Window cleaning might sound like a straightforward job with limited risks and not a lot of excitement but actually window cleaning is a heritage job, with a long history and lots of interesting facts. Sometimes, window cleaners have to get a bit adventurous in order to access hard to reach windows and provide the best results and that’s true for the window cleaners that work for USS.
Whether it is working using the traditional method of ladder, the more recent method of reach and wash or more highly specialised methods like rope access and abseil, cradles, bosun chairs, cherry pickers and mobile elevated platforms, USS has experience that goes back decades enabling us to be able to access even the highest and hardest to reach places on any building.
Most people clean their windows to keep them looking presentable, but actually a dirty window will reduce natural light and heat which ultimately means higher energy bills and the dirt from the environment can also degrade the glass over time meaning replacement windows are needed more often.
The most effective tool in a window cleaner’s kit today is the squeegee, with a rubber blade for removing all water and dirt but this isn’t by any means a modern tool, it was first developed in Chicago in the early 20th century.
Whether you are looking for a one off window cleaning service or periodic cleans, USS like to tailor our services around our client’s needs and always advise the following:-
- Make sure you get a survey and quote before any work is undertaken, cheapest doesn’t mean best value, check experience and service quality before making a final decision.
- Ensure you know what the cost includes, many companies will provide a quote based on the number of windows being cleaned but add on service fees for the size of windows, accessibility and equipment required etc. USS’s quotation will include all of this.
- Discuss timeframes, when can the work be carried out and how long will it take. Never assume immediate response time as commercial window cleaning can take a while to schedule.
- Check if you need to do anything to prepare for the work being carried out.
- Ask about cleaning solutions being used if you have a brand preference to ensure the company can adhere to this, USS works in partnerships with our clients to ensure any preferred solutions are used.
- Ask to see a copy of the company’s insurance details and operatives qualifications to ensure they are licensed properly for the work being carried out and the operative is trained and experienced in the method of cleaning.
If you would like to know more about our window cleaning services in London and the South East, call the office today on 020 8669 4377 or email info@unique.org.uk
And just for fun did you know the fastest window cleaner in the world comes from the UK, Terry Burrows set a new Guinness World Record in October 2009 when he competed in the National Window Cleaning Competition in Blackpool and cleaned three standard office windows (114.3cm x 114.3cm) in just over 9 seconds and the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest man-made building and with almost 1,300,000 square feet of glass, the window cleaners tasked with this job have to use £5 million worth of high-tech equipment to get the job done.
