So, I just got a bid to come to a site, 1 store storefront in/out, and the woman specified NO razors. I’ve got some pics attached. The windows aren’t bad except they have stickers. There are some manufacturer stickers and small colored dot stickers. Is this possible?? I misunderstood her on the phone. I thought she was saying there was no need for razors. Is this a case of calling back and doing some education?
Its always a pain in the but when people don’t understand what razors can and can’t do with proper use and they just nix any use of razors…peal it with fingers or plastic blades and work on the adhesive after, There is no fun way to do it.
Thanks Josh. Any idea on how you’d price for that? I’ve got nothin!
If you want to be safe let her know you need to charge per hour for a job like this. Let her know that because you aren’t able to use the tools you are use to that you don’t know how long it will take. That might get her to let you use razors after all…
Okay Josh, thanks a lot for your advice. I’m going to go ahead and do that.
You should ask to see the window manufacturer’s cleaning instructions so you know what the restrictions are and why. Can you use steel wool or does it say no metal at all? I think you need a little more information before you proceed.
David McKeen
Western Reserve Window Cleaning
Ohio
Thanks. Is this something I’d normally seek out from the builder?
I was thinking that if someone is giving you restrictions on what you can do, then ask her where she’s getting her information and go from there. Maybe she just heard that razors cause scratches and she needs to be educated.
David McKeen
Western Reserve Window Cleaning
Ohio
If the glass says “Old Castle” walk away.
I normally dont like jobs were we are unable to use our normal cleaning methods…
with that said… you might try…
Plastic Scrapers
Magic Eraser Pads
and the ends of our Unger Ninja Sleeve have scrubbers on the ends which will help remove debris.
…Oil flo Titan Oil Flo | Window Cleaning Supplies, Tools, Equipment, Products
and a plastic scraper. Go around an put some of it on each sticker
as it likes to have a little dwell time. Then scrape and clean. Use a little dish detergent
in your solution to get the oil flo off the window.I’ve done it lots and it works well.
I’m a little surprised at all the recommendations for plastic scrapers. If any of these windows are tempered and do have fabricating debris, the plastic scrapers can do more damage than metal, because the debris becomes embedded in the plastic and will scratch up everything, not just the spots with debris. If you can confirm you’re not scraping the roller side of any tempered glass, then go for it.
Certain windows will definitely be tempered, like the doors, any panes at ground level, or where a particular risk of someone tripping and falling through the pane has been identified. Bathroom windows are supposed to be tempered, as well. And most all newer glass with low-e coatings puts the roller side facing out, so that any FD doesn’t foul the low-e coating. I personally wouldn’t use any blade on new tempered glass, except the possibility of ‘spot’ scraping with a 1.5" blade.
Get a signed waiver (that will cover you against unpreventable as well as pre-existing damage), charge by the hour, and educate the customer. But first, make sure and educate yourself. Get the cleaning recommendations from the manufacturer, read up on FD, etc.
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Bronze wool and oven cleaner. I’ve had use to use this method on a few jobs over the years. It sucks and takes forever.
I would charge $75/hour with a 2 hour minimum and go from there.
If the storefront is only the size of the pictures you posted then you should do well with a per hour charge and ideally you’ll add a storefront customer to your route work.
Mike
Pro Window Cleaning
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