it does happen from time to time but you have to make a point it makes very good compost. I've also been known to empty the organic waste discreetly on common land too as its not harmful to the environment...If the drum has a large volume of water in it then this can emptied down the nearest road storm drain being careful not to dump sludge down it as well.

Best time to flush the kit through is when you notice the vac poles, hose etc are getting heavier due to crud sticking to the insides and/or when there is a drop in suction. Then again afterward so is ready for the next job.

Quickest method I’ve found is whilst everything is still connected stick the head/nozzle of the guttervac poles into a bucket of water and switch the vac on.  That will flush it through nicely then depending what’s in the drum already just drain down the excess water out of it.

“How messy (dirty) does the van get after doing a job if the customer doesn't have an outside water tap? (Rare these days I know, but many switch their outside tap off and leave an extension out for you.)”

As gutter clearing is my core business I like to try keep everything clean and tidy including the inside of the van. Flushing the kit through is important during and after each job. If you don’t then the van can easily get messed up with sludge etc dripping out of hoses etc.

If customers don’t have an outside taps I currently carry up to 600 litre of purified water onboard  so am self sufficient regards to water on most jobs but if they do have an outside tap I have the best of both. The hot water heater comes in very handy too as can be used to heat both tap water fed from the property or pure water just by swapping over the inlet feed.

Most jobs are booked in when someone will be in the property as found it much easier that way for access, power etc and more often than not get paid on completion. Not only that it’s a good idea for H&S if you work alone.  The best bit is that way you can get fed & watered too especially if doing full external cleaning jobs that can take quite a bit of time.

Hope this helps?

[Spruce]

That's an excellent and very informative reply.

Thanks for the time and effort spent in replying Smurf. I hope it also answers questions many want to ask but haven't.

Cheers.

[lee_dewing]

Thanks Smurf.
Very interesting reading.

[Smurf]

Glad to be of any help  chaps

[timglaze]

Thanks for the tips Smurf.

I've just took the plunge and purchased the commercial skyvac and can't wait to get out and see it in action.

You mentioned that gutter clearing is your core business, what extras do you provide with that? ie. gutter repair etc? Also where is your client base from? Is it current Window Cleaning customers? Are you busy all year round with it? 1001 questions i know, sorry.
I have another van going out in the new year and I'm wondering whether it's worthwhile having a van semi dedicated to gutter clearing/cleaning.

[Smurf]

Thanks for the tips Smurf.

I've just took the plunge and purchased the commercial skyvac and can't wait to get out and see it in action.

You mentioned that gutter clearing is your core business, what extras do you provide with that? ie. gutter repair etc? Also where is your client base from? Is it current Window Cleaning customers? Are you busy all year round with it? 1001 questions i know, sorry.
I have another van going out in the new year and I'm wondering whether it's worthwhile having a van semi dedicated to gutter clearing/cleaning.

Nice one.

Gutter clearing is not as sessional as people think it is as you can be busy all year for sure.

The logical add-on services to residential gutter clearing is as follows if you want to get into exterior property cleaning/maintenance.

Roof valley clearing - some gutter jobs it can be pointless to clear the guttering if roof valleys are blocked as well.

Roof cleaning/moss removal  - not my cup of tea to be honest but if priced well and done safely can be a very good earner

Guttering repairs - good little earner

Gutter guard install   - good earner but not recommended if you want repeat business and/or complaints as it don't really work.

Gutter guard removal -  - yep some want those removed too when they find out they don't solve the problem of never having to clear out gutters again.

Gutter ballon install - I've found If you fit gutter baloons to downspouts if the roof is covered in moss all this means is the guttering just gets backed up quicker. Which in turn means no block swan neck bends but still hassle for the customer as will start overflowing again in very little time .

Gutter ballon removal

K-render/wall cleaning  - You only have to take a look around to see a lot of newish homes looking awful

Plastics restoration work  - fascia, soffit, gutter, barge  board (apex) , cladding, conservatory roofs etc

Hard surface cleaning  - paving, drives, patios decking etc

One-off and/or regular window cleaning - that's if you can find the time 

[timglaze]

Thanks for that Smurf, you've got me intrigued now on a few of those. The ones that involves ladders can take a running jump as I'm allergic to anything that has more than 4 rungs!!

Do you personally use a steam pressure washer?

[Smurf]

Thanks for that Smurf, you've got me intrigued now on a few of those. The ones that involves ladders can take a running jump as I'm allergic to anything that has more than 4 rungs!!

Do you personally use a steam pressure washer?

Yes a hot box but not superheated water like doff type systems as I'm only poor