WCRA Have You Done For Me Lately?

Just some of the benefits WCRA members are enjoying.

Member Benefits - Window Cleaners Organization Partners with LogoMotive Promotions: The WCRA &  PWRA window cleaners and pressure washers association is proud to announce a new benefit and partnership with Logomotive promotions. Logomotive promotions supplies uniforms and a full line of embroidered apparel to the window cleaning and pressure washing industry. They have been kind enough to extend a 7% discount on all services to WCRA & PWRA association members. They specialize in working with the window cleaning and pressure washing industry. T shirts, sweat shirts, button downs and polos are available. Please checkout http://logomotivepromotions.com website for a full description of their services. Not a WCRA member? Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

The WCRA window cleaning association is happy to announce a new partnership with http://www.leadcheckout.com WCRA & PWRA Association members now receive 50% Lead Checkouts services. LeadCheckout makes it easy for any business to exchange qualified leads  with other businesses in different industries and keep track of them. Find reliable businesses in your area that will pay for qualified leads or invite your existing referral partners and start keeping track of the leads you exchange. Synergize and boost your profits today! Be sure to check out Leadcheckout.com today! Not a WCRA member? Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

Window Cleaners Association - Kevin Dubrosky Benefit: Hey Its Kevin Dubrosky! World famous window cleaning marketer! I am very happy to announce today that Kevin has extended a 30% discount on select services to WCRA and PWRA members. Here is a list of services WCRA and PWRA members can now receive a discount on: 60-min CONSULTING: Instead of $300/hr, it would be only $210/hr. Plus more packages. Not a WCRA member? Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today. Please check out Kevins website here. Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

Window Cleaning Resource Association Gas Benefit: The WCRA, Window Cleaning Resource Association, has an amazing gas benefit now in effect for all WCRA Members. Based on your location and the proximity of the closest station, you will receive an invitation to apply for one of the following brands: Shell Fleet Plus Card, ExxonMobilBusiness Card, Sunoco® Corporate Card, the Phillips 66®-Conoco®-76® CommercialCard or the 76® Commercial Card. Each credit card has a rebate offer that helps to save money and provides the tools to manage fuel expenses more effectively. When you receive an invitation to apply, you can also take advantage of this added member benefit so you can experience the benefits, savings and convenience these commercial fuel cards have to offer. Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

Promo Items - The WCRA, Window Cleaning Resource Association, not only offers conventional marketing methods, but pre-tested unconventional methods. Promotional Items include pizza box advertisements, magnets, thank you cards, lawn signs and place mat ads. They are all full adjustable in either Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop. They’re set up so all you need to do is plug in your own company information. New promotional items are added on a regular basis. Best of all, they are completely free to our WCRA Members. You can view all of the promotional items available to WCRA Members here. Not a WCRA member? Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

WCRA Email Templates Benefit: The WCRA, Window Cleaning Resource Association, offers many email templates to its WCRA Members. They are 600 pixels wide and very in length, web ready, are completely adjustable, and can be edited to fit your business needs. They are Photoshop files, ready for you to just plug in your information. They work best with email marketing companies like MailChimp, iContact, and Constant Contact. New templates are added on a regular basis to offer all of the members a huge selection year round. Best of all, they are completely free to our WCRA Members. You can view all of the email templates available to WCRA Members here. Not a WCRA member? Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

WCRA Door Hangers Benefit: The WCRA, Window Cleaning Resource Association, offers many door hangers for each season for its WCRA Members. They are 4.25″ x 11″ and are in full color. These files are completely adjustable Photoshop files so members can plug in their own company information with ease. New door hangers are added on a regular basis so members can plug in their own company information with ease. New door hangers are added on a regular basis so members have a huge selection year round. Best of all, they are completely free to our WCRA Members. You can view all of the door hangers available to WCRA Members here. Not a WCRA member? Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

The WCRA, Window Cleaning Resource Association, offers many flyers to its WCRA Members. They come in 8.5 x 11, black and white, color, are completely adjustable, and can be edited to fit your business needs. They are Photoshop files, ready for you to just plug in your information. New flyers are added on a regular basis to offer all of the members a huge selection for each season. Best of all, they are completely free to our WCRA Members. You can view all of the flyers available to WCRA Members here. Not a WCRA member? Get signed up here: Window Cleaners Association and start enjoying this benefit and many others today.

Postcard Benefit: The WCRA, Window Cleaning Resource Association, offers many postcards to its WCRA Members.  They come in 4 x 6 and 8.5 x 11, are completely adjustable, and can be edited to fit your business needs.  They are Photoshop files, ready for you to just plug in your information.  New cards are added on a regular basis to offer all of the members a huge selection for each season.  Best of all, they are completely free to our WCRA Members. You can view all of the postcards available to WCRA Members here.

More of the benefits WCRA members are enjoying, you want more? Yes there are lots more.

The New Window Cleaning Association

It's NEW, it's HERE, it's WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR! The newest window cleaning association from Window Cleaning Resource. It's called the Window Cleaning Resource Association (WCRA for short) & it will be huge. Just click the banner above or here to take you straight to the association page. Watch the videos below to see what it's all about..

WCRA - Window Cleaning Resource Association from chris wcr on Vimeo.

WCRA Member Benefit - Window Cleaning Safety Manual from chris wcr on Vimeo.

Membership Benefits:

• Huge Price Breaks and Unadvertised Preferred Pricing
• $500 in free marketing materials
• $50 worth of advanced business documents
• Private Discussion Forum
• Listing in the Insured Window Cleaners directory
• $99 Safety Manual and Meeting planner (ships Feb 1, 2011)
• Private webinars with industry experts
• Mentor Program
• Use of WCRA Trust Logos
• Total Value $649
• Join for only $349

PS - as an added bonus to your list, the first 50 people to join will receive $1,000.00 worth of marketing materials instead of the normal $500.00. This is time sensitive - join now or loose the benefit!

Yearly renewal is only $199 each year at renewal you receive credits for another $500 worth of templates, and $50 worth of forms. Membership can be renewed at $199 assuming there is no lapse. Click here for the full list of WCRA Membership Benefits. When you get to the pricing page - just click on the very exact words in that page (at the bottom) to view the website.

We guarantee that your WCRA membership will earn you an additional $10,000.00 this year. If it doesn't we will happily refund your cost of membership.

WCRA Member Benefit - Insured Directory from chris wcr on Vimeo.

WCRA Member Benefit - Private Member Forum from chris wcr on Vimeo.

WCRA Member Benefit - $50 in FREE Business Documents from chris wcr on Vimeo.

WCRA Member Benefit - $500 in Free Marketing Materials from chris wcr on Vimeo.

WCRA Member benefit - Massive Price Breaks from chris wcr on Vimeo.

The Window Cleaning Resource Association exists for the professional growth and benefit of its members and for the ongoing improvement of the professional window cleaning industry.

Primary Goals:

• To help the professional window cleaner maximize and achieve their financial goals.
• To help the professional window cleaner build and sustain a healthy window cleaning business.
• To help the professional window cleaner achieve the highest standards of workmanship.

So what are you waiting for? Take me to the info'!

Glass Protection Informational Bulletin For Pro' Window Cleaners

GANA, IWCA release joint informational bulletin: The Glass Association of North America, and the International Window Cleaning Association, released a joint Glass Informational Bulletin titled Construction Site Protection and Maintenance of Architectural Glass outlining the need for proper protection of architectural glass throughout the construction process to all general contractors and builders, according to a Nov. 15 release. This protection includes various recommendations and the need for open communication and full cooperation among the general contractor, professional window cleaner, and all trades involved.

"This document, the first from our organizations teaming up and working together, is a great resource for the construction industry," said GANA Technical Director Urmilla Sowell, in the release. "There are many integral recommendations and points contained within this document.  It also shows the commitment within GANA and IWCA to address an issue confronting many today by putting our best minds together to find solutions for the industry."

A key component of the document emphasizes the need to use professional window cleaners and not someone inexperienced in the post construction cleaning of glass. The use of unskilled non-professionals can be a detriment to completing the construction job in the best possible way.  Furthermore, the general contractor or builder may need to schedule periodic glass cleaning during extended construction schedules so that the potential for glass damage is reduced. Vital suggestions such as these provide real-world solutions to prevent costly issues later, including the potential for contentious litigation.

"This is a great document for the industry," said Debra Nemec, IWCA executive director, in the release. "This collaboration, as well as future joint efforts by our organizations, provides new potential in the industry to increase the quality output of glazing contractors and professional window cleaners.  At the end of the day, that outcome benefits everyone. We look forward to working together even further for the benefit of our members and our industry."

To download this document at no charge, visit the GANA TechCenter Web site or the IWCA Web site or read in full below. Pdf file here.

Construction Site Protection and Maintenance of Architectural Glass:
Steps Must Be Taken to Avoid Permanent Damage to Glass.

Architectural glass products used in windows, doors and skylights for today’s residential and commercial building projects are more sophisticated than those used in earlier fenestration applications. Performance requirements call for glass to be coated and used in an insulating glass unit in order to be more energy efficient; and often heat-treated and laminated to provide greater strength, safety, and security. As a result of increased performance capabilities, more high performance glass is being used in both residential and commercial construction. The higher valued products and their greater susceptibility to damage have increased the importance of proper site storage, handling, installation and protection throughout the construction process.

During glass manufacturing, fabrication and installation, products are carefully handled to prevent surface and edge damage. Materials are packaged to provide protection during shipment and delivery. Once finished materials are placed on a construction site, they become exposed to a variety of conditions and influences that can adversely affect product aesthetics and functionality. Irreparable glass damage can occur from improper storage and handling, exposure to chemicals and leaching agents, prolonged exposure to moisture, mechanical attack and breakage, damage related to adjacent construction activities and improper cleaning methods.

Site Delivery and Storage

Windows, doors and skylights for residential construction typically arrive on construction sites preglazed, while commercial construction applications often require glass be delivered to the site and glazed at a later date. In both types of construction, it is vital that materials be properly stored for the duration of the construction process. The complex nature of construction projects and site management requires well-planned and executed material delivery and storage. The following is a list of recommended practices that glazing subcontractors should observe for site delivery and storage of fenestration materials: - Consult glass and glazing system suppliers for specific recommendations on the site storage, handling, installation, and protection of their materials before any work is started.

• Coordinate glass deliveries, to the extent practical, to minimize on-site storage durations.
• Work with the general contractor or builder to select on-site under-roof storage locations that avoid direct rain and water runoff, work areas of other trades, and areas of high traffic and to minimize material movement and handling.
• Secure, block, and brace individual cases of glass and preglazed materials to prevent falls.
• Ensure blocks or supports keep the bottom edge of materials well above potential puddles of rainwater or other conditions that could cause damage.
• Provide secure, temporary covering that prevents direct water flow, but ensures ventilation and combats condensation buildup on the glass.
• Clearly mark storage areas of glass cases and preglazed materials using colored ribbons or tape.
• Ensure that glazing components held in storage are not subjected to deposits from concrete and masonry building materials or hard water spotting from various sources of tap water at the job site.
• Ensure that stored materials are not exposed to activities of other trades such as welding, painting, insulating, and fireproofing.
• Establish a program for daily inspection of stored glass and glazing systems to monitor conditions and ensure prompt corrective action when needed.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when using temporary protection films.
• Do not allow protective films to remain on the surface beyond their useful life, as removal methods may damage certain types of glass and/or their coatings.
• Do not expose open packs of glass to direct sunlight as the insulating effects of the glass layers may increase the thermal stress in the glass and may result in glass breakage.

Trade Awareness:

As fenestration materials are delivered to a residential or commercial construction site, it is recommended that the glazing subcontractor and window cleaner contact the general contractor (in person and follow up in writing) to let him know how important it is that he make all construction trades aware of the potential for permanent damage and their level of responsibility in the event materials are subjected to harmful conditions. In the event of damage, prompt action is required to minimize damage.

Site Handling and Installation:

Glass and glazing system manufacturer’s recommendations for site handling and installation procedures should be followed. Residential and light commercial windows, doors, and skylights should be installed in accordance with ASTM International document E 2112 – Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights. Glass for commercial glazing applications should be handled and installed in accordance with guidelines set forth in the Glass Association of North America (GANA) Glazing Manual.

Post Installation Inspection and Protection:

After installation, special attention by all trades should be given to construction activities in order to prevent exposure of glass in windows, doors and skylights to weld splatter, paint, plaster, sealants, fireproofing, and alkali and chemical attack. The subcontractor, general contractor, or builder should inspect and document the condition of the glazed materials on a daily basis. At this stage of construction, the glazing subcontractor should request, in writing, that the general contractor or builder remind other construction trades of the potential for irreparable damage to the glazed materials and to implement systems and procedures for protection. The following is a list of common conditions and causes that damage glass after installation:

Condition: Glass surface corrosion often characterized by permanent iridescent or white haze surface staining

Cause: Glass got wet during storage due to reasons such as, but not limited to, being stored outside uncovered, or extended storage with inadequate ventilation and/or improper glass separation

Condition: Glass surface or edge damage

Cause: Inadequate on-site protection; ill-advised or vulnerable storage locations; exposure to other trades

Condition: Chemical attack, surface pitting and hard‐to‐clean deposits

Cause: Overspray and runoff of chemicals from sealing/cleaning of concrete, masonry, roofing, etc; inadequate protection and/or poor storage location

Condition: Weld-splatter surface damage and reduction in glass strength

Cause: Location of glass near welding; inadequate protection of stored or installed glass

Condition: Stubborn, tenacious surface deposits from concrete and masonry runoff, as well as hard water spotting

Cause: Poor storage and/or protection of uninstalled glass; absence of prompt, interim cleaning of installed glass during construction

Construction Clean-Up

If glass is exposed to harmful materials or conditions during construction, the general contractor or builder and the trade involved, if known, should be immediately advised by the glazing contractor of the potential damage. In the event that damage has already occurred, the glazing contractor and glass fabricator/supplier should be consulted to assess damage, take corrective actions, and mitigate the potential for future damage. Deep surface scratches, contact by hot weld-splatter and edge damage threaten the structural integrity of glass and may require glass replacement. Surface contact with harmful materials will require prompt cleaning by professional window cleaners, such as members of the International Window Cleaners Association (IWCA). If harmful exposure results in conditions that cannot be cleaned using typical glass cleaning procedures, a professional window cleaner should be consulted for recommendations on more aggressive glass cleaning procedures. The use of a more aggressive procedure may itself damage the glass. Careful thought and discussion must precede the use of aggressive cleaning procedures. The general contractor or builder may need to schedule periodic glass cleaning during the construction process. Extended construction schedules and site conditions often result in dirt and debris build-up. Professional cleaning at the initial signs of build-up can decrease the potential for glass damage.

Long-Term Building Maintenance & Performance:

Following the completion of the construction project and throughout the life of the building, windows, doors, and skylights should be properly cleaned. Building facades may be exposed to sealant rundown, pollutants, dirt and debris, which can attack and damage glass surfaces over time. Building maintenance schedules should include frequent cleaning to ensure long-term glass aesthetics and performance. Cleaning frequencies should be tailored to the individual characteristics inherent to these conditions as well as the severity of local environmental factors such as acid rain and atmospheric pollutants that vary from region to region. Building owners should ensure that individuals cleaning fenestration materials are well aware of the glazing products in the building and their unique properties and are knowledgeable about and capable of using proper cleaning procedures and practices recommended by the glazing manufacturer and the glass industry. Proper protection of glass in windows, doors, and skylights throughout the construction process and the life of a building are essential. Planning and execution of the practices described and recommended in this bulletin will enable the glass to meet the aesthetic and performance expectations and the needs of the building occupants. Consult the Tech Center section of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) website (www.glasswebsite.com) for additional Glass Informational Bulletins and flat glass industry reference resources.

Window Cleaning + The Economy + Luxury Services

Area luxury service businesses cope with tight consumer spending (Texas): Paying for a car wash, a pedicure or to have your lawn mowed are luxuries, especially during tough economic times. Because of this, companies that offer these luxury services continue to suffer during this post-recession era, according to Crossroads business owners. While no local data exists to support this specific decline, ample anecdotal evidence shows it to be true. Many Victoria luxury service company owners say they cope with a significant dip in business. "People have less discretionary money to spend out of their income, which makes them stay away from luxury businesses," Joe Harper, director of the University of Houston-Victoria Small Business Development Center, said.

Mick Moore's luxury business, Professional Cleaning Service, has served Victoria for 23 years. The company offers residential and commercial cleaning services. "Cleaning is more difficult than people think," Moore said. "Window cleaning on a professional level takes two years of training." When the economy dived, though, more and more people opted to do the work themselves and against paying for his services, he said. To cope, some owners started a second business to create another revenue stream and to help make ends meet, Moore being among them. He launched an advertising business, Impact Advertising. "We had a few slow months at Professional Cleaning Services, and in those months I started thinking about how I can diversify my income," Moore said.

Many other owners of luxury service businesses - from day spas to lawn care companies - share similar stories. When the economy dips, so, too, does customer volume. "We lost about 50 percent of our business during the recession," said Matthew Gaskin, owner of Crossroads Professional Detailing. "We usually have around six employees. Now we are down to three." To stem dwindling customer bases, many business owners offer specials. "We run weekly specials and summer specials, and since Tuesday and Wednesdays are slow we have specials on those days, too," said Dena Buchorn, owner of Eden Day Spa. Scott Taylor, manager at Flex Fitness, said dropping prices for gym memberships helped to lure in more customers. "More people have joined," he said. "This gives people something to do while their unemployed."

Those business owners who can't afford to adjust prices find themselves doing so anyway. Kevin Brown, owner of Edge Landscaping, dropped prices for premium lawn services. "People started seeking out lower-end services," Brown said. "We had to start lowering our prices to keep up with our competition." Successful businesses - especially those that weather down times - rely largely on happy and repeat customers. When discretionary spending is tight, people's expectations of service grows even greater. "Business is about relationships," said Moore, owner of the cleaning service and advertising companies. "The better the relationship, the more customers will think well of you and the more you will succeed."

Sky Pro® - Automatic Window Cleaning

High-rise Window Cleaning System travels at rates to 35 fpm: Able to clean windows, frames, and entire building, Sky Pro® Window Cleaning System operates from existing roof rigs, davit arms, tracks, or Sky Pro® 4-Wheel steering rig. Completely self-contained, self-climbing washing system is operated via wireless remote and leaves windows spot free without using any chemicals or cleaning solutions. Raindrop nozzles create and apply de-ionized water droplets only to surface to be cleaned, reducing spray, drifting, and water consumption.

Safely Wash a Month's Worth of Windows in Less Than a Day! Sky Pro® Window Cleaning System is an automatic window washing solution for high-rise window cleaning services and commercial building owners. Shakopee, Minn.-The new, Sky Pro® Window Cleaning System, manufactured by NuStar, Inc., can safely clean a building in a fraction of the time of conventional washing.

The Sky Pro® system is a completely self-contained, self-climbing washing system that operates from existing roof rigs, davit arms, tracks, or from the unique Sky Pro® "4-Wheel" steering rig. Just push the wireless remote up or down to clean. The Sky Pro® system cleans the windows, frames and the entire building, removing deteriorating residue to extend the life not only of the windows and frames, but of the entire building.



Ultra pure water leaves windows free from chemical and mineral residue that attracts air-borne contaminants and pollutants. This process leaves windows spot free. No chemicals or cleaning solutions are required, saving you even more money. See how the system works in these videos.

The patented pendulum design allows the Sky Pro® system to wash high-rises completely from the top of the building without ground lines, hoses or cables. The apparatus is built of heavy gauge aluminum to last for years. Its motors are rated to 10,000 hours. The unique, patented heavy-duty "raindrop" nozzles create and apply large de-ionized water droplets only to the surface to be cleaned. This reduces spray, drifting and water consumption.



The Sky Pro® system delivers these benefits:

• Fast return on investment (ROI)
• Labor savings
• Now a safer job, it's easier to find and retain labor
• Safely operates from the top of your building
• No rails or scaffolding needed- the system operates from existing roof rigs
• Cleans entire walls, windows and frames
• Windows stay cleaner longer
• Cleans entire building for extended life
• Uniform cleaning using only spot-free pure water-No chemicals required!
• No squeegees or potential failing objects
• Cleans much faster and better than hand washing
• Cleans in high winds, rain and other poor weather conditions
• Can work long hours
• Dramatic savings in liability insurance
  

Sky Pro® window cleaning equipment is available in standard 8', 12', and 16' models or can be customized to meet any requirements. The system travels at a rate of 35 feet per minute. It can be safely operated from on top of a building or from the ground by wireless remote control. The return on investment can be as little as one year.

Sky Pro® Window Cleaning System is the perfect automatic window washing solution for high-rise window cleaning services and commercial building owners. For more information, visit www.skypro.com or call Ian Burton at 1-800-800-WASH. About NuStar, Inc. -Headquartered in Shakopee, MN, NuStar, Inc. is a privately-held corporation specializing in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of rollover automatic car wash equipment, pet wash salons and automatic window washing equipment.

Window Cleaning Video Sunday

Chris & Alex of Window Cleaning Resource knock out another great episode for your enjoyment. If this link doesn't show go here to watch.

Nicolae Rusu, of "Pro' Window Cleaning Ltd" has a crack at the Federation of Window Cleaners Trade Show this past October to become the fastest window cleaner.

Doug Shaw-Peters of High-Glass Window Cleaning tells how his window cleaning business has grown and consistently winning business and recommendations through The Disc Directory.

Don says: "What have you put into your business?" "I know that when you feel desperate and don’t know what to do to get your business off the ground, all you can think of is what you can get OUT of it." Learn more here.

Claire of "Claire Clean" from Andover, UK with a little water fed pole magic..

Ted Cantu from "hot metro finds" is at again, finding the coolest companies in Metro Detroit.. this just up.. Spiderman window cleaning.

Michael Love is the owner of Spiderman Window Cleaning, here he talks about his "spider-juice."

Found this old video of window cleaners up the Empire State Building in New York. Short & sweet...enjoy.

Chris of Galloway's Window Cleaning Services in the Swansea, Gower Peninsula & Neath in South Wales provides meticulous window, uPVC and conservatory cleaning.

Fastklean is an established company providing top quality, affordable window cleaning to the London and Greater London area.

Chris talks about why he is ditching the Wagtail Rubber for winter..

And finally....Mark Strange of "Beautiful View" from Toronto, Canada popular for his tool-talk videos. Here's little Georgie his cat being entertained by the window cleaning. He cleans his own windows??

Window Cleaning to Gutter Cleaning

Those boys from Window Cleaning Resources talk in this weeks edition about gutter cleaning (the perfect winter window cleaning add-on) & DI/RO storage for winter. Also Jaret the 11 year old superstar is mentioned + more. This video contains a parental guidance certificate!

This is Jeff Brown from Reflections Window Cleaning, you may also remember him from his sign making business. This Video was shot using a digital still camera set on video mode, so not the best quality. The video is to help those interested & to see what is involved with gutter cleaning using the Telescopic lance. Jeff adds - Reflections window Cleaners and the Water Fed Pole Training Academy except no responsibility for injury caused by using this type of equipment and they recommend you work with an experienced operative to gain experience before attempting to use any high pressure equipment.

Here's the pitch from Gutter Sense: - Cleaning a gutter with your bare hands can cause painful scratches and cuts. And climbing a ladder to reach second-story gutters is just asking for trouble. Instead keep your hands unscathed and your feet on the ground by using Gutter Sense, the easy-to-use rain gutter cleaning device!
This clever gutter cleaner tool features large polycarbonate "tongs" that will grab 14" of leaves or pine needles from flat-bottom gutters when you pull on the 12'-long braided rope included. Then just dump the debris in a trash bag or compost pile! You'll need to add your own threaded broom handle or extension pole to this gutter cleaning device, or get the Gutter Sense and Pole set (sold separately), with telescoping steel pole that gives you 4' to 16' of extra reach. Also on HSN shopping channel.

Remember the Looj? I remember they peaked in interest for a while but you still needed a ladder to stick them up there in the first instance. And of course they didn't fit UK gutters. Then of course if you could flip your gutter...

A Cumbrian entrepreneur has thrown his future into the gutter with a business venture he thinks will beat even the credit crunch. Former window cleaner Geoff Harney (pictured) has launched Cumbria’s first earth-bound guttering cleaning service. The 32-year-old has discovered a system which allows him to remotely view a gutter, then thoroughly clear it, without leaving the ground. He uses an ‘Omnipole’, which features a camera that relays images to a hand-held monitor so he can see what’s lurking before he starts the cleaning process. The pole then becomes a giant vacuum cleaner, sucking up the detritus and delivering it to a unit on the ground.

More Reasons for Professional Window Cleaners

Potters Bar (Hertfordshire, UK) pensioner dies cleaning window: A pensioner died after she accidentally fell while cleaning her kitchen window, a coroner confirmed. Mother-of-four, Anna Casali, of The Drive, Potters Bar, fell 4ft as she leant out of her bungalow window on October 28 last year and suffered “catastrophic” injuries to her head, Hornsey Coroner's Court heard. In a statement read out by the coroner Andrew Walker at the inquest on Thursday, neighbour Tamsin Aston described seeing Mrs Casali, 68, leaning “quite a way” out of the window. “It looked as if she was reaching for something,” the statement continued. “She tumbled out sideways very fast and suddenly. I waited for a short time to see if she got up; she didn’t.” Ms Aston called 999 and paramedics attending the scene, reported seeing large amounts of blood from an injury on the side of Mrs Casali’s head as she lay unconscious. Mrs Casali, a former waitress, was taken to Barnet Hospital where her condition deteriorated and she died in the early hours of October 29.
Neurosurgeons who analysed brain scans noted Mrs Casali had suffered a major brain injury. There was extensive haemorrhaging but no fracture to her skull, although surgeons recorded it as a “catastrophic injury”, the inquest heard. Two of Mrs Casali's sons and a daughter were in court to hear Mr Walker record a verdict of accidental death. “There is nothing I can say to make this any easier for you to bare,” he told them. “Mrs Casali died from a head injury. I am satisfied that it was the result of an accident.”

.

WCP - Window Cleaning Software

"Designed by window cleaners for window cleaners, WCP offers you a state of the art software package that is easy to use and doesn't require a degree in computing to use." Ian Hannaford also shows us some of the features of the product which incorporates real time on your Windows Mobile PDA. A first, as most other programs only use Palm based products. With just the click of a button, all your work, including your expenses, accounts and debts are all synchronised! Please click the pictures to take you there, also featuring a user forum & internet back-ups. WCP can also do a whole lot more: -

Choose the order of jobs within each round to suit your working style.
Automatically maintain your debts without even trying.
Unique colour coded visual scheduling.
Keep track of payments from your customers and the method of payment.
Maintain 1 customer with one or more jobs making invoicing easier.
Manage your expenses and print detailed expense reports.
Save time by maintaining your work as you go with out PDA software - WcpLite.

Features in the pipeline:

Vehicles and Mileage
Employees and Wages
Google Map Integration
Payment Terms & Penalties
Context Sensitive Help
and more...

Too much soap

This video shows what happens when you use too much soap in your mix. It can get quite frustrating. Its a pity really, he has the company uniform, wears the correct footwear & apparently polite to the customers. It just goes all horribly wrong at the end when he tries to close out.