Spring Gutter & Roof Cleaning

 Jeffrey Hausmann, pressure supervisor at Custom Window Cleaning and Property Maintenance, scrapes the moss off of a roof in Eugene. For many window cleaners in the US, winter/spring is the perfect time to offer roof/gutter cleaning.

Time to tidy up the roof - Dos, don’ts from Lane County experts for removing moss and keeping gutters flowing free: Trees can be hard enough on roofs, what with their falling needles, leaves and limbs. But even worse, usually, is a silent plague bred by dark and moist Willamette Valley days.

“The last two winters have been ridiculous,” declares roof-maintenance specialist Doug Holston. “Moss has grown on everything. If you have wet, warm, mild winters, you’re going to have more moss growing.” The only way for homeowners to know how their roofs have fared against moss, debris and wind over the winter is to have a look.

Workers use harnesses and safety ropes when cleaning a steep roof.

Leave inspections of steep roofs to the pros, implores Holston, owner of Custom Window Cleaning and Property Maintenance in Eugene. His crews harness themselves to anchored ropes for their own safety on slippery pitches.

Homeowners with milder roof pitches — 5/12 or less — can venture a look-see themselves if confident of their balance on both roof and ladder. “Be sure it’s not too steep and slippery, and that you have your tennis shoes on,” advises John Davey, co-owner of long-time River Roofing in Springfield.

Autumn and spring are the best times to go up top and inspect. “At least get up there once a year,” Davey advises. “This is a great time right now, with spring arriving. You can check on any damage from winter weather and clear off debris that’s accumulated up there.”

Moss actually eats away at the roof, causing it to deteriorate faster.

Kill and remove moss

The bane of rooftops in Oregon is moss. When dampness accumulates on a shaded area, moss breeds, potentially causing long-term damage to roof shingles and support structure. Before moss digs in and spreads, kill the growth.

Most moss-control products contain zinc sulfate. “Green” treatments, such as sprays of diluted white vinegar and baking soda, can be effective, too. However, alternative moss control solutions can void the warranty on some brands of asphalt shingles, so be sure to read the fine print before application.

“Whether you use those natural products or a chemical moss killer from the store, in about six weeks the moss will die and then you can go up there and scrape it off,” Davey says. What you absolutely must not do with a composition shingle roof is use a pressure washer to remove debris. Pressure washing can damage asphalt shingles and cause the roof to leak. Davey recommends a stiff broom and a small, light steel brush. “Work (the moss) loose, but don’t get too aggressive with it,” he says.

Pressure washing is OK on roofs of cement, steel, concrete or metal, but even then Davey recommends an initial cleaning followed by a light wash.

While pressure washers should never be used to clean an asphalt-shingle roof, it is OK to remove debris with an air blower.

Clean gutters crucial

Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to seep under a roof’s fascia and rot the wood. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least once a year. Examine both the gutters and the downspouts for leaks and gaps in the seams.

“Gutters used to be installed with silicone, but now we use an aluminum-based sealant that stays pliable during temperature changes,” says Kelly Carter, who, with her husband, owns and runs Hedge Carter’s Continuous Gutter Service based in Dorena. “You won’t get the leaks you did in the past.”

Larger gutter spouts also are now available, “and that makes it much easier to clean and maintain,” she adds. Wire-mesh screens and some other gutter coverings can help keep needles, leaves and limbs from clogging drainage. But any covering requires periodic cleaning.

“There is no maintenance-free gutters, screens or anything else, no matter what anyone tells you,” Holston says. “Nothing is maintenance free.” Always make sure that gutters and downspouts lead water away from the home and its foundation, and that brackets hold downspouts tightly against the house.

Maintenance on steep roofs should be left to pros with proper safety equipment. Upkeep on roofs with milder pitches, at 5/12 are less, is within the realm of homeowners confident of their balance on roof and ladder. 

Check for wear and tear, too

With spring, also check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Quick replacement helps to prevent water damage that might result when rainwater pools around curled or missing shingles. Also, be sure metal flashing remains intact around vents, exhaust pipes and chimneys. Check to see that the flashing isn’t bent, and existing sealant isn’t dried up or loose.

Seal cracked mortar or caulking around joints and chimneys if there are signs of deterioration. New sealants are extremely flexible in hot and cold weather, and are much more durable than their predecessors, Davey says.

He suggests using polyurethane sealants rather than the more traditional roof mastic. “These newer polyurethane options have a tendency to stick better to brick, glass, wood and shingles,” Davey explains, “and they have a longer life.”

Trim trees so their limbs do not overhang the roof and shower it with needles or leaves. And keep an eye out for animal damage, too. Various birds and insects love your roof and its underpinnings.

Santa Does Windows

December 16, 2013 - Phillip Hartlip, a patient at Randall Children's Hospital, shares a moment with Santa. Santa and his elves made the windows of the Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel extra bright Monday morning.

Santa does windows: Cleaning crew dresses up for children at hospital (Portland, Oregon) - Jolly Old St. Nick and his elves checked two things off their "nice" list Monday. They brought big smiles to the faces of sick children and they also spotlessly washed the windows at a Portland hospital. A very special cleaning crew scaled the outside of Randall Children's Hospital dressed as Santa Claus and two of his elves.

The merry band of window washers then rappelled down the north Portland building as groups of children gathered on each floor to watch and wave. "They're giggling, jumping up and down, smiling, a lot of laughter. It's really great," said Jason Kirk, also known as the window-washing Santa Claus. One boy said Santa was just getting a jumpstart on all his regular Christmas duties, which always includes washing windows. "Yeah, he cleans windows," said 6-year-old Klever, a patient at the hospital. "Yeah, he did it to my house … when I was asleep." Back in April, Kirk played the part of Superman when a window washing crew dressed as superheroes for the boys and girls at Randall Children's Hospital.

Folks at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel watch as Santa Claus and his elves made the windows extra bright Monday morning. The window washers, employed by Millennium Building Services, have been washing the hospital's windows for 22 years. Santa (Jason Kirk) was accompanied by some of his elves (Dustin Atkins and Andrew Nava).

Window washing Santa drops in for visit at Randall Children's Hospital: A window washing Santa Claus and two of his elves brightened some hearts -- and windows -- at the Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in North Portland on Monday morning. Phillip Hartlip, 9, a patient from Camas, Wash., was among the children and families inside the hospital to share the special moment with Santa and helpers, who ditched the reindeer for the day and opted instead for a rope and harness. After the windows were shined up, Phillip chatted about the experience with local television and radio crews. The window washers, employed by Millennium Building Services, have been washing the hospital's windows for 22 years. Santa (Jason Kirk) was accompanied elves (Dustin Atkins and Andrew Nava).

Portland Panes Shine Come Rain Or Shine

Portland high-rise window washer Carlos Welsh, 28, makes sure not to miss a spot outside the luxury apartments of Pearl District's Metropolitan building. The Beaverton father of four took the job to support his family, and discovered a talent for dangling from rooftops. Click to enlarge.

Portland high-rise window washer makes panes shine, come rain or shine: When Carlos Welsh was laid off six years ago, he worried how he would support his four young children. He took the first job he was offered, cleaning the exterior windows of Portland's tallest buildings. He was terrified, but feeding a family trumped his fears. Fortunately for Welsh, he discovered a knack for hanging from a rope several stories above the pavement. By now, the 28-year-old is so used to dangling with nothing below him but a bucket of suds and a few stories of atmosphere, he answers cellphone calls in midair. "I've been cleaning long enough that I don't drop stuff," he says. "The new guys tie their phones to their clothes."

Welsh, of Beaverton, was working as an indoor window cleaner when the boss cut his position. He turned to the newspaper classifieds, where Clean Services Northwest had this advertisement: High-rise window washer needed.  Welsh was afraid of heights but applied anyway. When asked if he had any experience with high-rises, he lied. His first job was on the tallest building on Clean Services Northwest's account, the 35-story Koin Center. He nearly fainted with fear. "I didn't see myself, but I'm sure I was white and shaky," he says. "I was terrified." Welsh made it through that first descent with the help of an experienced trainer. Within a few weeks, the fear diminished. Instead, his thoughts during a "jump" involved tailoring his window-cleaning strategy to the building's architecture. "Each one is a little bit tricky," he says. "You have to know what you're doing." Now, Welsh is the supervisor working alongside fear-stricken new trainees. He teaches them the ropes while they avoid looking down.

Armed with a squeegee and a bucket of soapy water, Carlos Welsh has rappelled from dozens of Portland's highest buildings as a window washer for Clean Services Northwest. Click to enlarge.

On a recent Tuesday, Welsh and a partner begin a two-week project at The Metropolitan building on Northwest 10th Avenue and Lovejoy Street. At 225 feet, the luxury apartment building is the Pearl District's tallest. His meticulous hands rarely miss a spot. Leave a streak on a window in those expensive penthouses, Welsh says, and you're bound to get complaints. "We call it drip, when the water from your squeegee gets on the window," he says. "If your window doesn't look really good, you have to do it again." After dropping a rope containing his bucket and a small stick of wood to sit on, he climbs over the edge and doesn't stop working until he reaches the ground.

Left to right, down, zigzag back up to the top left corner, then X marks the spot. One window down, countless more to go. He swings over to the neighboring window and affixes a suction cup to the glass, using it to hold himself in place while he cleans. Right, down, zigzag, zigzag, X. It's the same routine all the way down. Drop a few feet of rope, refasten your carabiner, dip your squeegee in the dish soap, and swipe. Eight hours of this is taxing, Welsh says, but it beats sitting at a desk all day. "I don't like feeling trapped in four walls," he says. "With this job, you're a few days on one building, then you're jumping another one. You're always moving around, and you get to enjoy the weather."

Building managers are required to notify tenants a few days before window cleaners arrive, but Welsh still occasionally catches people off guard when he drops into view. Office workers, in particular, are easy to startle when they're absorbed in a task. Other washers have caught people in the throes of passion, but Welsh's most extreme encounter was with a naked woman who promptly bolted from the room. She returned in a robe a moment later and opened the window to say hello and laugh about the incident. "Some people are really nice and give you a tip," he says. "Others shut the blinds in front of you. They think you're looking in, but really you're just looking at the window." Passing pedestrians often ask questions or shout salutations and words of encouragement. Children, in particular, get excited when they spot Welsh hanging high above. "They're too little to understand how you're doing it," he says.

Cleaning windows requires more than a head for heights. Today, for instance, Welsh has to contend with exterior beams that jut several yards from the building. To reach the windows, he'll have to swing in, then cling to the suction cup with one arm while the other reaches overhead to clean. It's not easy on the arm muscles. "Rock climbers have applied before, thinking it will be kind of like a sport," he says. "But it isn't as easy or fun as it looks to them." His only protection is a breathable waterproof coat and pants, a baseball cap and a white beanie. No amount of padding would save him if he fell anyway, and accidents are extremely uncommon. Clean Services Northwest has never had one.

The Metropolitan project begins on a rainy, windy and frigid morning at the outset of a particularly wet week. Window washers squeegee through the elements. "We try to work on the opposite side of the building so we're shielded from the wind," he says. They cancel gigs only when the weather is unbearably bad. For all the job hazards, Welsh is paid $20 an hour. At home, he cleans the windows only on nice days, about four times each year. "I have little kids, so right after I clean the windows the handprints are all over anyway," he says.

Carlos Welsh's tips for gleaming glass: Don't worry about the solution. Welsh fills his bucket with dish soap and water. Anything that effectively removes the grime will do. Instead of investing in more expensive glass cleaner, buy a squeegee. It won't leave streaks the way spray cleaners and cloth sometimes do. Start from the top, so anything that drips won't ruin the work you've already done. Keep a towel handy to wipe your squeegee in between swipes.

Yes We Do Windows! Staying Fit Together

Staying fit together: Florence (Oregon) couple made a commitment to each other to exercise. Bill and Connie Spinner made a commitment in 2000 that they would work out every day. The Florence residents are no strangers to making big, lasting decisions together. They married in 1963, for example, and quit smoking together in 1970. The workout idea is yet another goal they’ve achieved as a duo. “If we are sick, one holds the other and off we go for a 30-minute walk,” Connie said. “Movement heals your body, mind and spirit.” Both Connie, 66, and Bill, who will turn 71 later this month, work out for at least one hour and usually about two hours a day, together and separately. Activity is divided between the mornings and afternoons.

That’s in addition to owning and operating their business, Yes We Do Windows, which has Bill cleaning windows about five or six hours a day in peak season and Connie doing window cleaning and bidding. Connie also teaches water and land aerobics classes at Coastal Fitness & Aquatics five times a week. The Spinners have three grown children, including a son who joined their family through an adult adoption, and six grandkids. Their active lifestyle keeps them young, Connie said. “We have a working retirement,” she said. “We both believe that movement and having something that gets you up every day is what keeps you young, both in mind and body.”

The lifestyle: The Spinners started working out in 1970. They had quit smoking and began bicycling and running. In addition to Yes We Do Windows, which the couple has run for 19 years and which they co-own with son Michael, Bill was a carpenter for 30 years. Connie worked in the aircraft industry for 15 years. They have also owned a pool-service business and two fitness centers.

Connie also has been teaching fitness classes for 35 years. She says she’s hooked on water aerobics because it allows someone to get a great workout without impact — and it brings out the kid in her students. She also loves land aerobics because it builds strong bones in addition to working muscles and the cardiovascular system. “If one cannot move, it impacts all of your life. So keeping those powerhouse muscles strong is a must,” Connie said. “Those are the muscles that help you get up, get out of your car, your chair, and into your life.”

The workout: Bill likes to start his day with a three-mile walk with the family dog, Wilson. But since Wilson’s a big dog, he also needs a run. Bill will typically ride his recumbent bike in the afternoon, picking up Wilson and swapping the bike for his adult tricycle during the cool-down phase of his workout. Bill can average about 16 to 17 miles per hour on the bike on a good day. The bicycles are a “love affair” for Bill, Connie said, and he is happiest when he’s riding. He bikes about 9,000 miles a year, mostly between Florence and Mapleton. On days when she’s not teaching, Connie walks with Bill and Wilson, for about 3½ miles at about a 3½-mph pace. She also swims a mile in about 55 minutes about three times a week. When she teaches water aerobics, Connie typically stays out of the pool, but her land aerobics classes end up being a workout not just for her students, but for her, too.

The diet: The couple doesn’t have a strict diet, but they do know what’s in their food, since Connie fixes most of their meals at home. They eat almost anything, while trying not to overdo it. Bill did cut back on sweets last fall to lose a little extra weight. It’s something he now credits for reducing leg cramps he was having and for dropping his blood pressure by nearly 20 points.

The cost: The Spinners’ primary investment has been in bicycles. They have two upright bikes, two recumbent bikes and two tricycles.

The camaraderie: Exercise has enhanced their relationship, Connie said. They both respect and admire the fitness achievements the other has made. She said it sets the tone for them as they move into this time of their lives. “Overall, movement is the foundation for our life,” Connie said. “We always say we can do more by 10 a.m. than most folks do all day. We are very high-energy people.”

Rained Off?

Rain washing out some jobs: Medford, Ore. - The recent weather has been bringing plenty of rain and bringing a big impact for many local businesses. In some cases, companies have been cashing in on the rainfall. It's been a hard rain falling on some Southern Oregon businesses. For some it's meant a profit, but for others it's meant more time out of work.

A brief break in the clouds could mean a break for Don Lockett's window cleaning business; but when the rain returns, the work gets washed away. Lockett says the amount of rain in late may and early June has forced him to cancel or postpone half of his appointments, and even scattered showers on Wednesday cost him hundreds of dollars in work. Work he was expecting with summer approaching.

Not everyone has to tread water. For companies like Jan's Tans, the rainfall is bringing them a windfall. They say the cloudy weather is forcing people to find some manmade sunlight and get the tans ready for summer. The result has been an increase in business for the Medford tanning salon. For some businesses, the longer the rain lasts, the longer they'll be worried. Some companies Steven Sandberg spoke with say if they can help it, they're not letting the rain cancel their jobs.

If your weather is anything like it is in Mallorca, where I had to take cover under a house - it looks unsettled for the coming week..

Rain demolishes your window cleaning schedule, leaves holes in the day, and annoys your staff. I instituted a Rain Guarantee about 6 or 7 years ago in my NJ window cleaning business, All County Window Cleaning. I couldn’t stand taking the day off from “production work” and revenue-generating activities just because of a little drizzle. Or worse yet predicted drizzle that was days away. Yes I could have done inside work, or moved around the schedule, but I knew once we hit scale that wouldn’t work to well. So I took a gamble and boldly said that: If it rains during or up to 2 days after a scheduled window cleaning, we would happily come back FREE of charge and touch up any spots that may have been left 100% free of charge. Read more..

Q & A With Mark Poole Of Portland Window Cleaning

Mark Poole of Portland Window Cleaning gives us his story:

We started Waterworks NW based in Hillsboro and Portland, Oregon 12 years ago. With a heavy background in pressure washing after managing a pressure washing company for 6 years I left the company after I found out the owner was cheating customers. With 3 weeks to make our mortgage payment I sold my motorcycle, bought a truck and some equipment and started handing out fliers. Our services included window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing & roof cleaning. In 2009 we restructured after a slowing economy and with the power of the internet & started Portland Window Cleaning, Portland Pressure Washing, Portland Roof Cleaning and recently purchased Portland Gutter Cleaning. This project took the better part of a year to complete, but the plans are just starting for these companies, whose owners are not old enough to to even watch PG movies yet. We feel very fortunate to have these companies and have big plans as we develop these high quality customer service orientated companies and groom their new owners for the future.



Questions & Answers with Mark Poole:

How long have you been window cleaning – what got you started?
We have been window cleaning for 12 years. What got me started was a desire to have my wife stay home with our children. I had a pressure washing background and helped a friend clean a couple windows part time. He moved and I asked if he would mind me adding his old customers to Portland Window cleaning.

What do you hate/love most about window cleaning?
I love going into a home with dirty windows and seeing the customers face when we are done cleaning them. I hate the feeling of not being able to let go of the work. I am addicted to perfection and need to tell myself to take breaks.

What are your favorite tools in the trade?
Well, I think we are one of the only companies around using water fed poles on residential homes every day. We carry our water on board and have Gardiner carbon fiber poles. So setup and take down is very quick, we simply flip a switch and we are cleaning.

What percentage of wfping to traditional window cleaning do you do?
In the 2 1/2 years since using water fed poles we have cleaned exterior windows on 3 homes using traditional methods only because of old wood frames. 99 percent of our residential and commercial clients enjoy risk free window cleaning and peace of mind knowing we are not on ladders.

In your neck of the woods, it rains a lot – how do you cope with this?
We do not clean windows in the rain, unless it is a regular commercial account. Our residential customers appreciate our flexibility in dealing with the weather. We clean lots of gutters as well as pressure washing. If we can do the work safely, we will work. We can also compress our work weeks if needed to work around the weather. There are many other aspect of the company that employees can work on if it is unsafe to work on homes because of the weather. Money isn't everything, but our safety is very important.

What do you think the best marketing medium has been for your company?
Word of mouth, although the internet is a great marketing tool, quality workmanship and great customer service goes a long way.

What other services do you provide?
We own multiple companies which do a variety of services such as Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Pressure Washing & Roof Maintenance.

Who do you look up to in the industry & why?
I don't know many in the industry. There are many that have built large companies and have done a lot for the industry such as Chris and Alex from WCR. I do not really look up to anyone as each of us have our own goals. But certainly I would have to give credit to Kevin Dubrosky who has helped many companies earn more money while working less hours.

What’s gonna be your next biggest purchase for the company?
Well, we just purchased a large commercial pressure washer from Landa Northwest. We need more sprinter vans for our fleet. We will be purchasing more carbon fiber water fed poles for Portland Window Cleaning.

The most treasured piece of window cleaning equipment you have?
The Gardiner water fed pole.

Any family? Are they involved in the business?
I am the father of 3 children, and have been married for 12 years. My wife takes care of the family and our home. Maybe when the kids are older she might want to work for Portland Window Cleaning.

Do you favor one supplier or do you shop around?
We have had our same vendors for quite some time. Landa Northwest being at the top of the list.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Retired.

What do you do to relax?
Golf.

If you could live anywhere & window clean – where would it be?
Hawaii.

Mark Poole & his team have a blog that showcases his work. Mark can be reached on Portland Window Cleaning (503)844-6700.

Window Cleaners Dream

Sherwood businessman hopes to realize dream of orphanage: Jorge A. Pina believes there are five priorities in life – God, himself, family, church and community. “Those are my priorities to live a life better,” said Pina. “It’s not all about me. It’s not about me at all.” To prove his point, the Newberg resident who is vice president of Sherwood’s Streakfree window washing service, will soon hit the road to showcase his talents as a musician to help those in need. His ultimate goal is to raise funds to construct an orphanage in Mexico.

Pina said he’s already had visions of what that orphanage will look like and how he will accomplish his goal. “Someone keeps telling me: ‘You’re not alone, you’re not alone,’” said the 24-year-old Pina. “I don’t know how the money is coming … I just believe,” He said he’s had times when he’s been cleaning a window and someone will pull out $50 and ask that it be used for Pina’s quest to build the home for homeless youth. Pina said he’s visited the location in Vera Cruz, Mexico, where he wants to build his orphanage, having spent numerous hours playing soccer with the bare-footed children in the community.

“There’s such a huge need,” he said of the orphanage he hopes to see constructed in Vera Cruz, Mexico. “The reason I chose that (location) is because I saw a need in that area.” A 2002 graduate of Newberg High School, life for Pina hasn’t always been easy. He grew up in Mexico and was told at age 4 that he had end-stage renal disease. A kidney transplant from his father failed so he began dialysis seven years ago. Now, three days a week, he travels to the Da Vita clinic in Sherwood for 31/2 hours of dialysis. He said he likes the facility because he can have the dialysis performed early in the morning and have the rest of the day to himself.

Picture of the Day + Window Cleaning News

Above: SQUEAKY CLEAN: A window washer cleaned the windows of a building along Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu yesterday.

Window dressing for Christmas/New Zealand: If you're feeling the pinch as we head into Christmas, spare a thought for Santa. A week before the big day, he and his elves set about earning a bit of extra cash for gifts by taking on a window cleaning job at the Holiday Inn in Featherston St, Wellington. Hotel general manager Heather Idoine-Riley said the hotel's windows were always cleaned about this time of year, when the equinox gales were over, so summer guests could enjoy the views. This year, the crew from Bright Sparks suggested they do it in costume. The hotel was full, and guests were warned there were window cleaners outside, but they were all surprised to see Santa and his elves abseiling down the building. "People in conference rooms were coming out and saying, 'Hey, did you know Santa's outside?'," she said. "Everyone was just tickled pink. It's the spirit of Christmas."

PORTLAND, Oregon: No matter where you go in Oregon or Southwest Washington, people are talking about the weather. And they're making the best of the blustery conditions. Some jobs require their workers to be out in the cold, from gas station attendants to tree farm workers. So on days like this, "the hands and toes get real cold," said David Hein, a worker at a Christmas tree lot. Mike Long also is familiar with working in the elements. He's a window cleaner. "We also do high-rise window cleaning and you definitely can't do that in the high winds," Long said. KATU's cameras caught up with Long as he gassed up his business rig - after it had some trouble getting to Portland through the Columbia Gorge winds. "I was goin' down Interstate 84, and I thought I had the ladders tied down," Long said, "but my 40-foot ladder come off the top of the van." He was able to tie it back, with no accidents or property damage. It's all part of living in the Northwest, and working with the wind.

Don't forget to subscribe to Don's site to receive news of when the videos come out! Don says "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! I’m really busy right now, and I haven’t had to discount my prices at all, in spite of continuing bad economic news…"

Cat helps window cleaner Jay clean up: Window cleaner Jay Gardner had a clear vision of his aims when he made his debut in this year’s Caterham Academy Championship. After making it to the finals of a single-seater scholarship, the 28-year-old former motocross rider knew he had the ability. And after building his own Caterham sports car, Gardner, who lives in Barrowford, is celebrating after mopping up in the seven-round series. “The scheme involves you buying a Caterham off the factory in kit form, which you then build yourself, and included in the price is the race licence, a track day to set-up the car and entry into the championship. “That comprises seven rounds, with three sprint meetings at Curborough, Pembrey and Lydden Hill and then four races at Anglesey, Rockingham, Brands Hatch and Mallory Park.” And Gardner proved to be the class of the 30-stong field, winning four rounds on his way to the title and taking the lap record at Rockingham and Mallory. “The points table is designed to ensure a close-run championship, and it certainly works. I won it by just one point in the final at Mallory Park,” he explained. After collecting his trophy at a gala dinner in London, Gardner is now looking ahead to 2010. “The Academy is for first-timers only, so I’m looking to move up to the next level, which is the Caterham Roadsports Championship.

Potential Strike Update: Broadway House Staff Union and League Meet Today - Negotiations for the new union contract (the current one expires on December 31) that covers over 240 theatre service workers began on December 3, 2009 and resumes today between 32BJ SEIU and The Broadway League. Variety reported on Tuesday that the members of SEIU 32BJ have now voted to authorize a strike should the union's bargaining committee decide that one is necessary. While this doesn't mean that they will strike, it does bring the threat of a strike closer to reality.
Discussions with other unions including Equity who might also then honor a strike are also said to be underway. Earlier today, Stephanie Gaskell of the New York Daily News reported that Broadway may be acing yet another stagehand strike, as a group of about 150 cleaning workers who tend to many of Broadway's houses - members of 32BJ SEIU - are threatening a strike if dissatisfied with their current contract negotiations. The demands of the workers include a $1.50-an-hour pay raise and and no health insurance cuts. Says 32BJ's secretary-treasurer: "In this environment, every employer is complaining. Broadway is doing far better than anybody."
With more than 110,000 members in eight states and Washington, DC, 32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the country. 32BJ is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), an organization of over 2 million members united by a belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. To raise industry standards and improve lives, SEIU and 32BJ focuses its resources on organizing new members into the union. The union consists of security officers; doormen, porters, and maintenance workers; bus drivers and aides; window cleaners and food service workers.

Partners In Grime: Two of London's leading windows cleaning firms merge to offer what could be the UK's most reliable window cleaning services available. Ncpm247.com, London's most prestigious residential window cleaning company today announced a rock solid partnership with the very well known and trusted commercial window cleaning firm, All Clean Services. Ncpm247.com, established in 1985, offers high quality window cleaning with award winning customer services to domestic and residential clients across London, with clients ranging from members of the Royal Family to other well known celebrities, while All Clean Services, an equally reputable and long standing window cleaning firm, performs commercial window cleaning with clients such as Selfridges and many other well known landmark buildings across the Southeast. According to Ncpm247.com's general manager, Mr. Sean Sheen, the partnership will provide both residential and commercial clients with a one-stop shop for all window cleaning solutions. "It is going to make life much easier for our customers since they won’t have to deal with two different companies, and it means that our companies partnership creates a real force to be reckoned with for our competitors."

Essex Police urge residents to contact them about conman: A bogus window cleaner has been targeting elderly people in a village. Police say the con-man struck twice in Theydon Bois, on Sunday, December 13 at the homes of women in their 80s. At one address he claimed that he had cleaned the windows and charged £5. But the windows had not been touched. At a second address he charged £3 but is thought to have taken about £15 by tricking the woman out of change from a £20 note. Again the windows were not cleaned. Police have urged residents to be vigilant and to call them if they are approached by a stranger claiming to be their window cleaner. The man involved was white, aged about 40 to 50, about 5ft 10ins tall, and had short dark hair. He was wearing a grey jacket. Anyone with information should contact Epping police station on 0300 333 4444.

Twenty Questions with Oregon's Tim Hunter of "Gleaming the View."

Tim Hunter from Oregon of "Gleaming the view" window cleaning & our second sponsor of the blog. He gets asked 20 odd questions for today's edition. Tim is quite active in the on-line window cleaning community, he has recently started his own blog & added some videos too! Go here to see the blog. Tim is pictured above, holding the worlds largest squeegee - "the Slayer." Normal, ordinary guys can also buy them here. Tim has also been featured before in the blog here.

1.How long have you been window cleaning & what circumstances led you to start in the first instance?

I've been cleaning windows for just over 10 years. I believe it all started by reading a magazine article about some self made millionaire cleaning windows!

2. Which is more lucrative for Oregon window cleaning? Commercial or Residential?

Our most lucrative service is our residential window cleaning. It far surpasses our commercial accounts.

3. Have any favourite tools?

I have a particular screen popper I’m quite fond of. Her name is Betsy and she has been with me a long time...LOL

4. What’s your newest tool & was it worth buying?

I have just invested in water fed poles. They have been a huge success for us with a few pretty upset customers going through our learning curve, I think we got a grasp of it now.

5. Ever tried a Wagtail?

I did get to use a Wagtail. I believe the guys at WCR provided it for the North-West Window Cleaners BBQ in 2008. I thought it was a great tool, that would compliment any window cleaners tool box! Wish I had been the one to keep it! LOL.

6. What do you do to calm down on the job? Or do you just go all "John Mcenroe?

I take great pride in keeping my cool on the job. Things can really build up on me real quick. I usually take it out on my poor steering wheel though.

7. Are you in a trade association? Which one & why is it so good?

Yes, I’m currently in Master Window Cleaners of America. My home group I call it! LOL. I’ve been a member over there for this past 3 or 4 years. I am also a current member of the AUWC, although I don’t participate as much as I want. Masters keeps me pretty busy and the pressure washing and roof cleaning groups I participate in.

8. Who makes the best squeegees?

Lately I’ve been a huge fan of THE SLAYERS.

9. What possessed you to advertise on this blog?

Karlos, you have a great blog! I don’t know how you get this information but its always a great read.

10. Fabrication debris - it's a big topic in the USA. What do ya reckon?

I’m comfortable with our association’s stance on the matter. There are groups amongst the associations tackling GANA head on with our issues. I firmly believe though, if more of us window cleaners take action and join the associations - we have a lot better chance of getting our voice heard to make change and make GANA pull there head out of there ass! Until then I highly recommend getting a waiver signed before those blades come out!

11. How many current employees do you have?

I’ve been affected quite a bit with the real estate market being slow this past year. Typically about 80% of my business is getting homes ready for sale. I currently have 2 employees.

12. Your most hated chore in your work services?

Making phone calls! I wish I had every one’s e-mails...LOL

13. Which Disney character would you be & why?

Owe, I’m a Goofy guy!!!

14. If you weren't doing the best job in the world, what would you be doing?

Fishing

15. Are you going green or is it all a con?

Hmmm. I guess I haven’t heard anything about cons with the green move. Living in Oregon we have a huge majority here that are earth friendly. We get asked all the time if we use green products, I laugh and tell them "I think its blue" LOL. I honestly make many efforts in doing my part in taking care of the environment.

16. Favourite team?

Seattle Seahawks!!! Looks like another year going in the dumps though!

17. How many squeegees do you actually own?

In my possession? Or how many are in my customers bushes and trees? I think around 40 or so!

18. Why did you buy the biggest squeegee in existence? Have you ever used it?

I’m glad you asked Karlos. I’m not trying to compensate for something honestly! It is a real eye catcher though and I just wanted to say my squeegee is bigger than yours! LOL.

I found some windows the other day at a shopping mall that the squeegee would work on… I got all set up, bright and early in the morning, if I may add. The video camera was just set to record and a very young security guard with a badge bigger than he was made me stop. I asked what the problem was and he insisted I get permission before cleaning those few windows. I looked at him like he’s crazy, I’m cleaning there windows for free, you think there going to say no! LOL. I haven’t gone back!

19. Are you friendly with the other local window cleaners?

I better be! I host the Northwest Window Cleaners BBQ. We’re making it an annual event here. Window cleaners are far fewer here being there’s so much rain I guess. I think we get left out a lot of the bigger events and trade shows for our industry. So bringing us together once a year is a start. I have hopes a chapter may form here with our associations in time. I have personally invited every window cleaner within a hundred miles from me. It’s funny the different responses I get when talking to them about it. I’ve been amongst the groups online and have attended a few seminars so I’m more use to talking to fellow window cleaners. The Northwest is the home of the most versatile window cleaners in the world. A lot of great people earning an honest living! There are those few, you know who you are. Just play a fair game, bad mouthing the competition just makes you look bad!

20. How often do you change your squeegee rubber?

Once a month maybe, that’s about how often I put my belt on. My guys go through a lot. We change them up daily.

21. Which soap do you use? Have you tried any others?

GG4 & I am a fan of a product made by Coast wide labs. 64/1 concentrate with a floral scent my customers love. I often just crack the bottle to smell! Works good too!!

22. What’s the best thing about trade shows?

Trade shows are a lot of fun and educational, I’m lucky to take home a small fraction of everything that can be passed to you there.

23. When will you retire & on what terms?

I will retire when I get my Bass boat to join the B.A.S.S fishing circuit!

23. What is the next biggest expense you'll have to pay?

Trailer mounted hot water pressure washer!

24. If you were going to go for the humorous side of window cleaning - what would you have called your company?

“Peeking window cleaners” or maybe “I C U” I don’t know, both of those sound kind of creepy actually.

25. What’s next for Gleaming the View?

Opening a remote office at the beach and taking our roof cleaning business to another level by joining a certification program. I highly recommend roof and gutter cleaning as an add on service.

Window Cleaning BBQ + Other News

THIS SATURDAY Aug 15th 2009: Hillsboro, Oregon: The North West Window Cleaners BBQ is the gathering place for all window cleaners in the North west territory. This is the place where we get together leaving the competitive edge behind, discuss current events and the window cleaning industry. Its my belief by helping one another we grow and better our trade as a whole. Tim Hunter of "Gleaming the View" will showcase Networking, Demos, a Swap-meet & a BBQ. Click here for more details.

A Janesville window cleaning company donates its time and services to area non-profit organizations. The Association of United Window Cleaners, (AUWC) a national organization, encourages members to take part in its two weeks of charitable service. So that's what Xtreme Cleaning is doing. Workers spent the day at Rock Assembly of God Church in Janesville, making sure all of the windows were squeaky clean. "I think it's very important in the struggling economy that we have that we don't forget about the non-profit organizations and the people in need," said Xtreme Cleaning Owner Troy Nelson. Next week Xtreme Cleaning will be in Beloit, cleaning windows at the Hands of Faith Homeless Shelter.

Learning the ropes paves way for new jobs: There was a time when the only people who knew how to abseil down ropes were climbers, cavers and the SAS. However, all that is changing. 'Offshore' industries such as shipping and oil production have realised a trained abseiler can save them an enormous amount of money in regard to inspections and maintenance, and so the demand for high altitude workers has rocketed. Rather than construct costly scaffolding to get up to the area, a trained abseiler can do the job in a fraction of the time. And as the credit crunch has taken hold, more and more workers are seeing the attraction of this kind of work.
With rope access operatives able to earn up to £48,000 for working just six months of the year offshore, it's little wonder there's also been a surge in applications to get that all important qualification. Asked what sort of jobs are available to graduates of the course, Mark replied: "Now there's a lot of wind turbines being built, and there is a new initiative on the Tyne to build more. "People also want to go offshore such as on service maintenance, inspection work and NDT. "There are jobs onshore too; window cleaners, on wind turbines, scaffolders, painters. Anything at height, they could do this course."

Nevada JobConnect launches employment quest: Job seekers in Las Vegas are about to get a burst of new opportunities. The state agency in charge of helping people find employment has launched a major new offensive or, as they call it, a job "quest." It's like a military surge with an army of agents out all around Las Vegas, calling and meeting employers over the next two weeks. The goal of this quest is to add hundreds of new job listings to the JobConnect system. Every day, hopeful job seekers study the listings. But for most of the year, the pickings have been slim: window cleaner, part-time cook, and the occasional skilled position like MRI technician. What the JobConnect office needs is more - a whole lot more - opportunities for the unemployed to get their lives back in business. There are currently 540 job orders posted at the JobConnect office; the goal is to have nearly double that inventory by the end of the week.
But job counselors know that is a tall order. In some cases, a single job listing will generate 500 applications - not good odds at all. But with more postings, the hope is that applicants will start seeing better results. The Nevada JobConnect listings can be accessed in person at the office across from the Boulevard Mall or around the clock via the Internet at the Nevada JobConnect web site. Nevada currently has the fifth highest unemployment rate in the country at 12 percent. Michigan, home of the auto industry, is number one with 15 percent.

MPs' expenses - they just don’t get it! Letters/ Sir, I have just read the letter from my MP Barbara Follett addressing her reasons for claiming, and now paying back, those expenses. I would like to know in view of her explanation, how £1,600 for window cleaning could be considered a justifiable parliamentary expense? Does serving as an MP make one's windows somehow more grubby? Well it certainly appears to make their view on financial morality a tad obscure. Oh dear, they still don't get it, do they?
J Cooper,
Stevenage.

Ever done this? The window-washing mix has a great ad on TV about two crows sitting on a line laughing at the guy who runs into a very clean patio glass door. Of course, it has been cleaned with Windex. Ever seen it? Well, last week I felt really stupid, again, and I would have fit right in if that pair of crows was sitting on a nearby utility line. I happened to be at the Rocky Mount water treatment, or filtration if you like that word, plant. There are two large, heavy plate glass doors at the entrance to the building. On one side, there is an equally as large heavy plate glass window. Turning on my heels and sorta talking back to Bob, I headed out the door in great haste!
I was suddenly stopped when I walked head-on into the big plate glass window with a loud thud! I was reaching to push the door open with my left hand and, of course, I was more than a "shade" off my target. My right hand slammed into the glass, knuckles first as my left hand reached part of the door where the hinges are located. Also hitting the heavy glass was my head! That brought a loud thump. Most of the time I wear a Crooked Road pin at the bottom of my News-Post hat. Well, the pin smacked the glass and the little round back that holds it in place drove a little round hole into my forehead! I reeled backward from the impact to Bob's instant question, "Are you okay?" Still a little stunned from the blows, I assured him I was as I cleared the cobwebs out of my head and looked at my red, aching knuckles. Then it dawned on me that my forehead also was hurting. I checked under the cap but found no blood! I did feel a tiny knot left by the pin's backing. I walked out to where I had parked Goldie, checking my knuckles and sorting out everything. Returning to the building, I thought about the commercial and glanced over at a nearby telephone line. Thank goodness I didn't see a pair of crows sitting there laughing their heads off at what I had just done As I walked back inside, I stopped long enough to check just how clean the glass really was. It sparkled. No fingerprints, smudges or anything else. It would have made an excellent commercial if a crew had been set up ready to roll. The first "take" would have been perfect. It would have to be because I sure wouldn't go for a second take. The next morning, my knuckles were still red and a little swollen. And my head still bore the little broken mark in my skin and the area was sore.

Manufacturers Look for Creative Ways to Climb Back: More than half of respondents to a recent survey said they plan to identify new market segments and jumpstart aggressive sales and marketing efforts when asked what changes their company would likely make over the next 12 months. The unscientific poll taken of Manufacturing and Technology eJournal readers from July 22 through July 28 drew more than 350 responses. Readers were asked to choose more as many answers that applied to their situation. Other top answers include expanding territory to look for new business wherever it may be (more than 36 percent), looking to existing vendors for cost reductions (32 percent) and eliminating underperforming products and services to conserve capital (24 percent). Less than 24 percent said they plan to layoff employees. Other answers include reducing salaries or days worked to cut costs and save jobs (21 percent); staying closer to home for business to cut costs (12.5 percent); asking creditors for extended payment terms and/or grace period (9 percent); selling company assets (9 percent); applying for a business loan (6 percent); and pursuing other options (6 percent). David Velie, managing partner of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Amend Consulting/Techsolve, says there is still time to take meaningful action to stay competitive. When the CEO of one of Velie's clients asked his team to cut budgets, for example, the move meant eliminating the window cleaning service. To set an example, the CEO stuck around after work and cleaned windows himself.