Cleaning windows?

frivolous_fay

I live on the 4th floor of a block of flats. The management company won't pay to get the windows cleaned. The windows are velux ones with some kind of safety catch on them so that you can't open them more than 10cm. I don't think there's any way to release the safety catch without damaging it permanently.

Anyone have any ideas about either a) some kind of powerful cleaning liquid I could pour down the outside of the window, or b) some kind of tool I could use to actually get some elbow grease on the outside surface?

We live by a railway line and the two windows are covered in black spots of soot (?) and standard window grime and algae.

never_enough

I'm not sure if it would work but you can get a thing for cleaning the inside of fish tanks. The bit on the inside has a sort of sponge surface & the bit on the outside is the 'handle'. You move the outside bit & it causes the inside bit to clean the glass. There must be a magnet or something to hold them together through the glass, but I'm not sure if it would work through a double glazing unit.

More expensive (but def does work!) is the self cleaning glass which you could have fitted into those windows. Think it's made by Pilkingtons, but try a google.

Or just get a window cleaner between all the residents & split the costs. That can be done through the management company or not depending on what's easiest. We had a bit of trouble finding one that would do 4 floors, but found one after asking around, can't remember if it was a recommendation from a local shop or an estate agent.

uncle_buck_3

You could try something like this:

http://www.pitchwell.com/Shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=81

I have seen these on ebay a little cheaper .....If you have double glazed windows make sure you get the correct one for your windows!

moonrakerz

Because of all the new "elf an safety" rules, it is very difficult to get a normal window cleaner to do anything higher than a two storey house.

Have a look for Industrial Abseilers in you area, most of the smaller companies do mainly window cleaning. My son runs this type of business, his prices for cleaning a residential block of flats are usually quite reasonable when worked out per flat in the block and done 2/3 times per year. Get someone to come and give you a quote.

frivolous_fay

Thanks for the suggestions!

Our management company said a cherry picker was the answer, and that it was prohibitively expensive. Obviously no-one will go up a ladder that high any more.

I've seen 'a man with a hose and brush on a pole' but management co. poo poohed the idea as it 'doesn't get the windows very clean' I have to say that 'a man with a hose and brush on a pole' surely beats 'annoying woman at management company doing nothing'

I fear most of our neighbours wouldn't care about the windows being cleaned. Many rent, and have little interest or respect for the building.

I suppose I'm looking for a quick fix really, as we're hoping to move soon. It sounds bad, but I don't really care whether the neighbours can see out of their windows - they're awful to live near (hence moving out :rolleyes:)

babyangel10

I'm no expert on Velux windows, but am a little concerned that you say they won't open further than about 10cm - what if you needed to get out in an emergency?

Obviously you are 4 floors up, but I would have thought that there was a way for the windows to at least open further if required, rather than having to smash them and risk bleeding to death in an emergency, (as opposed to falling to your death from 4 floors up!)

My mum is 3 floors up and her windows have safety catches, but they can be opened further by pressing a clasp so that she can clean them or get out quickly.

Maybe worth a google, or email to Velux to enquire further?

HTH!