Professional Or Novice?

Bill Thomas, the owner of Northern Illinois Windows, stands outside the Hidden Pearl Café in McHenry. Hidden Pearl is one of the customers that rely on NIW to keep their windows clean. 

Northern Illinois Windows – celebrates 25 years of cleaning area windows ‘one pane at a time’: They call it the Silver Anniversary. That's what McHenry-based Northern Illinois Windows is celebrating this summer - 25 years of cleaning Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin windows for 25 years. How many window panes have they cleaned 'one-at-a-time' over the course of those years? That's a number that's almost too astronomical to consider. Suffice it to say that it's a lot.

"I started the company with a bucket, a squeegee and a truck," said owner Bill Thomas. "I would knock on the doors of businesses and ask them if they wanted their windows cleaned."

Today, Thomas has crews of window washers who do the window washing as he runs the business. He coordinates the routes, schedules window washing, which also includes washing the windows in private residences, and he does continue to do sales. In those early years, he also did the book keeping, marketing and all the other chores that are necessary to a successful business.

"I still knock on doors," he said. "And, I go out and do estimates. I like meeting with prospective clients so that they know who stands behind the quality and service we provide."

Shortly after starting the business, Thomas was joined by his son. Today, Thomas operates a window washing business in downtown Colorado. Father and son communicate often sharing ideas and suggestions. But, here in McHenry, Thomas has learned that he can't, or shouldn't do it all. He works with others to keep his business on track. This frees up his time to further develop the business.

Actually, window cleaning is only part of what Northern Illinois Windows offers, albeit a big part. They also provide home and office window tinting, gutter cleaning and power washing. They also install and take down Christmas lights during the holidays.

"We have several types of window film we install," said Thomas. "But, our 3M window film is the industry standard."

The window film comes with different levels of tinting. One thing that almost uniform about the film is that, whatever level of tint, most block 99.9 percent of ultraviolet rays. Over time, the UV rays can bleach furniture, flooring and stock that businesses keep in the windows. And after installing the window film, Northern Illinois Windows is available to wash the windows when they get dirty again.

Windows last November. The teenager plans to attend Boise State University to study human biology before going to medical school to become a cardiologist.

Area Teen Adds Shine With 7B Windows (Sandpoint): There are plenty of Bonner County teens who are happy to wile away their downtime from high school hanging out at City Beach or staring into the screens of mobile devices. Nathan Roe is not among them. The 17-year-old opened 7B Windows last November. It was initially slow going because November is hardly the peak of window-cleaning season.

But Roe’s persistence began paying off. “I went door to door downtown and was able to drum up some business for it,” said Roe, who will be a Sandpoint High School senior when the new school year starts this fall.

Roe is now cleaning windows for Pita Pit and Trinity and City Beach. “I was really happy to get the Trinity job,” said Roe. Roe also picked up some residential clients, although his services don’t include cleaning windows on buildings more than a story high.

Roe said he picked up some advice from a high school custodian, who gave him some of the basic equipment needed to restore the lustre in people’s windows. “I didn’t really see any downside to doing it,” Roe said of 7B’s launch.

Roe said the business allows him to market himself while taking pride in doing a thorough job. “There’s no hiding the work you do,” he said.

Roe plans to attend Boise State to study human biology before going to medical school to become a cardiologist. Roe’s business venture is not impinging on his academic career. He is among the top 10 percent of his class. “The kid maintains a 4.2 GPA,” said Roe’s father, Mark.

Why Use A Professional Window Cleaner?

Before you hire a window cleaner: Anyone with a bucket, squeegee and window mop can call himself or herself a window cleaner. Ask questions before you hire just anyone including; what types of products they use to wash windows.

Should I get a professional window cleaning? (By Shannon Antinori for Angie’s List) - Clean windows can make your home brighter and improve its overall appearance. A professional window cleaning can also provide an early warning of potentially dangerous problems, says owner Bill Volkart of Dazzle Services in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here are some reasons you should consider hiring a professional window cleaning service to keep your windows sparkling and functional.

Saving time. 

Cleaning your windows can be a time-consuming project, says Mike Giustino, owner of Affordable Window Cleaning in Round Lake, Illinois. Giustino says he can finish a project that would take a homeowner five hours in less than half the time.

Spotting general problems. 

A professional window washer can identify problems such as sashes that are painted shut, ill-fitting window screens, wood rot on windowsills or damaged or non-functional windows.

Spotting the problems early can often save you a big expense later, Volkart says — and it could even save your life. “Little things like painted sashes and clogged channels might spell the difference between getting out in case of fire or being forced to take another way out of danger in a very stressful situation,” Volkart says.

Removing insect infestations. 

Bees and hornets sometimes build nests behind window shutters, and wasps can build paper nests between three-piece storm windows, Volkart said. Ladybugs also can build nests in channels, making the windows hard to operate.

Extending the life of a window. 

“Old aluminum screens left in place for years gradually etch a pattern of deposits on the glass, much like lime deposits in the shower,” Volkart says. The etched glass is not only unattractive, but it is also more prone to cracks and chips. A professional window washer can restore the glass and extend your window’s life with a treatment of muriatic acid or, in less severe cases, Bar Keepers Friend and grade 0000 steel wool, he says.

Providing the right window cleaning supplies and tools. 

Professional window cleaners can ensure that the right products are used to clean glass without damaging it. If you have leaded glass or stained glass, you may be unintentionally damaging it by using an ammonia-based window cleaner, Volkart says. With repeated use, an ammonia-based cleaner can cloud leaded and stained-glass windows, and the damage can’t be repaired, he cautions. Professional window washers also have the right equipment, such as ladders and telescoping window-washing tools, to safely clean hard-to-reach windows, Giustino said.

Finding the cause of spots on your windows. 

Puzzled about what’s causing the spots on your glass? Your mulch may be to blame, Volkart says. “Cheap mulches often are infested with a fungus aptly named shotgun fungus,” he explains. “When mature, the fungus shoots out black spores that glue themselves to glass and vinyl siding and are very hard to remove completely.” A professional window-cleaning service can pinpoint the cause of the problem. Replacing your mulch with a higher-quality product can help your windows and siding stay cleaner and last longer, Volkart said.

Before you hire a window cleaner:

How much window cleaning costs varies, but Volkart says you usually get what you pay for. Anyone with a bucket, squeegee and window mop can call himself or herself a window cleaner. “Ask questions before you hire just anyone,” he advises. “A true professional will make sure your windows are not only clean, but functional and will advise you on ways to protect the biggest investment most people ever make – their home.”

Giustino, who recommends getting your windows cleaned at least once per year, says it’s important to ask for references and read reviews before hiring a window washer. “Ask them how long they’ve been in the business,” he says. Giustino also recommends asking companies whether they clean windows with a hose or a power washer, and what types of products they use to wash windows.

A Squeaky Clean Business

Mark & Leonor put the right window cleaning tools in your hands. Local recognition in Canada.

A squeaky clean business: After a few years of living in a high-rise condo downtown you start to notice things about the building you may have never even realized. For example, cleaning the outside of a high-rise condo window. One day, I was driving into my parking lot and saw a man raised up high into the sky cleaning windows from what looked like a hanging balcony that was lifted a few storeys up into the air. I wondered how long it would take someone to clean an entire buildings set of windows and it dawned on me why my building only cleans theirs twice a year.

My excitement for this month’s feature is due to my curiosity about window cleaning. I am featuring Beautiful View: The Window Cleaning Store, and when I found out this store, which has only been open for a few months, was in the Emery Village BIA I was quite thrilled to be able to ask all my questions about window cleaning to the store owner, and professional window cleaner himself, Mark Strange. Strange was a window cleaner for over seven years before he realized that his passion for teaching and his ability to clean windows for the rest of his life was not going to be entirely possible. With the help of his wife who not only supported him opening a store but also designed the entire layout herself, Mark is in business and was happy to talk. Needless to say, the windows are streak free and clean as a whistle. His teaching skills are tested with every customer who walks into his store. Strange not only has used every product, he knows exactly what would suit the customer the best and wants the customer to be prepared.

He has a test window where he shows the customer the right way to use the product and the best way to get a streak free clean in the quickest amount of time. I think I was one of the worst students, as I did not realize how technical cleaning windows are.

The store is a speciality-cleaning store, but you don’t have to be a professional to use the equipment. Anyone who cleans their household windows or even their car, if you do a lot of do-it-yourself car washes, could use Mark’s products and expertise. With a wide range of window cleaning products and even some videos to show you how to use them the store is for everyone.

It is located right at 1805 Wilson Avenue, unit 107. If you are interested in getting the best value for your money and want to learn the right way to clean a window, check out Beautiful View: The Window Cleaning Store near you! 

Also see:

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands

Window Cleaning Skills DVD Competition

A nonchalant Mark, gets to the TV section.

Tight Arse Companies Just Don't Want to Pay

"The fact that the Lenox Township offices were designed with some very high and hard to reach windows is creating a lack of solid bids to wash and clean them this spring." It's a common problem - companies are just too tight arsed to get the job done professionally or with safety in mind. Not a problem for professional window cleaners, not even high for the professional window cleaner! Click to enlarge.

Lenox laments lack of bids to clean complex windows: While the Lenox Township offices hold the distinction of being the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-, or LEED-, certified town hall in the state of Michigan, at the moment, the sky-high windows are proving to be a bit troublesome. A recent board of trustees meeting had officials discussing the difficulty they are having in hiring a cleaning firm to spruce up the windows throughout the building.

The $4.2 million facility completed in 2008 includes 19,500 square feet and was designed by French Associates in Rochester. The Lenox offices have many green building features, including the natural light produced by so many large energy efficient windows. “These are not easy windows and this is the problem here, we have to have specialty equipment come in and just, well, the design doesn’t add to maintenance here,” Supervisor Ronald Trombly said.

Deputy Supervisor Jeannette Ventimiglia told officials she received several quotes for the window-cleaning contract so far, including a recent one that had the company concerned about how they might be able to safely reach the highest windows. “The ones giving him the most difficulty are those really tall ones, the small windows way up there because the roof on the outside is slanted and there’s nothing for them to secure themselves so they don’t fall, so those windows are extremely difficult to get to,” Ventimiglia said.

A second, higher quote from another company was presented to officials and Ventimiglia said the firm didn’t express any concerns, and in fact, said they could reach all the windows for cleaning. She also noted two other companies who were supposed to come out for a quote, but haven’t yet. “I don’t know what you want to do – wait for our meeting in two weeks and hopefully by then we will have some more (quotes)?” Ventimiglia said. “Otherwise we’ll have to wait until August,” offered Trombly.

Trustee Chris Boyd wondered if officials should consider not worrying about the high windows for now and just skip those and do the lower ones at considerably less cost. “I’m just looking at this and the price of this, can’t say it really surprised me because of all these windows, but it is still quite expensive,” Boyd said.

The lack of consistent bids for the contract, including several firms not showing up as promised to bid on the project concerned Trombly, who said after a while officials just have to go with what information they have in order to proceed with the work. “This is a very unique building and it’s very difficult to get to some of these windows,” Ventimiglia said. “There’s very little area to put anything to get up high and just makes it very difficult, slanted roofs, everything.”

The higher windows have never been cleaned on the outside before, according to Trombly. Clerk Jodi Kethe said it definitely needs to be done. “I don’t particularly care for the price, but I also know that the cleaning company, what she’s proposing, isn’t good enough being the windows have never been washed,” Kethe said.

Ventimiglia then asked if perhaps officials just want to do the lower-level windows now, get more quotes and then decide at the August meeting how to proceed with the rest of the project. “I think the best bang for the buck is getting them all done at once in a package deal that way we have a date when they’ve all been done and we go from there,” Trombly said. “Start piecing them out I don’t think it will accomplish what we need to.”

Treasurer Karon Ottenbacher said that because they’ve waited this long, she suggests just getting all the quotes together and looking at the issue in August. Kethe then made a motion to table the matter until all the bids come in; the board unanimously approved the motion. The next regular board of trustees meeting is set for Monday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands

Mark & Leonor put the right window cleaning tools in your hands. Click to enlarge.

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands.

Once upon a time... Back in May 2007, my wife and I were getting my father's condo cleaned up so it could go up for sale. My wife handed me a shower glass squeegee and instructed me to clean the windows. I couldn't believe how great the windows turned out compared to cleaning methods I tried in the past. Suddenly an idea came into my head. "Hey, I could actually see myself doing this for a living." So with some professional tools in hand and a fist full of advertising fliers, I made it a reality. 

Fast forward to 2012. As I began to wonder about the future of my window cleaning business and asking myself, "how much longer do you want to clean windows?" I had another idea come into mind. With my experience as a window cleaner and love of tools, (Check out Tool Talk With Mark The Window Cleaner on YouTube) it seemed to make perfect sense to morph the business into being a supplier to the trade. 

Now as a participating member of the windowcleaningresource.com community, I got to see first hand of what a successful window cleaning supplier should be when it comes to putting the end customer first. Chris Lambrinides and Alex Lambrinides are a hard act to follow but they have been great with giving advice, sharing their own stories of when they first started, all so that I can get set up right on the supplier side of things. 

So with a plan in place and loads of support from family, friends and others in the trade, my wife and I set the machine in motion. From finding the perfect location in Toronto, to designing a workable store in a shop space we could afford, we were going to have our work cut out for us. My wife Leonor did all the design work and I can't believe what she was able to accomplish with 400 sq ft. One of the things that we think will help us stand out is that all the product is out in the open where customers can see, feel and even test out before they leave the store. 

Beautiful View window cleaning store opens to the public today! Click to enlarge.

Now many are probably wondering how much it costs to set up something like this. Well all I can say is for you to think of a dollar amount, adding about 10% contingency and then just when you feel comfortable with that kind of investment, DOUBLE IT! Oh yeah, and everybody needs to get paid up front when you start out. 

Next comes the joy of finding out just how tight those margins are when selling window cleaning supplies. I'm afraid it's nothing like traditional retail. The manufactures will give you 'list' pricing and tell you that you get X% off that. The problem is, no one in the industry is selling at 'list' pricing. To stay competitive you must lower it down a fair bit. But you've paid X amount regardless, along with cost of shipping (free in some cases with larger orders), importing fees and taxes. Haha, it's almost laughable how quickly you see profit being chipped away from your merchandise. 

Kid in a candy shop anyone? Click to enlarge.

So what keeps one going forward in this super tight profit game? Well for me it's accepting that this is a long term investment and as long as I put the right attitude behind it and continue with my desire to help other business folk by putting the right tools in their hands, I believe it will pay off big in the long run. 

With that said, I would like to thank all the people who have supported me in this project as well as past projects such as the Tool Talk video series and my window cleaning DVD. I will continue in the same mode of sharing, teaching and helping other businesses as best as I can, now via The Window Cleaning Store. 

Mark Strange Beautiful View - Tool Talk

The Window Cleaning Store http://www.thewindowcleaningstore.com is located at 1805 Wilson Ave Unit #107, Toronto, On M9M 1A2

Phone number is 416-748-9393

Hours of operation: 8am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm on Sat. 

Mark strange realizes his dream. Click to enlarge.

"How To" Clean Windows Professionally

Mark Henderson shows how to clean windows professionally.

Mark Henderson of Window Cleaning Resources UK has released his window cleaning "how to" videos through Unger Europe. If you haven't seen them, they are well worth a look & can be viewed directly in HD on Youtube here. The one below is on auto-play and should lead you through the 10 minute (average) each 1 - 4 parts.They can also be viewed in German here. If you have any problems viewing them, they can be played independently here...

Part 1: Unger Window Cleaning-Tutorial 1 - Know your tools

Part 2: Unger Window Cleaning-Tutorial 2-Cleaning techniques

Part 3: Unger Window Cleaning-Tutorial 3-Cleaning at height

Part 4: Unger Window Cleaning-Tutorial 4-How to clean windows

Window Cleaning According To Angies List

Window Cleaning: Window cleaning benefits any house. Not only does it help make the house’s appearance more aesthetically pleasing, it also helps remove grit and grime that builds-up on both the inside and outside surfaces. Glass left unclean can become etched over time and look hazy.

According to a nationwide Angie’s List poll:

• More than half of respondents say they regularly give their home a “spring cleaning;”
• More than a third of respondents want to hire someone to do the window washing for them.

Angie’s List, the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews talked to window cleaning pros for advice on cleaning them properly and safely:

Frequency of cleaning: Most homes should get a thorough window cleaning twice a year – ideally in the spring and fall. You may find your windows need cleaned more often if you live on a busy street or near saltwater. Letting salt stay on the glass too long will eventually damage the glass.

Which cleaning method is best? The type of cleaning solution and equipment you need varies according to the type of windows you have. With dozens of types of glass, windows often require special cleaning agents and using the wrong one could be ineffective or cause damage. For example, double glass windows are held together with a vacuum that could be compromised if the rubber trim that seals it is damaged by the wrong type of cleaner. If the seal breaks, moisture and dusts can get in the window, making it impossible to get clean. Most glass can be cleaned with soap, water and a squeegee. However, some situations will call for specialized cleaning solutions. For smaller windows where a squeegee is too large, use a lint free towel to wipe them clean.

Ideal weather conditions: If you clean the windows, do it during a cool, cloudier time of day. The hot sun dries windows faster, which can lead to streaking. Removing the dirt and grime from your windows is a difficult, time-consuming and a potentially dangerous job. Thousands of people are injured each year from ladder falls, and adding in buckets of soapy water and the need to stretch to reach corners increases the chances of an accident.

Angie’s List window cleaning hiring tips: Check insurance: If you hire a pro, make sure the company is insured. Because a lot of window washing involves ladders, safety harnesses and scaffolding, precautions are essential to ensure everyone's protection. Damage can be done to glass by someone is who not qualified. You need someone who not only knows how to clean glass, but knows glass and how to maintain in properly.

How do they clean windows? It’s important to ask what types of chemicals and tools are used during the cleaning process, especially if your windows are tinted. Many companies will clean with eco-friendly materials upon request.

What’s the cost? Window cleaning prices vary and are often based on the number and size of windows, the time estimated to do the job and the complexity of the job. Always ask for an in-home estimate. MONEY SAVING TIP: You could save a few bucks by cleaning the first floor windows yourself, and leaving the second floor, more difficult to reach windows, to a pro.

Satisfaction guaranteed? Ask the company if they provide a money-back guarantee if you’re not 100% happy. Most companies will offer one and some even offer a rain guarantee – so if it rains within a certain amount of time of the cleaning and your windows are spotted, the company will come back out at no charge to you.

2012 IWCA Magazine - Professional Window Cleaner

Click to read the magazine.

In this issue:

• No longer just a mans game: Throughout the window cleaning profession, more women are taking to to the male-dominated-industry.
• 
  
• The road to success: IWCA points attendees in the right direction with education & networking.
• Family values: Running a window cleaning business is in the blood of Tim Schmitd's family.
• 
  
• Tips on towel: Though towels are low tech, towels are a critical part of any window cleaners tool kit.
• 
  
• This time for sure - Economic recovery in 2012: Last year didn't turn out as expected, so cross your fingers for this year.

Plus much, much more. The magazine is produced by the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). Last issue here.

It's Hard To Replicate The Work Of A Professional Window Washer

Let the sunlight in for an easy way to impress home buyers (By Jackson Holtz): Nothing adds greater value to selling a home than light, real estate experts say. Agents always turn on all the lamps and light fixtures before hosting an open house. While the indoor lighting is important, it's secondary to letting sunshine filter through windows, said Meribeth Hutchings, owner of Windermere Lake Stevens. "Sparkling clean windows let in more natural light," she said. That's the primary reason that window washing is an important and necessary step in preparing to put a home on the market, and in the regular upkeep of what is probably your most valuable investment. "When you have clean windows, it shows buyers that you've paid attentions to details in your home," Hutchings said. "It shows you cared for your home."

You can try to wash windows yourself, but it's hard to replicate the work of a professional window washer. They know how to eliminate streaks and leave windows sparkling. The cost varies depending on many factors, mostly the number of windows in the home. Some companies will charge by the hour, others by the number of windows. Check to make sure the estimate includes washing inside, outside, screens and skylights. Details count, too, so ask if the washers wipe down sills and dust hard-to-reach skylight areas. While working on the windows of a Camano Island home, Robert Ketchum of Krystal Kleen Window Cleaning in Arlington uses a razor blade to remove pitch and other stubborn substances from the glass.

Robert Ketchum, the owner of Krystal Kleen Window Cleaning in Arlington, said the average cost to clean a two-story, 2,000-square-foot home with 40 panes is $130. As a sole proprietor, his overhead is low, and he works by referral only, he said. Other window washers may charge more to cover additional costs. Ketchum, who has been in business for nearly two decades, charges by the pane and includes inside and outside, plus screens and wiping down the sills. "It really cleans it up," he said.

By comparison, Top Notch Window & Gutter Cleaning in Edmonds charges about $150 to $200 for a similar job. They're a small family-run business. Homeowners should clear knickknacks and other items from window areas to make it easier for the pros to do their work. Homeowners may want to hold off on washing skylights during the winter, when rain will soil the job, Ketchum said. That doesn't mean skylights don't need to be dusted, however. "You want to make sure there are no cobwebs," Ketchum said.

Gutters are another consideration. "If they're dirty on the outside, chances are they are going to be dirty on the inside," Ketchum said. "It may become an issue during inspection." He said gutter cleaning costs extra depending on the number of gutters. Prices range up to $300 or more for very large homes. Before clearing the gutters, Robert Ketchum sweeps away evergreen needles and sticks that would reclog them. Clogged gutters can become an issue during inspection.

For most homeowners, window washing is part of spring cleaning. Ketchum said he's busiest from early spring through the fall. Still, many real estate agents will hire him no matter the time of year. "Most people are looking for a view," he said. "It's more likely to be appealing to somebody if you have clean windows with a view."