Window Cleaner's Ankle?

So I'm not sure if it's from trying to crouch down in style, or walking roofs, ladders... but my right ankle hurts from cleaning windows. I rock climb, ski, and consider myself an athlete, but have been strictly cleaning windows this season to kick off my business with a bang.

I thought I'd have knee pain with a post-op ACL knee and the other is torn along with the LCL, but no knee pain, just ankle pain.

What gives?

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safe n easy products

Hi guys

a pressure washer used Safe n Easy Architectural Cleaner and some of it fell on the windows leaving a white residue on them.
The owner tried scraping rubbing...etc nothing worked...Anyone have a clue what can work...thx

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First Day out Horror Story

I just did the first clean in a LONG TIME on my first store EVER that was 17 panes of glass. I did them inside and out. I offered to do it for $45 and 5 hours later with no breaks and some spots that were just not removable I left feeling like a whipped pup.

There were what looked like streaks of water that had run down the window and i tried multiple times from both sides to remove them but somehow it didn't even lighten up. I have no idea what it couldve been because it looked like just a single pane plate glass window. I left what looked like streaks on some of the windows but I went back after I finished the major clean up and tried redoing them where I saw the streaks but I couldnt get them to come off or lighten up, so i dont know what was up???

It was my very first job ever and I wanted to do it PERFECTLY but I just couldn't. Two things went wrong, one, there was so much crap to move for every window and some of it was real heavy and the second thing was I didnt have a handle that allowed me to angle my squeegee so some of the difficult windows inside over some permanent shelving that i had to reach in from the side couldn't get cleaned well because after I washed them I couldnt squeegee. So I just bought a flat mr clean type mop with a microfiber mop head on it and windexed the mop head and scrubbed the window without squeegeeing it. I dont know if that is some sort of window cleaning sacrilege but I did it and I haven't heard back from the manager or the DM yet of the store.

It looked like a million bucks compared to what it was but it was not perfect by any means. Hopefully I can look back at this and laugh one day when i realize I had to spend $9 of the $45 I made from the job at the actual store I was cleaning and spent 5 hours there. I think it may have been a good learning experience and Now I know to only bid the outside of windows and if I do bid insides bid WAY higher and specify they have to move all their stuff.

He wants me to do this and 8 other stores on a monthly basis and I don't know how I should approach him about this nightmare that is totally not worth $45 in/out, any suggestions? (This store and one other are the only ones like this the rest I know are easy but these two in particular are crazy hard.)

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DI resin change ?

I just changed the di resin in my wash it pro and the reading is not getting under 100, I had an old 1/4 cube tank I emptied and filled from the same bag of resin and the reading is 200+, the tap is about 325.

Is my resin bad? I ordered it maybe 4 to 6 months ago thinking I'd be ready when I needed it. I didn't see storing instructions.

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12,000 sq foot home

If you run into homes this size I highly recommend servicing the exterior windows, skylights and screens only on day one and go back on day two to service interior windows, tracks, and sills. I do this so all windows are done safely and correctly to help ensure quality finish for any upscale mansion...I think that's the best process for homes 10,000 and above.

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Squegee's

What is your Favorite squeegee to use for residential window cleaning services, length" size, Brand, and type meaning traditional squeegees or sorbo style, wagt tail, wfp, etc. you know more modern verisons that have came out in the last 5yrs and the preference of rubber you like to use in your squeegee...thanks...I know I could really use feedback because I need to step up my squeegee game..lolj/k.... I use a 22 inch stainless with Pulex rubber an I also use Ettore.. which I like honestly both.. I also use a 16 inch zero degree, if you don't have a 0 degree in your arsenal then I highly recommended/suggest buying one off Window cleaning Resource. The one I got doesn't adjust from zero degree to standard degree, like the Ettore Contour Pro+ Clip Style Quick Release Swivel Squeegee. I had one but It got lost on a job those are the best but the zero degree I now cant adjust an has to stay a zero...zero degrees are great to have for many reasons....sky lights, windows with deep ledges where u cant do a side pull with a standard squeegee because it cant really reach all the way across effectively and doesn't give you a nice clean glide all the way across, the handle ends up hitting edge, they are also great for upper exterior windows when using a pole...you can arch them where u can do side pulls for the top of the window so it doesn't drip..Then once ive done one side pull across the top of the window I do down pulls starting on the left an of course then working my way to the right letting the left side of the squeegee lead in front of the opposite side to help prevent water lines that would be going up and down on the window...ne way Im looking forward to your guys/womens responses on your preference of squeegee..

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Pool Side Services

Photo Taken in Bremerton, WA looking out towards the Warren ave Bridge. Me and my helper for the day had gutters and interior and exterior window cleaning. The home didn't have any screens and no track cleaning was needed. It was great having a helper with me for the day because of two services needed to be done so I got him going on the gutters and got us ahead of the window cleaning so I could fall back and start cleaning exterior windows where the gutters have already been serviced from above where windows are located. My helper was done before I was completed with the Bremerton window cleaning service. It really speed up the process once he jumped on the window cleaning with me. I made sure to start on all the upper exterior windows while he was servicing gutters so once he was completed with the gutters I gave him his own white scrubber pad, cleaning solution/bottle, and surgical towels. I then direct him to scrub the remaining lower exterior windows ahead of me and scrub and sqegee the window infront of me and then go down the line either to the left or right and squeegee about 5-6 windows at once and then I detail those correctly while he is scrubbing more windows ahead of me and by the time im done detailing those 5-6 windows he has 5-6 more that are pre scrubbed for me so its all about utilizing my help to where it speeds up the process tremendously ..my help doesn't even have to have any knowledge of window cleaning or ladders with the methods I use ...Time is $$$ and im sure a lot of u use these techniques but if not that's why we post on this forum is so other can pick up off of others....Have a great day and thanks for checking out my post and work Pic.................

11694941_741162269326465_7357575807386528755_n.jpg

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Video: How To Clean A Glass Blacony

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Question Finding customers

Hello everyone:

I am Emmanuel I live in Houston, TX ( U.S.A) and I just started a window cleaning business. What advice would you give to someone like me who just starts a window cleaning business? What are some of the best possible ways to find leads and contracts? Thanks for your help and reply.

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Top commercial threads in the history of WCRA

Hi all,

Sometimes when new guys ask a question members have responded by posting links to useful threads that were discussed in the past. This is awesome because there is lots of great info already written on WCRA forum.

I'm not new but I'm sure I have forgotten about some past great threads.

Now, as my business is growing I'd like to go back and re-read some of the great information that has previously been posted about commercial window cleaning on WCRA.

Keeping in mind the awesome recent post about the difference between commercial vs storefront, what past COMMERCIAL window cleaning threads have you found super useful that I (and maybe others) should go back and re-read.

To stay on topic, here's my quick criteria for replays to this question:

1. Specifically "commercial" window cleaning threads

2. Excluding "store front" threads

3. Including any great "business advice" threads that are relevant to commercial window cleaning

4. @Bruce seems to only post absolute gold so any thread with great @Bruce comments will be well received

Post a link to commercial window cleaning threads you have found super useful and I'll go back and re-read those over the weekend.

If you have learned something from the thread you post, you are most welcome to share how you've applied that lesson to you business.

GO!

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How do I compete against this in route work?

We don't really do a lot of route work. But I ask u how do u compete against a homeless guy on a bike

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Marketing website redesign

I just redesign my website, tell me your thoughts. there will be three more sections added but i liked it so much mote than my old one that i updated it now.

the other three sections are screen repair, storefront and commercial.

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But what about the ladders?!?

So you're thinking about using a smaller vehicle for your residential window cleaning business, but you have some misgivings about securing your ladders. I'd like to put this question to bed, once and for all:



Please notice in the above picture:
20' extension
28' extension
17' multi
5' step

That is all I have to say :)

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Investigating The Dangers Of Older Glass Windows

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Need help, how to clean a window with a permanent shelf in front of it.

I have a window that has a shelf right up against the frame and it's only accessible from the to 20% of the window and I'm not sure how to clean it. I can't reach from the sides and it goes down pretty far. If the answer is don't do it how do I tell the manager?

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Compeitition

Today I was driving around looking for places to stop and see if I could gain work, came around the corner and a competitior seen me and gave me the state of death,almost like how dare you for looking, I can't help it if they suck and customers are not happy, get better at your job or get out!

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Video: Pricing Your Window Cleaning Jobs

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Help Finding qualified help

My business in Boulder, CO is growing and i need to hire new help.

I'm finding Craigslist is not such a great resource for this unless there's a better way to use it. Does anyone have a recommendation?

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The window from hell

So yesterday I was on a job and I had this window. It was about 12 inches high and 6 feet long. It's a window above the entrance doors.

Well, that darn window took me about 1 hour to clean because I had to redo it about 25 times each sides.
The problem?
I couldn't detail it with my micro-fibers without leaving smears.
I tried just doing with the squeegee but when I passed at the very bottom, the water got soak UP the window about a half inch and would leave marks when dried.

My guess is that there was a combination of silicon caulking and a coating on the window but I know nothing of such things since I'm a rookie.

My questions:

1-Has it ever happened to you? What did you do?

2-What do you think the problem was?

3-What rags do you use? I use micro-fibers but the sometimes leave white powdery marks on the windows.

thanks

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GlassRenu Scratch Removal System for sale

Contractor Grade Glass Renu Scratch Removal System for sale. Less than 6 hours (practice plus one job) on the system total. All clean and in perfect condition. I paid over $2300 for this system this past spring. In addition to the complete system, sale price includes over $150 worth of RenuDisks and a 5-pk of GlassRenu Polishing Compound ($75). I'd be happy to send pictures of all equipment to any interested buyers. Asking price $1,800 or BO. You pay shipping cuz I don't know where you live.

Gerry
www dot LakesRegionWindowCleaning dot com
603.726.0985

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Gutter Repair Kit

Gutter Repair Kit - Window & Gutter Cleaning

For those of you already preparing for gutter cleaning season, here's a head start:

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Marketing Win the powerful Hatch Marketing Platform completely free... for an entire year!

That's right and it's super easy too! Just stop by the WCRA booth at The Huge Convention and sign up for that WCRA membership you've been putting off for way too long.

Everyone who joins the WCRA in Washington DC will be entered into a draw to win the Hatch Marketing Platform free for an entire year!

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3rd day out and it was a success!

I have been burning the roads up trying to find some work and after two 8 hour days I go out for just the morning this morning and go to a store that I assumed would never let me do it and I put in a higher offer than normal because I didn't really want it for my standard charge and they called me back and said do it and by the way I have 7 more stores I want you to do!!!

Awesome! That was more success than I was expecting!

I know this really contributes nothing to the forum except I used all kinds of suggestions from here to get started. Now I just have to figure out what to do with all the crap they stick to the windows on the inside.

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Reflected Sunlight Through Window Causes House Fire

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Question getting condo's and gated community work

Hey guys, I'm looking to get into cleaning condo's in my area but just not sure how it works to go about it. Who do I call or who do I speak to? Plus, is window cleaning usually tacked onto HOA fees?

I appreciate your help on this guys. You all have always been a great help. Thanks.

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Question Buying a window cleaning route

Seeking advice from anyone who have purchased a existing window cleaning company or route. A fellow window cleaner is leaving the country and is putting his company up for sale. He doesn't seem to know how to value the company.

Can anyone give me an idea on how to value it and make a offer?

Thank you,
Kevin

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Liquidating!

We brought in a few liquidator channels to R&D for both residential and route work. The feedback is that the channel is really good and has eliminated most toweling of edges, saving time, towels, and hassle. I am about ready to put a recommendation in for an inventory change from the traditional 22', 18", 12" channels. Anyone having used the Liquidator in the field for a while have any cautions or other opinions that might give me pause or encouragement to go ahead before changing things up on our crews?

Thanks

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"Commercial" vs "Storefront/Retail"

I know you guys hate me for saying it, but...
Do yourselves a favor... separate "Commercial" from "Storefront/Retail."

There is a distinct difference.

Example:
- a business with product to sell, buy here/pay here,
on site (cars/used cars/food/product) for immediate consumption.
- And the property owner who wants his entrance way sidewalk of his office building, to look clean for his lessees.

One has an inventory/shop that has to look good, out of necessity, in order to move product.
The other wants his tenants to feel good about entering a clean work environment.

If this came from a book...
about 20% of you would plagiarize this, claiming it as your own.

But since it's not, I'll throw out there the second most plagiarized topic...
"Know your customer."
- well DO YOU?!?

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Video: Wagtail Squeegee Pole Technique on Smaller, Narrow Windows

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Hello!!

My name is Kevo an I'm new to the window cleaning business! Can any one give me some good advice please!!

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Question Another Double Hung question. How much should I charge?

I know this has been exhausted as a question but I am just needing a direct answer that is explained and broken down. I am posting a picture of my Single hung window. It has one screen on the outside. To clean this window, I live in cheapo rural tennessee, how much should I charge for each different type of service. What I mean is just outside, or in/out. Or in/out with sills and tracks. Also when pricing is a double and a single hung window really the same? Do you charge seperately for the screens and if you are doing the outsides only how do you take out the screens because at my house the tabs are on the inside?
What are you pricing suggestions?

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Would you buy this if you don't have any wfp's or would you skip it altogether?

This is ettore 6ft pole when extended that you can hook a garden hose into and it feeds water through the pole. Is it garbage or worth it? It's $20 at lowes and I get a 10% discount. I am just starting and haven't done at residential yet so I was curious to its usefulness or have any of you tried to use this cheap kind of pole yet?

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Removing oxidation from frames.

Has anyone found a quick fix for the dreaded white, powdery substance.

I have a house that is literally coated in it.

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Whats your favorite reoccurring service?

My business is trying to take a different approach. Us being a company that offers window cleaning, house washing, gutter cleaning, and roof cleaning we are looking to venture into services that are more reoccurring. At the most a customer will get serviced twice a year for window cleaning and gutter cleaning. House washing and roof cleaning could be once every 2-5 years. This means we are spending a lot of money trying to acquire new customers. We currently have 455 customers. 85% residential.

My business will gross over 100k this year. We have tons of room to grow with the services we have, but we want more reoccurring work. We do not however want to be the handy man in town so we understand the importance of staying focused. We stay away from storefront work as there is very little money in it. What type of services have you implemented into your business that have been reoccurring? ( Preferably monthly at minimum )

Id love to hear some things your doing to create more predicable revenue. Thanks!

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What pressure washer should we get?

My company does tons of house washing and we have always used the Dewalt pressure washers you buy from home depot. 4GPM. about $1,000. Long story short, they never pull soap, super unreliable and we are switching brands. So what would you suggest? We are considering buying a belt driven machine from Pressure Tek. Any thoughts?

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Second Job Window Cleaners

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