Windows damaged by window cleaner

yllop1101

We had our windows cleaned last week by a company that use telescopic poles and distilled water. We're on the third floor of a flat block.
Upon further inspection a few days later not only were the windows still dirty round the edges, but there are some quite visible and deep scratches. Some just straight lines but others in a swirl/circle where they have rubbed the windows.

I called the family company and the owner denied that the scratches could have been done by them as the brushes are made not to scratch. I appreciate that but said like when you clean cars if they are dirty or gritty it will scratch.

He said he would do an online bank transfer and refund me as the windows weren't clean, but offered no solution or compensation for the scratches.

My neighbour who also had their windows clean said they have also found scratches on their windows.

Where do I stand and what can I do? We live in rented property so need to get the windows sorted or else we will be charged.

Thanks moneysavers!

usefulmale

Are you seriously saying that those plastic bristles have scratched glass?

yllop1101

If I could figure out how to upload a photo I would.
How else would you explain new scratches on mine and my neighbours windows?

It's like saying a sponge won't scratch metal/a car, but it will if it's got tiny stones or grit on it.

paddyrg

Doesn't take much grit, glass is fairly soft. I can see how it could easily happen if, say, the brush was dropped on the pavement for a nothingth of a second.

HappyMJ

yllop1101 wrote: »

We had our windows cleaned last week by a company that use telescopic poles and distilled water. We're on the third floor of a flat block.
Upon further inspection a few days later not only were the windows still dirty round the edges, but there are some quite visible and deep scratches. Some just straight lines but others in a swirl/circle where they have rubbed the windows.

I called the family company and the owner denied that the scratches could have been done by them as the brushes are made not to scratch. I appreciate that but said like when you clean cars if they are dirty or gritty it will scratch.

He said he would do an online bank transfer and refund me as the windows weren't clean, but offered no solution or compensation for the scratches.

My neighbour who also had their windows clean said they have also found scratches on their windows.

Where do I stand and what can I do? We live in rented property so need to get the windows sorted or else we will be charged.

Thanks moneysavers!

Cleaning the windows is rarely a requirement of a rented property. I can't see why you would be charged at the end of your tenancy to clean them.

yllop1101

My contract stated it, I signed the contract, therefore they needed to be cleaned.

I'm not here to debate whether they are scratched or not, or whether I should have cleaned them, I'm asking for advice in how I can reclaim costs for the damage from the company.

If anyone has any tips that would be great.

yllop1101

To make matters worse I haven't even been refunded for the shoddy job in the first place, which was something he said he would do.

robatwork

If they damaged the windows, and you can prove it, then of course they are responsible and should repair or replace the windows to get you back to how you were before they were cleaned.

They should have professional insurance that will pay out in the event of their negligence - if so that will make things easier for you most likely.

Your issue is proving it. Gather evidence - pictures of the windows before and after cleaning. Statements from your neighbours. You may even need an expert, someone who knows about glass to say this damage was in all probability caused by negligent cleaning.

Start with a written letter to the company that they will pass to their insurers - and be prepared to go to court to actually get a positive outcome. In this letter you need to set out that they did the damage, and what you expect them to do to rectify (eg replace windows, repair windows), and give them a timescale to respond eg. 21 days.

deanos

how can you prove they did it ?

think you will be struggling im afraid

wealdroam

yllop1101 wrote: »

I'm not here to debate whether they are scratched or not, or whether I should have cleaned them, I'm asking for advice in how I can reclaim costs for the damage from the company.

Then you need to get some quotes for repairing the damage.

Get three quotes, send them to the person who caused the damage.

If they don't pay for a repair, you will need to write a letter before action (google for a sample) and start a Small Claims Court action.

Of course, when you get to court you will need to prove that the damage was caused by the window cleaner. I am not sure that asking the judge "How else would you explain new scratches on mine and my neighbours windows?" would meet that need.

yllop1101

Thanks for the replies. I shall speak to my neighbour and together make a plan of action. I don't have photos of the windows beforehand, I of course didn't think to take any.

I came across a window cleaners forum and one was saying 'i think my brush is scratching windows' and the replies said the brush itself would have been tested so when used properly it won't, but with the wrong technique, not enough water, or a dirty brush, it will. I know that's not evidence, but shows it not beyond the realms of possibility that it was their doing.