There has been a lot of discussion in another thread about whether or not wfp is as fast or efficient as traditional methods. Granted on a first time clean (not CCU) for a ranch style home or a home w/ as few as 30 windows it might be a wash. I however do homes that mostly are larger (in size and window count) than those scenarios. For example we do a few homes that have true divided aluminum clad windows. The back sides are walk out basements so that puts the upper level at 3rd story work. This is where wfp work blows traditional out of the water. I don’t care how fast you think you are w/ a squeegee you can’t hope to do it as fast as someone w/ a wfp.
Amen Brother
I think there are jobs that wfp you can fly on, other jobs it may be easier just to pull out the bucket and squeegee. Just a job to job basis. I have done just a bit of wfp, and I do not own one, but felt sometimes by the time I get all the waterlines and pole set up, water tested, stuff moved out of the way, screens removed then replaced, then load all the wfp stuff back up, I wasted some time. Wfp are a very useful tool, more safe then setting up a 28,32 or 40 ft ladder. I have used a 40’ ladder on one job and it blows, complete pita to move that thing even with 2 guys, I don’t know if one guy can move one on his own. [B]Lets not have the wfp vs. bucket, sleeve and squeegee war of 2009 please!!!
[/B]
Alberto E.
Just a side note I am 160 lbs wet and with boots on so if there are guys that can throw a 40’ ladder around. More power to you.:)
Al. E
No war here Alberto. Just observations from my personal experience.
That’s cool:):)
I’m 180ish lbs. dry and have done the 40’ ladder thing by myself 5 or so times. It’s brutal and dangerous.
wfp
So true brother. I haven’t done 40ft ladder work for a few years. I don’t it one bit. That use to be a ywo man operation for us. One guy climbed and cleaned and the other guy moved the laddder. It help minimize getting burned out so fast.
Seeing that I have done very little WFP I would think it would be a job 2 job thing. I think if you know how and are good at it with all the right gear, WFP would do wonders. Even if it is faster or slower the main key point is that it is safer! For me the set-up time would cancell out the time with traditional methods. Now when you talk about 3-4+ stories I can’t see anyone keeping up with a WFP and still maintaining good work. Not saying it’s not possible but not likely.
So WFP means Water Fed Pole? Do you hook that up to the home owners hose? How exactly do they work? Sorry for the stupid question but Im’ a greenhorn here and jsut learning the ropes…
Hey rehudnall
[CENTER][SIZE=6]Read this:
[/SIZE][/CENTER]
http://www.windowcleaner.com/vBulletin/showthread.php5?t=2270
It explains everything…
Was the safety issue with ladders mentioned Tony? No matter how careful you can be, keeping both feet on the ground is safer. If I can avoid climbing my 40 foot ladder, I’m going to, even if that means the job takes 30 minutes longer.
Knowing when and where to use it.
I think that’s one of the key factor on the WFP learning curve.
i bathe with it
I have a challenge out on one of the boards for a race. I would still honor that. All I know is regardless of the size of the home. When I used a WFP the job was completed faster, much faster. If you’re talking about just cleaning the glass, you might get a well fit young kid who can blast through a boat load of panes per day. But in the long run he will tire out and my WFP will keep on cleaning and with better quality.
Hey Ray, you got me interested when you mention pre-scrub with a microtiger.
I was thinking about doing that but also thought that it might kinda kill the time savings, but it can help on first time cleanings.
What solution do you use ? your regular cleaning solution or something stronger ? will it afftect the wfp rinsing process ?
if you can give me some details on that I’ll appreciate it
It does take a little more time, but if you are with another person there is no time difference. Follow the person along with the WFP. I rinse the window first to get most of the soap off. I dont touch the brush head to the glass until it has had a good rinse. I use easy glide. If it’s a one level and I’m with someone I will have them fill 5 or 6 gallons in a bucket and slop the windows and frames really good. I tell them, “Don’t wait for me. Clean the windows.” If it’s just me. I will bring my boab and spray bottle. I have a shut off valve on my pole. I will stop the flow, place the pole down head up, scrub the window and then use the pole. Now when I’m alone that does take more time, but many times I will work a group of windows at one time. Like 5 or 6. I still have always completed the job faster. The great thing about the WFP is no detail work. It’s almost like a set it an forget it. Once the glass is rinsed really well, just walk away. No ragging sills, frames etc.
Mr. Robinson has posted frequently with regard to his pre-scrub with GG4 and an Ettore Porcupine. Advanced Search will bring up plenty…
I hadn’t even brought up the safety factor. That is the deal maker right there. I know it’s been said before but the safest ladder is the one you don’t have to climb.
