A Slick Roof…and Doubling Profits!
Hey Steve,
Its been a while since I last wrote you and I am finding much success in this business. I have included some other areas of income with the window cleaning and am expecting to double my profits within the next year.
I just have a question about working on windows that are unreachable using a ladder. I have bid a couple of jobs this week where I will have to get on the roof of the house and one has a sheet metal roof which when wet from the window washing will be very slick. I’m sure you faced this problem and I was just wondering if you used any kind of harness and if so what did you attach it to. Any advice on this matter would be a great help.
Thank you,
Bryon
My Response:
Hi Bryon:
How have you been? Good to hear from ya.
I’m glad to hear that things are chugging along for sure. I love to hear about "doubling your profits". That’s the way to get it done. Congratulations.
I know exactly what you mean as far the sheet metal roof. When I ran into that situation, the majority of time I just used a pole. I figured since it wasn’t an every day thing, every week thing, or even an every month thing, I felt it wasn’t worth the investment to buy a harness. So I would generally climb up my 12′ step or 24′ extension ladder to get as close to the window as I could. And my pole did the rest. I bought my pole at home depot and it extended out to 16′, so that usually covered any situation that required a pole.
Another option is to just make it a low water operation similar to how you clean the windows inside the home. But when squeegeeing, make sure you hold a towel under the squeegee so no water ends up getting on the roof. At least you can avoid the slick roof.
A third option that sometimes I would do if it was better suited was to wash the outside window from the inside. This worked out well when I did it, but it’s got to be either a window with a removable bottom sash or a bottom sash that tilts.
I hope this helps a little bit. Take care and have a good weekend. Oh and congrats once again on your great progress.
Regards,
Steve
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Try calling some roofing companies and investigate online as to footwear that is designed for those kind of roofs. I have seen in the past a slip-on with a soft sponge like sole that allows you to actually walk on sheet metal when it is wet. A good investment if you are running into these types of roofs on a regular basis.
Thanks Christian. I appreciate the comment. Have a super day.
Steve