There is a sub division of homes that I service regularly that has 25-30 year old homes with Anderson windows with the interior “snap-in” grids in all of them. (a few exceptions) Because the homes are getting on in age we run into many that are fragile. The best way I have found to delicately remove them is to grap the grid directly in the middle and bow it out gently to remove them. Most seem to come out with no problem. We have learned over time that it is important to put these grids back in the window they were removed from (like screens) as they may have been attached to a window that has settled over time and slightly warped itself thus causing the grid to have a slight slant to it.
Replacing the grid back in it’s proper position after cleaning the window is sometimes a challenge. (mostly for my employees) I put the bottom snap in place first and then bow it out slightly and put the top snap in place. Then I work the left side from top to bottom in place and then delicately bow the middle to get those last ones in place on the right.
In most cases it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. However the sub division that I spoke of is notorious for having those ones that have aged beyond good use and I have to be extra cautious with those. I implemented an extra 25 cents per grid charge for the handling and in the sub division I speak of I verbally tell the customer that the homes in their area have problems with older/fragile grids and I tell them I will work diligently but cannot be responsible for defective grids. I have not had a negative reaction yet as I believe most understand.
How do you guys handle grid removable/replacement and how much do you charge as a PITA cost? I’m also interested in any tips, tricks or otherwise that may enhance the handling of grids in homes.
Simulated Divided Lites
To create a realistic look of divided lites from the interior perspective only, you can use a grid on the interior side of the window in combination with a grid between the panes. Simulated Divided Lites
To create a realistic effect of divided lites from the exterior perspective only, you can use a grid on the exterior side of the window in combination with a grid between the panes. Grids Between the Glass
You also can just rely on a grid between the panes to simulate the look of lites. From a close-up perspective, you lose the dimensional effect and look of a physical grid on the outside of the pane, but retain the overall look of divided lites.
This may be a stupid question but how are you standing on the ladder? It looks like it is leaning up against the glass. Curious to know I get some homes like that, that have large windows and the only way I know of is to go beneath the window and clean them. From the angle of the photograph you can clearly see that it goes up beyonf your feet.
It’s a sectional ladder that has a ladder stopper at the base. Sectionals have a A Frame top that I have a bonnet on to protect the surface it leans against. Sectionals are the only way to go for this type of work. Safe, efficient and professional.
Dwight
I have snaped so many grids in my years of cleaning and have super glued them with great success. Then another window cleaner showed me how to clean without removing grids and believ
Hey John,
Happy Mother’s Day! I have gone that route on in emergency situations where I can tell the grill is fragile. I think they must come off because they are not true and the window just get’s cleaned better if they are romoved. Thanks
In most cases it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. However the sub division that I spoke of is notorious for having those ones that have aged beyond good use and I have to be extra cautious with those.
[B]How many of these have you actually had break?[/B]
I implemented an extra 25 cents per grid charge for the handling and in the sub division I speak of I verbally tell the customer that the homes in their area have problems with older/fragile grids and I tell them I will work diligently but cannot be responsible for defective grids.
[B]If you tell them your not responsible why do you charge them extra?[/B]
I have not had a negative reaction yet as I believe most understand.
How do you guys handle grid removable/replacement and how much do you charge as a PITA cost? I’m also interested in any tips, tricks or otherwise that may enhance the handling of grids in homes.
I wish we had more houses with the plastic grids and less with the wooden ones.
My employees broke two last year. I ordered them from 84 Lumber (Anderson grids) for about 16 dollars each.
If you tell them your not responsible why do you charge them extra?
The charge is a handling charge and actually most charge more than that per grid. (.50-1.00 per) I charge it because of the extra time it takes to remove and replace them in the window. The reason I opt to not get all technical and do a waiver is obvious. I’m trying to establish a trustworthy relationship and saying I’ll take care of this but sign here is not my idea of laying the foundation to a budding relationship. I don’t have problems with how I’m handling it as I am the preferred window cleaner in this sub division as I was recently endorsed on their website on a committee/residents vote.
Being upfront with customers is not only recommended IMO but vital to your relationship with them. People seem to appreciate not only the knowledge you bring but the honesty that comes along with it.
If you already told the client you aren’t responsible if they break, how did it cost you anything?
Each situation is different. Not every grid was brittle/fragile. My employee just didn’t do things in a gentle fashion and just broke the grid. I would never say “we are not responsible regardless.” I cannot be held responsible for “defective” grids. If my guys or me break them by neglect, I’ll pay for them.
Shouldn’t it just be built into your price for that style of window? I haven’t seen any replies saying people charge for that.
Again, what works for one might not work for another. I posted this same thread in other places and there are many that charge an additional amount as PITA charge for handling grids. You cannot “build it” into the normal per pane price because not all windows have grids.
I never said anything about a waiver.
I know, I did.
I just cant imagine telling a customer that I’m going to charge you more to clean these windows but I’m not responsible if the grids break.
Hence the word “defective.” Also hence I mentioned a particular sub division that is notorious for grid breakage.
Then I don’t understand why you posted the question.
For the same reason as always. To get various perspectives on how to handle the grids both in the physical handling of them and also in the PITA charge. One guy on from the AUWC charges $2.00 more per grid. It’s not that uncommon for additional charging for grid handling.
I charge 1.00 per grid to remove /replace and 1.00 per screen…i give the customer the option to do it themselves if they want to save $…I just ask that they have it done b4 I get there. Some opt for the discount others dont want to be bothered…Ive found that if they do come apart, they seem to fit back together again without any telltale signs and chances are the customer wont be removing those grids again until next cleaning…wood glue also works…
[QUOTE=Dwight Rowe;41534]If you already told the client you aren’t responsible if they break, how did it cost you anything?
Each situation is different. Not every grid was brittle/fragile. My employee just didn’t do things in a gentle fashion and just broke the grid.
[B][I]That would be a seperate issue then.[/I][/B]
I would never say “we are not responsible regardless.” I cannot be held responsible for “defective” grids. If my guys or me break them by neglect, I’ll pay for them.
[B][I]Are grids “defective” when they become brittle with age and sun exposure? Sometimes things break even when you are super careful.[/I][/B]
Shouldn’t it just be built into your price for that style of window? I haven’t seen any replies saying people charge for that.
Again, what works for one might not work for another. I posted this same thread in other places and there are many that charge an additional amount as PITA charge for handling grids. You cannot “build it” into the normal per pane price because not all windows have grids.
[B][I]But you can build it into the price for subdivsions that are notorious for grid breakage cant you?[/I][/B]
I never said anything about a waiver.
I know, I did.
I just cant imagine telling a customer that I’m going to charge you more to clean these windows but I’m not responsible if the grids break.
Hence the word “defective.” Also hence I mentioned a particular sub division that is notorious for grid breakage.
[B][I]I don’t think you should be responsible for grids that break due to age or defect. I just don’t get how you tell a customer that, to clean the windows properly I need to remove these grids, but since you live in this notorious subdivision I need to charge you more to clean them, but if they break i’m not responsible. I’m only talking about the example subdivision you spoke of.[/I][/B]
Then I don’t understand why you posted the question.
For the same reason as always. To get various perspectives on how to handle the grids both in the physical handling of them and also in the PITA charge. One guy on from the AUWC charges $2.00 more per grid. It’s not that uncommon for additional charging for grid handling.[/QUOTE
[I][B]Yes but do they tell the customer that the job cost more because you have these grids? More likely they tell the customer this is what it cost to clean your windows call us if you would like to schedule[/B].[/I]
It’s not against the glass. It’s leaning against the framing below the top panes. The top section of the ladder is 6 feet long. You can see the bottom yoke of the ladder by my feet…count the rungs to the top and you’ll discover the treasure within.
Why would “they,” I or anyone else have a problem telling a customer exactly what they are being charged for? I have no problem making it clear that there will be an additional charge for grid handling.
I don’t charge to remove them. I consider myself lucky if they do come out. I charge for fixed grids only IE French/cut ups. I don’t see it as a big deal to spend an extra 20 seconds or so on a window to remove and place back. But that’s me. I’m not looking to micro manage my time on job down to the second or minute. But I also feel if you can get a charge for them in your business, then by all means go for it. As far as any tips well can’t say I have much. You remove and replace the same way I do. Bend very carefully.
I just can’t see cleaning a window without taking them off. I have some large subs I target (big homes, wfp nicely) that have quite a few Andersons like you show in the picture. The top ones suck (eyebrows with push pins) and I charge $5.00, remove grids from ladder height $2.00, standing on the ground $.50 per pain. I find that most of the broken ones were broken buy the builders. On the wood ones I grab individually where they meet the frame, on the plastic ones I bow like you described. I rarely break them, but any broken wood ones are easily fixed with Elmer’s or Gorilla glue. I explain to the customer up front I will not be responsible and they understand. I just wish there was a remedy for the burning finger tips after doing about 100 of these!
