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What is a FAQ?
When should I clean my eaves?
Are you Bonded and Insured?
Can you give me any references?
If it rains on my scheduled day, will you come the next day instead?
Do you clean windows inside as well as outside?
Can you clean between the panes in a sealed window?
Do you do individual apartment / Condo units inside?
How much do you charge?
How much does it cost to clean windows on an average house?
How much does it cost to clean eavestroughs on an average house?
How much does it cost to clean siding on an average house?
I didn't know that you did . . . {something you didn't know}. What else do you do?
Do you still do glass repairs?
Do you know how to take apart my old aluminum storm windows?
Do you clean chandeliers?
Do you paint?
Do you know a good painter?
Why do you not guarantee eavestrough repairs?
Why do you charge me the same to clear my eavestrough regardless of whether or not you flush them?
Why do you charge me the same to clean that little tiny window as you do that big window?
Where exactly is your office?
Why not use your home address?
Do you clean "Frames"? And Tracks?
Can you call me next fall/spring/year?
What do you mean by "3 sides", "4 sides" etc.?
What do you put in your water?
What are you using to clean my siding?
Where do you buy your supplies?
My windows tilt in for easy cleaning. Why do you not do them from inside?
Why do you and my last window cleaner disagree on the way to do some things?
What about my screens?
Do you go to (insert name of municipality/city/town etc.)?
What's Gary doing now?
Q: What is a FAQ?
A: It is supposed to be a "frequently asked question". However most sites I've been to seem to think its a question they feel comfortable answering as opposed to a question that gets asked often. I'll try to be honest here and answer questions I am actually asked. top
Q: When should I clean my eaves?
A: This is the single most asked question. And the answer is simple. After all the leaves have fallen and before the temperature drops below freezing and before the city stops picking up yard waste.Of course, just because I can answer the queston doesn't mean I can do them "at that time" or even that those 3 circumstances will exist at the same time. The answer you really want is "the last 2 weeks of November". And again it's a wonderful answer, but it's the same for almost every single customer I have (with a few exceptions). There is no way I can do every customer's eaves in that 2 week period. If you want that time, book VERY early and pray it doesn't rain (it always rains in November, unless it snows). top
Q: Are you Bonded and Insured?
A: We are neither bonded nor insured. top
Q: Can you give me any references?
A: Unfortunately not. It has always been my policy to not disclose any customer names or addresses, so while I have many customers who could vouch for me, I won't be telling you who they are or how to contact them. Likewise if I do work for you I won't be giving out your information either. top
Q: If it rains on my scheduled day, will you come the next day instead?
A: Probably not. If I were to schedule each job for 2 days, I would only be working every second day. If it rains on your scheduled day and your job is cancelled as a result we'll decide at that point when to reschedule the job.. top
Q: Do you do inside windows as well as outside?
A: Yes I do. And I can't believe the number of times I have been asked. Are there window cleaners out there who don't? Honestly I thought we all did. top
Q: Can you clean between the panes in a sealed window?
A: No, I don't do that. There are a number of companies that do claim to be able to clean "some" of these. The process involves drilling 2 holes in the glass (or the frame if the glass is known to be tempered glass) and installing valves to equalize the pressure. The cost of this process is expensive (although usually less than the cost of replacement). Keep in mind that if you do have this done it will not be as good a a new window (but it should be cheaper). top
Q: Do you do individual apartment / Condo units inside?
A: Yes I do. Getting me to do an estimate can be difficult though. As a one man operation, estimates are done between jobs or when I pass by. However in an apartment or Condo, someone must be home for me to see the unit. top
Q: How much do you charge?
A: My minimum charge is $60.00 to clean windows. $60.00 to clean eavestrough. and $60.00 to clean aluminum siding (although I have never had a siding job go anywhere near the minimum). Having 2 of the services performed would be a $120.00 minimum, etc..
Many different windows have different charges based on the number and types of glass. But as an example, to do the outside of most houses. I simply walk around and count every pane of glass that I would be cleaning and then charge $2.40 per pane. For some reason, I ALWAYS find more panes of glass than the homeowner. So if you plan to count your own windows make sure you are counting panes of glass, not windows. I try to tell people that a pane of glass can be described as "if I have to take my hand off to get to the next part, then that is a new pane of glass". OR "How many rocks would it take to bust all of your windows if you could only throw each rock once.
I couldn't (and wouldn't try) to list all the types of windows or all the exceptions, but I will try (at some point) to show the basic charges for various types of common windows on a separate page. top
Q: How much does it cost to clean windows on an average house?
A: There's no such thing as an average house (and if there is, you probably don't live in it). However, most houses cost between $60.00 and $200.00 to do JUST outside. Some cost significantly more. top
Q: How much does it cost to clean eavestroughs on an average house?
A: Same answer as for windows. There's no such thing as average. Most are in the $60.00 to $120 range. Some are significantly more. top
Q: How much does it cost to clean siding on an average house?
A: Wow. I can't even guess. The truth is that the formula I use to work this out is virtually useless. More often than not I measure to get a rough idea and then I just guess. Not very scientific I'm afraid, but I just guess how long it will take and try to price it accordingly. The cheapest aluminum siding job I have ever done was $100.00. Most are in the area of $150.00 to $300.00. And again, some are significantly more. top
Q: I didn't know that you did . . . {something you didn't know}. What else do you do?
A: Generally speaking I clean windows and siding. I do bug screen replacement. I do minor repairs to eavestrough as well as clean them, install additional downpipes. I install eavestrough screens. I shovel snow off roofs. I do NOT paint. I do a lot of little things that I don't really think about. If it involves a ladder and does not involve paint, it probably won't hurt to ask. top
Q: Do you still do glass repairs?
A: No. I stopped doing glass repair quite a while ago. I don't even have a place to send you anymore as the last place I trusted closed up shop a few years ago. top
Q: Do you know how to take apart my old aluminum storm windows?
A: Probably. Unlike every other window cleaner out there who will tell you "yes" I'll give you an honest answer. I have seen more aluminum storms than I can count and I haven't yet run into one that I couldn't figure out the "proper" way to disassemble. Almost all of them come apart in a similar fashion (although some have some little tricks or twists). It is extremely likely that I have seen your particular window type in the past and therefore extremely likely that i know exactly how it comes apart, but it's always possible that you have the one that I haven't seen yet. On the plus side, I'll be honest with you if I haven't seen them before. And an important side note in this regard. . . you would be amazed how often I have to correct installations where previous cleaners, painters, home owners or handymen have put the windows in incorrectly. When I started cleaning windows, aluminum storms were the norm and wooden storms were still fairly common, so while I may not have seen it all, I have seen quite a bit. top
Q: Do you clean chandeliers?
A: No, I don't clean chandeliers, light fixtures, little bobbles on lamps or anything else which is likely to cost a lot more to fix than I can make cleaning them. top
Q: Do you paint?
A: NO. I hate painting. I generally don't like paint and I'm not fond of most painter's work. top
Q: Do you know a good painter?
A: I don't anymore. I used know a GOOD painter - Unfortunately he has asked me NOT to give out his number (and has since retired). top
Q: Why do you not guarantee eavestrough repairs?
A: In my experience eavestrough repairs can be trickier than they seem. The biggest problem is that people don't want to pay to have it done "right". Most people want me to "just put some caulking on it". Leaks are not always where they drip from. While I do my best to seal where you tell me the leak is (or where it appears to be), I am charging for the work done, not for the result. It is noteworthy that most sealants do not stick well to dirty metal and getting that metal clean may not be as simple as you think. And even on a clean surface, there's no guarantee that temperature changes etc. won't adversely affect any attempt to seal a leak. If you want it done right and are willing to pay for the time it takes then I would consider offering a guarantee. If you just want me to put some silicon where the problem seems to be, then it's cheap but not guaranteed. top
Q: Why do you charge me the same to clear my eavestrough regardless of whether or not you flush them?
A: "Officially" the charge is for clearing the refuse from the eavestroughs. Once this is done I have (in my opinion) done the job I agreed to do. In fact, when I was trained, that was where the job stopped (unless someone pointed out that a downpipe was clogged). Flushing is one of those "little extras" that I do whenever it's practical because I believe it should be done. I do not charge extra for it (usually), so don't think of it as being charged for flushing that you did not get, think of it as not being charged extra when I do flush them (although if you feel like you're being unfairly treated, I'd be happy to charge you a few extra bucks when I flush them). top
Q: Why do you charge me the same to clean that little tiny window as you do that big window?
A: Actually, you've got it backwards, I'm not overcharging you for that little window. I'm giving you a big break on that big window. If your entire house was made of of those "small" windows, the price would probably be the same. But if your whole house was made up of those "large" windows, I'd probably charge you considerably more. The glass isn't half empty or half full . . . It's just nice to have a drink on a hot day. top
Q: Where exactly is your office?
A: Well... I don't have one anymore. For years I paid rent on office space in various buildings in the Yonge St. and Sheppard Ave. area to maintain a North York telephone number and address. Once Bell Canada stopped insisting that the phone be located "in area" I stopped paying rent for an office and now simply maintain a mailing address in North York and the telephone is forwarded to my mobile phone. top
Q: Why not use your home address?
A: For security reasons it's not always practical to use my residence. And the mailbox address is central to the majority of my customers and allows for consistency should I decide to relocate my residence. top
Q: Do you clean "Frames"? And Tracks?
A: Yes... No... Sort of... More to the point is "Do you want to pay me to clean the frames or tracks?" Under normal circumstances I do not clean the frames. What I do is wipe the sills (and anywhere the water from my cleaning goes). I usually also give exposed tracks a wipe, but I do not open windows to clean under them, nor do I wash the frames around the windows unless it is specifically requested. Because, while it may not seem obvious, it actually takes longer to clean the frames than it does to clean the glass (and although it may seem like it sometimes, I don't work for free). Yes I know that frames are a part of the window and I call myself a window cleaner. So if you want me to clean the frames, say so. If you still want me to clean them after you hear the price, then I will clean them. top
Q: Can you call me next fall/spring/year?
A: I have to be honest here. I'll forget. And if I don't forget, I'll get busy and not want to add to my load during the busy time, so I'd likely leave it until work slowed down (probably not when you want me to do your job). I do hope one day to be organized enough to do callbacks, and fortunately for everyone, I'm a better window cleaner than I am a businessman. Currently the plan is to improve the record keeping for 2009 (didn't happen) and begin callbacks in 2010 (neither did this, but maybe one day). top
![[Two Panes Pic]](http://www.see-thru.ca/images/2panes.JPG)
A: Well... Most windows have 2 panes of glass between the inside and outside (not all). In newer windows these are thermal windows where the 2 panes are sealed in a single unit that cannot be separated. In most older windows this consisted of an internal window and an outer storm type window (most of which could be disassembled and cleaned between). If we have 2 panes, each with an inside and an outside then we have 4 sides in total. So the basic terms used are . . .
- Outside only = Just the outer side of each pane of glass which is exposed to the outside of the house without requiring any moving or disassembly of any portion of the window.
- Inside and out = Just the outside (as above) and the inside (again without moving or disassembling anything).
- 3 sides = The outside and the two sides in between (when disassembly is normal) / This is more easily explained as "everything EXCEPT the inside".
- 4 sides = Inside, outside and in between (basically "everything").
Q: What do you put in your water?
A: Usually just water. Honestly - for most jobs only water is required. For unusually dirty jobs, I may need to change the water repeatedly. And in some instances I use a little (VERY little) dish detergent (one small bottle usually lasts me for over a year). I do tend to use more "cleaners" (soap and lye) on first time jobs as these windows are often not up to the same level as my regular customers). To remove some particularly tough things I have been known to use a lye solution. I do NOT recommend anyone who is not very familiar with lye ever use it anywhere near glass, vinyl, metal, wood, painted surfaces, plant life or animal life {did I miss anything?}). top
Q: What are you using to clean my siding?
A: I am using Zep House and Siding Cleaner. You can buy it at Home Depot for about $12.00 per jug. Look near the power sprayers (if it's not with the cleaning products). I have purchased similar products at Canadian Tire and Rona but prefer the Zep brand. top
Q: Where do you buy your supplies?
A: Most of my supplies are purchased at Canada Cleaning Supplies at 153 Bridgeland Ave Unit #17, Toronto, ON M6A 2Y6 (yes they moved again). See Squeegees.net. You could likely get away with grabbing a professional type squeegee, bucket and grout sponge at Home Depot . At last check, Home Depot carried Unger brand squeegees (Unger is a highly regarded brand in Window Cleaning products). top
Q: My windows tilt in for easy cleaning. Why do you not do them from inside?
A: It's usually a matter of mess. I can do a better job if I can use more water (especially on very dirty outside windows). Outside I can almost always allow the water to drip freely. Inside I need to use more care and less water. Sometimes I may opt to do them from inside, but more often I prefer the ability to use more water and make more of a mess. top
Q: Why do you and my last window cleaner disagree on the way to do some things?
A: Window Cleaning is a combination of skills which you are taught and things you learn on your own afterward. In my years of cleaning windows I have learned that "some" of the things I've been taught were perhaps not the best way to accomplish a result. Much like that, I also believe that some of the things I have been taught are the "correct" way to do things. Others have been taught or learned on their own and made decisions which may or may not agree with mine. It doesn't necessarily mean that either of us are wrong, but you can be pretty sure I'm right :) top
Q: What about my screens?
A: Well, Until now I have always wiped vinyl screens for free. This does not do a very good job and on many newer windows I am finding the screens are not coming clean enough with this quick wipe. In the case of metal screens I will often not wipe them at all, as they can become brittle with time. So I now find myself dedicating more time to trying to get them decent looking. This means I may likely start charging just to wipe them. Currently I charge about $2.00 each to properly wash screens. So "for now" I will probably wipe (or brush) them quickly to remove most surface dust, unless you decide to pay me to wash them (this may change in future if it hasn't by the time you read this). top
Q: Do you go to . . . (insert name of municipality/city/town etc.)?
A: Not as often as I used to. I am finding that traveling a distance to do a job is much less profitable than it used to be. The time and gas lost traveling is becoming harder to absorb and most people don't really want to pay me for 2 hours of sitting in traffic. If however you don't mind paying for the time I actually spend getting to and from your job as well as actually doing it, then I just might. If you're not willing to pay those costs, ask anyway (maybe I'll be in a weird mood that day). top
Q: What's Gary doing now?
A: I lost contact with Gary (the previous owner of the company) a couple of years ago. Prior to losing contact, he had a number of sales positions and a long stint in a bakery. At last contact Gary had retired and moved in with one of his children. top