It is absolutely impossible to see beneath badly stained window glass. The windows at the Grande Hyatt 25 years ago were so badly covered with the pollution from the city that we had no clue what was underneath. So likewise the different windows I have looked at along route 495 in Northern Mass. These were heavily covered with hard water spots from sprinkler systems. It is also impossible to learn about the surface quality of windows that are just VERY dirty. For this reason window cleaners need at least three waivers. One at the beginning to do a test on one window to get the go ahead for the job. One in the middle of the job for approval of what has already been accomplished and the go ahead to finish the job. Then the third at the end of the job stating that it has been accomplished to the satisfaction of the customer and final payment is forthcoming. This would be the final sign off on the job. This procedure should be followed for every job. Whether it is a non-routine window cleaning job, or a simple window cleaning (routine) job.
There are so many problem surfaces that have been covered over only to be revealed by someone else. Who is many times blamed and sued for the damage done. And they did not do any damage at all. They only revealed the damage. I am talking about scratches, etched scratches, and etched glass. Other similar problems on metallic low e, anti-reflective, and low maintenance window coatings could have resulted. Even decades ago! Then there is crazed or hazed plastic glazing which can easily be covered. Or mylar solar film. This film is not inexpensive to apply. Yet it is very easy to damage. This is why it should absolutely be cleaned on a regular basis by someone with an eye for it. If it is not looked after the very first thing that happens is the formation of small holes. Scotch tape is usually applied. After a number of weeks tape will permanently discolor the polyester film. This type of a mark cannot be repaired.
Another very common problem that window cleaners have to deal with or just walk away involves what was originally believed to be a routine job. In other words they will price a job thinking they might have to use a little scrubbing with a 0000 steel wool or a white pad, but once the dirt has been removed what is discovered is not possible to remove with a wetting wand and a squeegee. Old paint, wood stain, hard water spots, concrete sealant, oil spray, insect repellant, and so much more. Concrete sealant alone can turn a job into a full scale restoration job. It might as well be covered with very intense mineral deposits. You would think too that paint would not be much of a problem. If it were revealed all someone has to do is re-soap the window and scrape it with a big six inch blade. But with new glass these days having scratch sensitive defective surfaces this is not such an easy thing to do. Unless you are looking for a lawsuit. Take a look at the picture I posted off to the right of this blog of some very serious scratches on a retail window in Sanford Maine.
The bottom line here is we absolutely must be attentive to the quality of the window surface. Also be attentive to what is revealed when you clean windows. Also if it happens to be even a simple paint, always use the greatest caution at removing it. Only use, chemicals, abrasives, and razor blades with the greatest caution. The reason is very simple. You just don't need the problem of dealing with a lawsuit over damaged glass. Whether you did it;...or not!
Written by Henry Grover Jr.
GlassSmart@ProtonMail.com
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