Hey guys, I appreciate all the help i have been able to gain here by reading the threads. I am in need of some help. Is there a site or thread on the basics of construction cleanup. I got a call for a new home and have read and spoken with some fellow window cleaners about it, but I just need some more info. Thanks in advance for the help
Are you already educated on fabricating debris?
Basic cleaning includes glass, track, and frame cleaning. Level of contamination determines the specific methods of cleaning.
Have you inspected the site yet?
I have have educated myself about fabrication debris based upon what’s been written here and from stopscratchedglass.com. I have a basic knowledge. I guess all the posts here seem to be overwhelming and don’t know where to start.
I got a call the other day from a superintendent about about a ccu job on a super rich neighbourhood in okc. I mean its gigantic, these house look like castles, so i am a little overwhelmed at the opportunity. I am going tomorrow to check it out. He said that they put a protective coating on the windows at the beginning to “protected” them from cement and other harsh material. I am going to find out what they used, but just need some help, its my first CCU opportunity. I ll supply more details when I know more, thanks again
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Always a positive when the glass is protected during the construction phase.
Check for drywall mud on the frames and in the tracks. Also, overspray from deck or masonry can be an issue. Excess silicone on the glass can also present extra time to clean.
alright went to check out the property, and oh man is it big. Over 260 windows and 1500 window panes! ah! the windows look pretty clean for the most part, some have the protective coating, which comes off relatively easily. (Just peeling it off) What are some of the best methods of construction clean up?
^^^^^^^^^^
Are you an owner of a Fish Window Cleaning franchise? The reason I ask is because of your user name…
If so, do they (Fish) not provide any educational resources/training on construction cleanups/fabricating debris ? 
Couple of quick tips
- Get a scracth waiver signed!!!
- CCU takes longer so plan ahead for it.
- Refer to tip one.
What might take longer in a case – such as this – where the glass has been protected during construction?
Well I have only done about 15 - 20 CCUs but when the glass was protected it wasn’t perfectly protected. Then there is always something with the frames or sills. Usually mortar or paint or something. Maybe I just ran into some bad jobs but CCU has always taken longer then if it was just a regular cleaning
man, I appreciate all the help guys, I really have learned alot from this forum. No, i don’t own a fish franchise, just an old screen name. This protective coating has been on there for over a year and a half, this house will take a total of 3 years to complete. So most of the coating is peeling away or sun baked. I have a question too about fab debris, is there a way to sucessfully remove it scratch free or is it unavoidable. thanks again
Well, fabricating debris will only scratch the glass if it is dislodged and moved across the surface. Some folks never use a tool (scraper, razor, steel wool, broadknife, etc.) that might dislodge it. They use chemicals, elbow grease, patience, etc.
Then again, if it’s not heat-treated glass, it can’t have fabricating debris. What type of glass (annealed, tempered, heat-strengthened) did you inspect?
Was there any damage present? It’s not always visible upon initial inspection, BTW.
Taking off the protective film would make the job take longer…Right
it was pella tempered glass
If the film is in good shape, it usually peels off pretty cleanly. If it’s not, you might have a mess on your hands.
here is the house
it came off pretty easy when it got wet
the house is too big to fit in the picture
From my experience, the framework will take you the absolute longest out of anything. You said pellas, so I’m assuming they are casement crankouts, right? So you have storms to clean as well? Plan accordingly for time. CCU’s will take about 4X as long to clean, even with the prtective film. Sounds like you won’t have much in the way of having to scrape glass anyways. And the waiver is a GREAT idea. Cover your a$$.
If I remember correctly, years ago Shawn posted that all he needed was pure water and WFP to clean the exteriors on a residential CCU…
Here is a possibly simple solution for you, for debris on the OUTSIDE of the pane, #0000 steel wool is a godsend, it works for everything from bird poop, snail trails, light paint overspray, and works great on hard water spots on the garden windows, glue, nose/hand prints, etc. Never ever use this on the inside of tinted windows. Rule of thumb regarding #0000 steel wool: NEVER USE ON TINTED SURFACES!!!
Without knowing the exact material, to be removed, it’s hard to give specific instructions. If it’s drywall mud on the inside, just use some extra elbow grease. Also, one more note on #0000 steel wool, it is very good for getting next to the frame. Give it a try!
Used correctly, a razor / scraper is an even simpler solution.
