We started requiring reinforced toe footwear when working with platforms as a result of one worker suffering a broken toe when a davit slipped and fell on his foot. We always did require boots or other substantial footwear when laddering. The ladder thing wasn't a big deal, as the workers discovered that their arches didn't get sore when they wore something other than athletic shoes.
After they got used to wearing boots or work shoes, that became the preferred footwear. Then they all kept a pair of sneakers at the shop for the days when they chaired and weren't going to be on their feet all day.

Pamela Olson
Columbus, OH

Be careful not to use anything that would dissolve the silicone seals of the window or caulking used around the window frames.

Ed Samson
Ameri-Clean Commercial, Inc. - Northbrook, IL

Old school would be baby powder & steel wool. Its makes the silicone ball up. Rub in a circular motion. Either grab a glob here or there with your fingers or use a single edge# 9 blade "lightly" to pick it off the frame. Decone NC-9 or Oil-Flo, as well as the Dry Magic Eraser will work, too.

Craig Aldrich
Sparkle Window Cleaning - Canyon Lake, CA

A plastic razor blade will remove the bulky deposits and A-1 Stain Remover on a cloth will buff out the remainder. Or you could try the A-1 on a non-scratch pad, like a white pad and then buff with the cloth.

Ross Alexander
Alexander Window Cleaning - Greensboro, NC

I haven't had success with Decone NC-9. When I used it, it left a milky film on the window that was harder to get off than the silicone. Some talc power with OOOO steel wool or Dry Magic Eraser would work, but you'd have to blade the globs off carefully. The Magic Eraser is a cleaner idea. It takes the silicone off quick and slick with no residue mess to clean up.

Kim Little
Clear Carolina Window Cleaning - Candor, NC

Our purchase price should be based on how much you are willing to pay for work.
For example, what is a $300 job that is serviced 4 times per year worth to you?
$300? $600? $1200? That is your answer

Tony Cogan
Cogan Window Cleaning - Hutchinson, KS

One of the businesses I bought, there were a few houses that were not priced right (panes), and when they saw my price they moved on.

What I would do is be a sub for him first. Let him make a little money and you do some of the jobs. If things go well after some jobs, you can then see better what it is worth to you.

The benefit to you is you can see how his bidding plays out for you before you commit to buy anything. The benefit to him is that he still makes a little money. You could sign a simple confidentiality agreement that says he retains the customer.

Teresa Emerson
Clearview Window - Springfield, MO

If he's considering downsizing, he's probably also considering how to hang on to his best customers. So, which customers do you take over, and why?

If he's trying to give up ladder work, the customers he doesn't want might perform well for someone with a waterfed pole system.

But if he's offering customers he doesn't like for whatever reason, you might not like them either.

Gary Mauer
Window Cleaning Network - Oconomowoc, WI

I think you should be able to mix up a 5 gallon pail of your favorite detergent like Liquid Tide or any number of products like that. Downstream it on and rinse off. It should clean up easy if that is all it has on it.

Jim Andrews
Sunshine Cleaning Service – Florida

A set of sectional ladders will pay for themselves is a relatively short period of time. Metallic is pretty much your only choice since Alaco discontinued the manufacture of sectional ladders. I highly recommend a V groove top section because it is so much more versatile than the open top section. Buy a combination of base, middle, and top sections that assembled equal the 21 foot factory maximum. Then add a half sized middle section for flexibility.

We are in Scottsdale - our staff would be delighted to give you a hands on demonstration. Give us a call.

Doug Miller
ClearPro Window Cleaning

I have both six foot top sections - open and V-groove. I have three 6 foot mid sections, and one 4 foot middle section.

What I can't do without is the 4 foot base section. It's perfect for inside work on 1st floor glass using it along with a 6 ft top section. Get ladder mitts for the top sections.

Mark Ahlich
Crystal Clear Vision - New Orleans, LA

I have one 6 foot base, three 6 foot mid sections, a 4 foot mid section and 6 foot top. You might want to go with an 8 foot top section instead of the 6 foot. It might be awkward to move several unstacked sections if one of them is 8 foot long, but it could make a big difference in some situations. I might be wrong about an 8 ft. top since I have not ever used one, it may be that it is awkward to move with the others being 6 ft. when you move them (unstacked) all together at once? Can't beat sectionals when you have to bring a ladder inside a house or elevator.

Rob Young
The Window Washer - Washington, DC

Glass Protection is a low-tack, adhesive-backed film that's been out there a while.
www.protectiveproducts.com/glass.html
Maybe you could charge to apply it.

Ken Wheeler, Jr.
Glass Magic - Tyler, TX

I've used that product and it works really well. Make sure you buy the blue, which is the 180 day product. I've applied it for customers and it always works well. Make sure you also contract to take it off before the 180 days are up, or remove and reapply it if it's on a project that goes beyond that time.

Dan Fields
Fields Construction Services Inc. - Livermore, CA