I meet my needs with a handheld HP iPAQ. It runs Windows Mobile, so it supports the MS programs I use - mainly Office. I run multiple calendars in Outlook and am able edit any or all of the schedules on the road. I've loaded my customer database from QuickBooks and I've loaded all of my proposals in Word - thousands of them. All of which fits in my shirt pocket. And every time I plug it in at the office, my PDA and my computer sync their information. This functionality exists in smart phones, but my phone is a phone and my PDA is an information-only device.

Evan Pyle
Expert Window Cleaning - Baton Rouge, LA

We don't have a full time office manager, so when I'm running around town and one of the servicemen calls me for info on a job, sometimes I have to drive back to get it.

I'm about to purchase one of those small netbooks, so I can run my custom database on it and sync with the office computer. Tried a laptop years ago and it was too bulky. These netbooks look perfect, and they are less money now than most smart phones! (Around $300)

Kevin Troughton
K & L Windows and Gutters Ltd. - Vancouver, BC

I bought the iPad 3G on the day they were released here. As I also run Macs at home, integration was no problem. I receive emails to do quotes during the day, so I can show up at prospective clients almost immediately.

I can write the details up in the iQuote app and email a quote almost before they can get back to their desk. I add the email to my address book on the iPad which syncs to my main computer. I use Bento for client details and Bento also has an app for the iPad. I have all my scheduling details with me with iCal calendar.

You can do all this on an iPhone or any smart phone, but as I'm getting a bit long in the tooth, I find the iPad great for my aging eyes and fumbling fingers.

Brett Curtis
Master Window Cleaners - Perth, Australia

It only takes a minute or so to boot up my Notebook, and I can get anything I need off of that. WiFi is available all over the place, if I need to send an email or get on the Internet for reference information.

For the rare occasion where I need to have something printed, I carry a thumb drive, so I can copy files to the thumb drive and run into any office supply store. And my GPS can quickly help me find the nearest office supply store.

Peter West
All About Windows - Chesterfield, VA

If you want just one ladder; a 32 foot ladder should reach all 2 story gutters, but they're pretty heavy. A 28 footer would get to most 2nd story gutters - but not all. I recommend you also buy a standoff.

John Kieser
Metropolis Window Cleaning - Longmont, CO

Some of the cut-rate gutter cleaners in our area will just clean out the large debris and leave all the small stuff. That will probably get the gutters flowing again and the homeowner may never know the difference. Being professionals, we don't like to take chances, so we go ahead and flush it out with the hose - as if we knew the homeowner was going climb up out and check our work. We charge a premium price for out gutter cleaning, and I always explain why to the homeowner.

Larry Puckett
Roanoke Window Cleaning - Roanoke, VA

There are a few tools you can get from window cleaning suppliers. I like to use one that looks like a spatula that can be attached to an extension pole. I scoop everything into a large bucket, and then transfer that to a garbage bag. I also flush out the gutters and downspouts with a hose to make sure everything is flowing properly. Make sure that you clean up any debris that washes out of downspouts onto the ground or pavement.

Corey Goforth
A Better View Window Cleaning - Orange County, CA

This is restoration work, so a waiver is a must! I would look into using something like NDM80 or OneRestore.

Craig Aldrich
Sparkle Window Cleaning - Canyon Lake, CA

Find out from them specifically what sealer was used. Then you can usually go to the product website and find what is recommended for removal. The last two instances of masonry sealer we ran across were untouched by OneRestore.

Evan B. Pyle
Expert Window Cleaning - Baton Rouge, LAWI

I think it is wise to avoid giving the customer "orders", especially if I initiate the call. I invite the customer to call me if they wish, something like, "You can call me at your convenience" or "I will try to call you again later."

Tony Cogan
Cogan Window Cleaning - Hutchinson, KS

When "dialing for dollars" I try to be sure I do not sound like a telemarketer, or desperate for work.

Corey Goforth
A Better View Window Cleaning - Orange County, CA

Depending on the service we offered on the last visit I mention another service we now offer. After the initial call I will mention that we are offering some kind of deal or special.

Many never call you back. Some call you back and are so happy you called. Some call back and have a reason not to use your service - some of those you can win back.

Cameron Godsill
Bright Sight Window Cleaning, LLC - Menasha, WI

I might say I want to give my existing clients first dibs on my time before my schedule fills up. That is an 'offer' of sorts and a reason to initiate contact.

John Riley
Rileys' Window Cleaning - Toronto, ON

Just be natural. But always mention what you've done for them so they don't associate you with a cold calling phone solicitor. We have lost clients in the past because they did not receive their call and couldn't remember our name or number. We now call our entire client list about 2 times a year. This year we had at least 10 clients come back. So unless they ask not to be called, are deceased or moved with number out of service, they get a call.

Kevin Troughton
K & L Windows and Gutters Ltd. - Vancouver, BC

Tile: Commercial bleach. 12.5% Sodium Hypochlorite if you have it available and TSP. I mix it at a 40/60 ratio or 50/50 water to chemicals.

Asphalt Shingles: same chemicals, but I change the ration to 30/70 or 40/60 for asphalt shingle roofs.

I use an X-Jet for shingle roofs with no proportioner. That way I do not have to pre mix chemicals. Make sure you wet all plants the entire time you are applying chemicals.

Ryan Wiles
Wiles Windows & Pressure Washing - Fernandina, FL

These roofs can be pressure washed, working from the top down, be it lowered by rope, walking, or laying a ladder with stand offs across the roof. Reduce your psi to 2200. Use a 40 degree tip and wash the entire roof, not just the stains.

If you can walk the roof and you have a surface cleaner like a Whisper Wash or the like, run it at 2000 psi from bottom to top, and then rinse with low pressure.

If you can not walk the roof, take a ladder with stand offs to the center of the section of roofing, use an X-Jet and coat the roof. It does help to pre-spray bleach and when finished give it another shot. I cover all plants and sometimes use gutter piping on downspouts to route chemicals away from shrubbery.

Shawn Banach
Quality Window and Pressure Cleaning - Turin, GA