Hey everyone, just been thinking about wfp systems compared to traditional methods of cleaning windows. I was wondering whether people think they will take over completely, become a fixed part of the window cleaners arsenal but no more important than traditional tools, or die out other than for high access work.
I do not have any wfp system, but was thinking about maybe getting a small affair with back pack to replace ladders for third storey windows. However, I hear a lot of times from customers of other window cleaners, that they prefer the “old method”. The glass looks better, the sills are wiped properly and there is no mess from water around doors etc… I also know of three other local window cleaners who were totally convinced about wfp but are now starting to use their ladders again for some work. Actually, the one who kept telling me wfp was the best thing ever, three years ago, seems to have thrown his out completely!
Ofcourse, there are lots of window cleaners who would never go back, and lots of customers that are happy. But doubt is creeping in, especially from the customer angle… If you ask your customers about wfp cleaning what would their answer be…in favour or against?
The appeal for me has always been and will remain keeping me and anyone that works for me off ladders. It accomplishes that for us and I am happy with the results we acheive.
As far as customers, I don’t think they really care as long as their windows are clean. We make sure that is done before we leave whether we have to ladder up or wfp them.
Water fed poles aren’t huge in other countries because they don’t perform. They are a proven product in England and other places and there are many here in the US that would scream their praise.
I’ll keep my pure water set up working as long as I’m in business.
I’ve often wondered if the WFP was meant for “maintenance” type cleaning only. All the windows I clean are so filthy and in dire need of srubbing/scraping, I don’t think a WFP could cut it. You have to get nose to glass on these homes. I suppose it would have it’s place in commercial work on a regular basis.
I’ve cleaned some pretty nasty windows with my WFP. The RHG Reach Around comes in handy for these extremely dirty windows. Sometimes some extra scrubbing is needed - sometimes scrubbing with a little Glass Gleam has sped the time up. Either way, it’s usually worked out faster then if I had used ladders or lift, and more importantly - safer.
I think one of the hardest things to learn with the WFP learning curve is what jobs to use it on, and what to look for. Hard water stains are a lot more common on commercial buildings around here, the WFP alone isn’t going to perform a miracle there. However, it will clean the window, it just won’t restore it.
Having said that, I do have a customer that prefers the “old fashioned” window cleaning compared to the WFP. I attribute a lot of that to the fact that this customer is older, extremely picky, and perhaps set in her ways some. Then again, maybe it’s the fact that I can clean in two hours what takes 2 guys 6 hours with ladders… I usually clean the windows 3 times a year. Inside and out in the spring, and then outs only twice sometime throughout the year. She noticed some spots on the windows the last time I used the WFP when I did outside only. I’m positive that the spots where on the INSIDE, but I didn’t want to argue, we just agreed that from then on I would use ladders. This is a 3k a year customer, my job is to keep her happy, so I do.
On the flip side, I’ve had several customers appreciate the WFP method. They’ve seen that the windows stay cleaner longer, and they’re generally just amazed at the whole system.
I actually had a guy book a job yesterday on the spot because I wouldn’t be using ladders on his job (he was very nervous about ladders).
I think wfp will continue to win over more customers and wcers just from the safety aspect. It’s definitely here to stay.
I bought one thinking we were going to use it all the time. We use it once in a while now and have mostly gone back to ladders.
We’ve had the same problem with it not being able to handle the dirt we have here. I’ve had a few experienced guys work with us and say on the first day “that was the dirtiest window I’ve ever cleaned!”
After a few jobs of cleaning the windows three times and they still streak, you start to get pretty annoyed!
In maintenance contracts, 3rd story +, commercial and difficult access, they can’t be beat. The safety factor is huge too.
I pulled up to a job the other day and they saw my WFP system. The Lady said no no the last guy had one of those and that’s why they turned out like they did.
Texas is tough on windows. A WFP is just not going to do it. I use mine sparingly. But I don’t think I could clean windows without it. There are just some windows that are too dangerous to access with a ladder. The pole comes in handy. Yep it’s here to stay.
Huh?
Were you able to determine the cause in each case?
We are trending toward using the WFP more and more because the technicians have become more comfortable in assessing what jobs the WFP will be beneficial in. I think the key is getting through the learning curve and being smart about where you use the equipment. I just bid a 3 story retirement home and we did a demo of the wfp for the client who was impressed. They liked the ladderless aspect for safety and privacy. I hope we land it because it looks like a wfp dream job.
Jim Willingham used to say “it ain’t a magic wand”. As professionals we have to make the determination of what techniques to use and when to use them. With the Reach Around gooseneck I am able to use the wfp on some first time cleans. I think the technology will continue to improve and more and more of the learning curve will be eliminated. Making wfp a first choice instead of a backup plan.
I like it, but is like any other tool.
I’m selling my 1/2cu.ft tank and a modified 25ft Tucker pole. Moved to a full cu.ft(rented) and got 17ft and 28ft Xtel poles.
I think it depends a lot on location, In the UK there are no fly screens and most windows are single pane vinyl, which is best case for using WFP, If you have a lot of these type of windows in your area, eg Andersen casement windows, then wfp is a very viable option
If you are in an area where there are mostly storm windows or fly screens, or old wooden or metal framed windows, then it may not be as good an option
It should be suitable for a lot of commercial work though
I have had that happen too.
There ARE some situations where it is just better to use a squeegee. But I would have to say, it is not often.
Clean King,
I recently took a trip to Oahu over the summer. I looked around at some of the homes because that’s what you do being a window cleaner right? Those are some of the dirtiest windows I’ve ever seen. Dirt and salt a imagine. You guys have your work cut out there.
Ok…at risk of upsetting the wfp folks here. I have cleaned many an unhappy wfp customer’s windows. Some even asked if I was “real” window cleaner as opposed to one of those guys with the squirting brush thingy. I can see where they would be useful every now and then. Maybe on a window that I would otherwise deem unaccessable (unsafe to get to) or as a pre-wash on some really dusty stuff. But the quality just isn’t there. Admittedly, I may have come behind someone with poor equipment or someone lacking in knowledge of how to properly use what they had. If you are squirty brush thingy user and your customers are happy and you sleep well at night… more power to ya!
[I][B]“because glass looks it’s best when you can’t see it”[/B][/I]
my business would be doomed if i turned up with a wfp, round my way the customers are very anti- poles and all have a story to tell off broken rose bushes etc . but wfp are ideal for the very high work and for commercial work
recently i watched a guy poling a seafront home here and the granny inside the house was correcting him every few minutes. he ended up using the wfp but also shimmying up his ladder to squeegee/wipe various bits. he must have the patience of a saint thats all i say but i do know that the wfp lads charge more for their work .
you are correct that wfp do not do as good of a job as the traditional way…
I have been using a wfp for over two years now and i can say that today I am finnaly getting the hang of it, trying diffrent things.
Tucker poles I wouldnt recommend to any one
Carbon fiber pole are great.
I also use a short pole with my system when I am abseiling
Time, I did a job on Saturday that would normaly take two men 8hrs abseiling
We did it in just under four hours and charged the same price so as far as I am concernd wfp are here to stay.
Abseiling using the system on certain jobs again saving me time.
Working for myself is all about time.
I am promoting more wfp work rather than abseiling as the cost works all in my favour with less insurance
I also notice in threads that you americians have $1m public liability I have $20m in the land down under
ottra
Depends on the operator.
