WAS my area for some time, I am/have left that market now and wish to do ONLY commercial store front stuff.
I have added other services to my business and hence, have updated my new name.
Chris, thanks for a new forum. I hope it is limited to friendly folks only. 
Leave the arrogant ones over there.
You mean England??
CCU is a large part of our business here in the North East
We do almost exclusively post construction window cleaning on Hi-end homes
I look forward to hearing how others go about doing ccu, what with fabricating debris, coatings, etc , its not for the faint hearted anymore:(
The best anyone can do is “Educate” everyone we come in contact with.
Get a Waiver signed & you’ve pretty much done all you can!
Or were you looking for technical and marketing details rather than overview, macroomboy?
What Im hoping to find is a fast easy way to get construction debris off glass without using a scraper:D
We have been getting
A signed waiver carries more value if the builder/contractor has truly bought-in to the education you provide regarding the fabricating debris issue (unless you’re discussing scratches due to debris removal from other trades as well.) In this way, he understands that utilizing a scraper is the only method that will remove construction and packaging (stickers) debris.
If you’re looking for alternative methods to scraping, it’s admitting that scrapers are the cause of scratches, yes?
Tools to assist in removing stucco, cement, mortar, etc. (as you know) would include a hogshair brush, agressive cleaning solution (insert your favorite brand here) and phosphoric acid, for example, to release the sand prior to scraping.
Dicone NC9 and/or baby powder with steel wool assist with silicone.
Goof-Off assists with paint on frames (use with documented precautions.)
Oil-Flo, SafeRestore, etc. can assist with various other issues (and on and on…).
Not at all, they have completely bought into the idea that the scratches are caused by fabricating debris dislodged by the scraper, I am looking for a way of removing the spray paint without dislodging the fabricating debris
Also on coated glass on which a scraper will leave thin hairline scratches, it is not possible to use a scraper so an alternative method that would not affect the coating or the paint work would be handy
I dont believe there is a magic bullet that will do the job but was wondering what others used in these circumstances
So you know it is present?
But isn’t not using a scraper (standard procedure) just passing the buck? The builder needs to force his supplier to replace defective glass when discovered.
In addition, where would that leave future window cleaners and the property’s owner? (Answer: stuck with defective glass.)
Agreed – I have no answer regarding this point.
The problem Larry is that by the time the window cleaner gets to the job its usually too late to replace the glass, Most of these homes are tens of millions of dollars and the last thing the builder wants to do is tear out all the windows or push back the handover date because of a problem cleaning the windows
The builders we work for have of late (due to our constant nagging) started to place a higher emphasis on protecting the glass and hopefully we will soon arrive on site to find windows that only need to be washed but im sure there will still be instances of spray paint or mortar etc
It would be nice to find a solution but unfortunately I think the only answer is for better fabricating processes
And as for the future window cleaning , well that would be me,:Dwe have an ongoing maintenance plan on alll these buildings,
But, it’s not your problem. (I do understand we all hate to turn down / lose the opportunity for business.)
I know you know that scenario does nothing to solve the fabricating debris issue.
And, builders and homeowners who (continue to) refuse to accept defective glass.
Unfortunately I think the only thing that will solve the fabricating issue is the housing debacle, less houses being built means less demand for product.less demand means having to set yourself apart from the rest , hopefully that will be by producing a top class end product ,
Of course they won’t see the need to set themselves apart if noone makes them face up to their problem.
I have a meeting coming up with about 15 or so foremen from a construction company, they want me to explain the problems we are having cleaning the windows and outline for them what they need to do to keep the windows in good shape thruout the construction process,
I have over time explained it to each one in the course of doing the jobs, but this will be the first time I have to do it formally, I have a fair idea of what to say and point out but was wondering if any of you have any pointers that you may have used
This has less to do with fabricating debris and more to do with coated glass and other non scrapable types of glass
Is this more or less for a commercial setting i presume? I would still enlighten them ALL with scrapers & fabricating debris bulletin(s) along with the importance of “properly protecting” all glass during phases of construction.
Whether or not the glass is of good or poor quality proper protection makes cleaning the glass easier.
Also…if they dont want to have to sign a “Scratch Waiver” they had better make certain the glass remains covered through the entire phase of construction.
What type of glass are you referring too,laminated,hurricane resistant glass coated types??
Inquiring minds want to know:D
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Well…i read that part:eek: i was wanting to know exactly what type of glass he’ll be dealing with???
Its for a residential builder, Its mainly laminated glass, usually georgian(french door ) style, with a coating on the outside that im not sure the name of, (it reacts like the self cleaning glass that was common for a while), If you use a scraper on the exterior you hear a rough sound , similar, but not the same as the sound of fabricating debris, more like the sound you get when the glass has dried while your scraping it Its made by a company in Maine called SIGCO and where its code its tempered
The interior is laminated ( feels like rubber to the touch) and using a scraper will leave hundreds of hairline scratches that are most noticable in the sun, By GANAs definition these would not be scratches but , well you know the rest
My suggestion would be to call Dan Fields (1 800 542-2724) - he’s the expert when it comes to glass coatings, tempered glass and talking to builders about window cleaning.
Sounds like self cleaning glass? Which is a hydrophillic due to the titanium dioxide coating which makes water sheet instead of beading up.
I know several guys who have done CCU’s on that type of glass & yes you have to be careful what you use on it chemical wise as well!
