Window scratched by window cleaner

eisbaer

Hi everyone, 

I’m hoping for a bit of advice because I believe my windows have been damaged by my window cleaner. 

I had brand new windows fitted in my living room and kitchen only back in November. 

My window cleaner came round a couple days ago. Frustratingly, I wasn’t actually in the flat to watch them this time, because it was first thing in the morning and I was still out with the dog. However, I have since noticed a very scratched area on the outer window pane of the living room window. It’s quite a small area (probably 2x2 inches) but covered with hundreds of tiny lines scratched into the glass. Although it’s not that big it’s really obvious, especially with it being placed in the middle of the window, and from a distance looks like a dirty smear across the window. 

I’m absolutely certain I would have noticed this damage if it had been there before, because my dining table (a.k.a. working-from-home desk!) is directly overlooking this window so I am always looking out of this window and am quick to clean any dirty marks on the inside of the window, so would have certainly noticed if there was a mark outside that I couldn't wipe off. 

The only thing I can think is that the window cleaners were using a dirty brush/sponge contaminated with some sand or grit, and rubbed it against the window. I know they were running behind schedule, because they were meant to come the previous week but had to cancel and come a few days later, I wonder if they were rushing and cutting corners because some parts of the windows weren’t cleaned very well either (this is quite unusual, they tend to do a decent job). This bit is obviously just speculation.

It’s a first floor flat, and there’s no branches or anything nearby, so nothing else ever comes in contact with the outside of the window. 

I know in the grand scheme of everything going on right now this isn’t a big deal, but I had spent a very long time saving for the new windows (this flat is our first home and in need of quite a few renovations, replacing the old rotten windows was the first big project and a really big expense for me), so to be honest I’m quite upset over it. 

In my mind I'm as certain as can be that this was the result of the window cleaners (what else could have come in contact with the outside of the window in the few hours time window in which the damage appeared?!), however the problem is, I don’t really have any way to prove it - as in I wasn’t at home to be able to physically watch them do the damage. Do I have any rights here? I have never complained to a company about something like this before, but I’m so annoyed/upset by it I’m tempted to say something. 

Thank you so much for your help

theoretica

Are you certain it is scratches and not lines of dirt left on? 

Barny1979

I think it's going to be very difficult to prove as you aren't 100% sure the damage wasn't there prior to the window cleaner cleaning the windows and also you didn't witness the damage.

eisbaer

I I was initially hoping that's what it was! However I gave it a clean as much as I could (it's in a hard to reach spot on the outside pane) and it didn't budge, you can actually feel the little indents in some places as well. Just realised I can add pictures - hopefully this works.

eisbaer

Barny1979 said:

I think it's going to be very difficult to prove as you aren't 100% sure the damage wasn't there prior to the window cleaner cleaning the windows and also you didn't witness the damage.

Personally, I'm 100% sure because I spend hours looking at that window every day, I'm certain I would have noticed it if it had been there before the window cleaner came. The problem is, as you said, I wasn't there to witness the damage and immediately report it whilst they were there. I'm not sure if it's still worth complaining or if I should just accept it and learn my lesson to never use a window cleaner again!

Rosa_Damascena

I'd be cross,

But beware, talk to the window cleaner about this and they may exact further revenge if they still clean other windows in the same block.

koalakoala

I’ve had this happen more than once hence why I never use window cleaners now.

Doozergirl

How does a window cleaner do that?  If their strokes were that small, it would take a day to clean a window. 

I'd put that on marks made in transit.  Where you get the repetitive rubbing movement from and the window is tied down.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

looks worse close up.

If they are established they may have insurance for this kinda thing, so could have a word with them.

Depending on size, a replacement unit might not be too expensive and could be fitted from inside.

sevenhills

Doozergirl said:

How does a window cleaner do that?  If their strokes were that small, it would take a day to clean a window. 

I'd put that on marks made in transit.  Where you get the repetitive rubbing movement from and the window is tied down.

I agree, your window cleaner did not make those marks. It could not have been made by a ladder, glass is difficult to scratch, with cloths etc.

maisie_cat

If it's in a corner, is it possible that a label was there? I would have thought a metal scraper might have done that but most window cleaners use a squeegee now to remove the suds and use a long sweeping action