i am new to using wfp and i am currently changing all my customers over to it but, i have noticed that the results i am having are not so good on wooden framed windows as opposed to pvc. is this normal, will they get better as i continue and what results should i expect?
does wfp damage paint?
It has been discussed a few times here and in other forums that using the water fed pole on painted frames can sometimes cause a milky residue to streak the windows when you finish rinsing. I’m thinking the issue is more with the paint than the wood as I have experienced the same issue with vinyl panes that were painted. I have experienced it first hand. I opted to not use the wfp on the french panes that have painted frames because twice I have and both times the paint bled through to the glass.
Hand washing those panes IMO would be your best option. I do however attempt to use my wfp on painted framed double hungs or casement windows as I have a better chance (it would seem) of not causing the milky effect with a careful scrubbing technique.
In any event, some would just try it with the wfp and see what happens as if it happens to work beautifully then you have just saved a great deal of time. And if it didn’t work then you didn’t lose too much time for wfpling them. And then some won’t use the pole at all on painted frames.
Pure water won’t damage the painted surfaces, if it does there are damaged painted surfaces across America that received run off from wfp usage.
I don’t use wfp on wooden frames - period.
I think DI water will also damage the wood. (eventually)
That’s my case. I’ve seen the rise in complaints in the UK on this issue, but it’s quite severe over here with the sun as a secondary punisher. Wood is a natural fibre, pure water will only add to its demise taking all its natural resin away. I know the argument is rainfall does the same, but when you are brushing the water in & feeding the window with copious amounts, it can’t be doing any good. I’ve also seen it dull lacquer & paintwork.
Don’t get me wrong, it can be achieved using a wfp, but unless you are doing the account every month, it takes longer than doing it trad’.
in my experience using wfp pole on wood painted frames… ive had disastrous results. Im with Dwight, do em by hand.
We just finished a 3 story building where actually one half of it is wooden frames, (all little square cut up’s 
) We use WFP on this every 6 months and have been doing it for a few years with exceptional results. This is only because, ONLY BECAUSE,…the wooden mullions were freshly painted a few years ago. As long as the paint is excellent and semi new, I never have a problem, but I’m with the other guy’s, if the paint is just slightly peeling, go back to traditional methods.
windowman
I have been doing painted and varnished cut ups (french/georgian) for 10 years wfp. yes you can get problems with oxidised and old paint bit my custys have got used to it. If they are going to be a problem I wfp them in horizontal rows allowing a few min before doing the next row down. It helps if there is no petroleum based polishes on them. If the polished ones are really bad I occasionally will go back much later and give them a quick microfibre over the polished spots, its still slightly quicker than trad. I live in a rural area where properties are painted maybe every 10 years so have had to learn how to get the best results.
Some off the older pvc windows over here have also deteriorated and are oxidised making the window run off milky. I have heard a rumour that the manufacturers put a self destruct time limit on these frames so that they break down and turn greyish in 15 years. Brown pvc doesnt seem to cause the same problems with oxidization.
Please note that I also only do the glass and charge double if they want the frames included on a regular basis.
99% of my homes are french pane windows made of painted wood. WFP works great, even on first cleans after 10 years. I’m serious, I’m not exaggerating. The only milky runoff I get is from viny windows. Call me if you have any questions. My number is on my website: www.newalbanywindowcleaning.com.
Same here,
If the frames are in good nick then there shouldn’t be any problems but if the frames are in poor condition or any paint flaking, then I would say away from them, you can get a milky run-off from poor paint work, this does nothing but cause you greef.
