Reasons to Clean Your Gutters

Dirty gutters can cause damp and structural damage to your home.

Gutter cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your home or business, but it is often overlooked. Simply because it is not something most pay attention to until they see a forest growing from their roof.

You should ideally have your gutters cleaned every 12 months, normally just before winter. In Scotland we are no strangers to rain, in fact, we get it nearly every day so it is essential to have your gutter system working as it should.

There are a few reasons why you need to clean your gutters: 

- A properly working gutter system will prevent dampness and water from finding their way into your property saving you from costly repairs.

- Mold and Mildew forming within your home or place of business can have a few effects, firstly it doesn't look great to anyone who sees it, and secondly or most importantly the particles can cause health issues when you breathe them in especially if you have an underlying condition like asthma.

Gutters are essential for your home. Firstly they keep water flowing away from the building, but gutters also keep homes and buildings safe from a wide range of problems caused by blocked or overflowing guttering. If gutters are blocked or poorly aligned this can lead to water entering your home and cause issues like dampness and if left to continue could cause structural damage to your property.

Keeping up with regular maintenance is crucial in order to prevent costly repairs later on down the line, so it's important that you know when to call a professional gutter cleaning company like us at Caledonia Window Cleaning. We offer a professional window cleaning service in Dunfermline and across Fife.

Gutter cleaners in Fife

Caledonia Window Cleaning is your exterior cleaning specialist experienced in Residential and commercial window cleaning and a range of exterior cleaning services we use the latest technology a Gutter vacuum system working at over 3600 Volts to provide powerful suction able to remove even large blockages. This provides an effective and safe method removing the risk of working at height.

The Gutter Vaccum system is essentially a very powerful vacuum similar to one in your home although this one is designed to work with extendable poles to reach the height of the gutters of a building while still having enough suction to remove even large blockages.

The benefits of using a Gutter Vacuum include: –

- Grip treads on the ladder feet offer slip resistance, even when wet.

- Using a Gutter Vaccum is safer than working at height because; - No need for the operator to work at the gutter level which reduces your risk of accidents dramatically due to falls from height or falling off roofs etc... This keeps both employees and customers safe! Also using a Vaccum system ensures there is nothing left behind in the gutter.

As professional window cleaners in Dunfermline licensed by Fife Council and fully insured you can rest assured that you are in safe hands. Using safe and effective cleaning methods we will keep your home free of damp.

We also offer UPVC cleaning to remove the build-up and restore your home or business back to its former glory. Using our reach and wash system and purified water we can easily and safely reach lengths of gutter that other window cleaners in Fife cannot.

If you would be interested in one of our services to have your property professionally cleaned then get in touch today.

Cleaning Tips for Windows and Frames

Cleaning Tips for Windows and UPVC

Unlike its predecessor wood U.P.V.C is very durable and so needs little maintenance to maintain a fair aesthetic look. In this blog, I've put together some of our tricks of the trade to try and show the best methods of keeping your U.P.V.C looking and functioning how it should. If You can think of anything we have missed please let me know in the comments.

How we clean U.P.V.C Frames and surrounds:

The majority of the time It is very simple to keep U.P.V.C clean. A little fairy liquid In warm water will take the majority of the dirt away and restore your window frames and surroundings back to their former glory.

In some circumstances, there can be heavier build-up or staining caused by pollution in the air or neglect. In these, situations it may be necessary to use a stronger cleaning agent. I would recommend a particle-based cleaner for example as Cif or Pink Stuff. Due to the small particles in the solution, it acts as an abrasive helping to remove stubborn stains.

If you are not sure of which cleaner to use or if it is suitable I would highly recommend using a test patch. Pick a small area that isn't easily noticeable such as a corner and try the cleaner on there first. This will show the results and avoid any marks that will infuriate you every time you see it.

You can also purchase Traffic Film removers specially designed to remove the build-up caused by pollution in the air. Whatever cleaning agent you use make sure to rinse the area after cleaning so that there is no residue or dirt left behind after cleaning.

Now that the cleaning agent is sorted you need a method of cleaning. A cloth something similar. As professional window cleaners in Dunfermline and across Fife we mainly use but you could use things like old towels, sponges with soft scrubbers. Do not try things such as steel wool as this Risks scratching and damaging your U.P.V.C and we don't want that.

How to clean your windows yourself:

We are a professional window cleaning service and exterior cleaning specialists due to years of experience cleaning windows, conservatory cleaning, and cleaning conservatory roofs. We are registered with Fife Council and are fully insured to carry out the work. I could go on forever about the best or easiest methods I have developed over the years to clean your windows, solar panels, and everything else but admittedly that would be boring even for me and I love my job so I will spare you.

Depending on the equipment you have available at home would depend on the best or most effective cleaning method you can use. As we carry out a lot of residential and commercial window cleaning we have a reach and wash system that provides purified water through telescopic water-fed poles so that we can carry out the tasks safely.

If all you have at home is some glass cleaner and a soft cloth then that will be your method. Spray some cleaner on generously and with a bit of elbow grease wipe the window until it's dry.

If you have a squeegee and an applicator at home simply wet the applicator and add some dish soap. Apply the soap to the window and use the squeegee to remove using straight pulls from top to bottom. With a cloth to tidy up any bits, you may have missed. This way you minimize the chances of streaks and marks.

The Best way to clean U.P.V.C Sills:

Just as with the Frames and surrounds warm soapy water and a cloth should bring your sills back to life. If there is any heavier staining or dirt then add some cream cleaner and the abrasive side of a kitchen sponge before rinsing. Rest assured you will be happy with the results.

www.caledoniawindowcleaning.co.uk 

Traditional Window Cleaning in Fife

Traditional Window Cleaner Dunfermline Fife

If you’ve ever taken window cleaning services you probably have come across the term traditional window cleaning. But what is it? And how is it any different than other methods window cleaning services use?

Traditional window cleaning is a method by which glass is cleaned simply with soapy water and scrubber. As in the traditional way. Some Window cleaning companies use another method called a water-fed pole or a Purified water window cleaning system. However, traditional window cleaning has its own benefits which makes it still a popular option among many.

Why Should You Use the Traditional Window Cleaning Method?

Cost-Effective 

As cleaning specialists, regularly carrying out exterior cleaning, residential and commercial window cleaning. We use the latest equipment like our reach and wash system and well-practiced techniques for your windows that yield nothing but the best results at a cost that doesn't break your bank.

Suitable for Fragile Windows

In traditional window cleaning, you have more control over the procedure. You scrub and clean the windows with your hand. On the other hand, the pole-fed system reaches the window, keeping the operator at ground level.

This is not what you want for delicate glass windows. For cleaning old and fragile windows with care, the traditional method is the best.

Heavily Stained Windows

The water-fed system uses a stream of distilled water and scrubbing. It may be good for mildly dusty windows.

But if your window is very dirty and heavily stained, it would take vigorous cleaning that only traditional face to glass cleaning can provide.

No Chance Of Equipment Failure

Advanced window cleaning methods require various tools that are prone to malfunction. Where traditional window cleaning has no such issues.

When you choose the traditional method you can be sure that the job will be done in the given time and there is no chance of unplanned delays. If time is an essential factor for you then the traditional methods may be the right choice.

 

Why Should you Hire a Professional Window Cleaning Service?

You can clean your own windows, that's true. But it is also true you can't clean them as efficiently as the ones who do it for a living. You should absolutely hire a professional cleaning service and here is why:

Thorough Cleaning

As professionals, we know what we are up against. Some dirt and stains can last a lifetime if not properly cleaned. Not only that, but they can also affect the longevity of your frames.

We use all the latest technologies and advanced techniques to properly clean your windows. We get rid of the toughest stains that would seem impossible for a DIY project.

Work Safety

To clean your windows properly, you will have to reach areas using precarious measures which is risky. Why would you take the risk when you can leave it to the professionals? As professional window cleaners, we know the potential risks and how to overcome them. All you need to do is get in contact for a no-obligation quote and as we are licensed by Fife Council and Fully insured you can rest assured you are in safe hands.

Effective Results

Homeowners use normal soap water and scrubbers to clean windows. It cleans windows but doesn't achieve the best cleaning performance possible. We know which material to use and what type of scrubber is best for a specific glass type.

Getting hands-on professional-grade materials isn't tough for us as it is for you. So naturally, we can give you more effective results.

Modern Cleaning Methods

There are different methods to clean windows. Besides the ones we have already mentioned, there are more. As professionals, we stay up-to-date about any recent developments in this industry.

What you think is the best, may have gone obsolete without you even noticing. So, to implement the most recent craftsmanship, there are no better ways than hiring professionals.

Why Choose US?

We provide both traditional and modern window cleaning services with a 24-hour customer satisfaction guarantee. Not satisfied? Call us within 24 hours and we will come back to clean again. And all this at a very competitive price.

 

Pure Water Window Cleaning

Purified Water Window Cleaner Dunfermline

What is water-fed pole window cleaning?

Water-fed pole Window cleaning has been around for over a decade and is still evolving with new techniques and equipment to further improve the system. 

Water-fed pole Window Cleaning uses extendable poles made from fiberglass or carbon fiber most commonly with an internal hose supplying the water to the jets on the brush head. This hose can be fitted with a valve which stops the flow of water. This can be very useful especially when working around open windows. These extendable poles provide easy access to windows above the ground floor and also make it possible to clean windows that would be difficult to reach traditionally due to building/ garden layouts.

The development of water-fed pole window cleaning has almost completely removed the need to work from height using ladders. Providing the ability to reach windows twenty to sixty meters from the ground safely and still guarantee a perfect finish after each clean has largely helped the success of this new method.

As a professional window cleaning service, we are licensed by Fife Council and fully insured so our customers can rest assured their property is in safe hands. Operating both commercial window cleaning and residential our team of professional window cleaners are exterior cleaning specialists.

Purified water is pumped through the internal hose of the pole and through the jets in the brush head. Pure water is used to clean the window, frames, and sills leaving a smear and streak-free clean every time without the need to wipe the window after cleaning.

How does water fed pole cleaning actually work

The key to success with water-fed pole window cleaning comes down to two things. 

1. Cleaning method

2. Water quality 

Water that has been purified removing any minerals or impurities prior to use. In Dunfermline, we are quite lucky in that our water is around 35 - 36 parts per million from the tap meaning a single filtering vessel should provide pure water. The water is then either used straight from the tap - window or into a reach and wash system where it is kept until used.

The pure water is pumped through the pole onto the glass while the brush head agitates and disrupts the dirt. The pure water then carries the dirt away followed by the most important part a pure water rinse. This ensures any dirt or other impurities are carried off the glass leaving nothing behind.

What are the Advantages of water fed pole window cleaning

Safe Stringent Work at Height [2005]

The Health and Safety Executive has directed that work such as window cleaning should be carried out from ground level wherever possible. 

Water-fed pole window cleaning is now the H.S.E recommended method of safe working for carrying out window cleaning and they are keen to see it widely adopted within the industry to reduce injuries and deaths. 

No chemicals needed The water-fed pole window cleaning system only uses pure water This system combining the purified water with specially designed brush heads leaves a crystal clear finish when dry. Unlike traditional Window cleaning where soap is applied by an applicator and then removed with a squeegee, this method leaves nothing behind on the glass so that windows stay cleaner longer.

Environmentally Friendly

As there is no soap or other potentially harmful cleaning agents being used window cleaners and customers are noticing the benefits to the environment.

Customer privacy

As most work is carried out from ground level the days of a window cleaner appearing unexpectedly at your bedroom window are becoming a thing of the past. Work can be carried out with little or no impact on the customer.

 

Fife Council Window Cleaner Licence

The window cleaner license in Fife?

What is the Window Cleaners Licence?

Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. It is a legal requirement for Window Cleaners in Dunfermline to be in possession of a Licence issued by Fife Council. This was implemented to regulate an industry whereby those working as Window Cleaners have access to customer's homes and commercial premises. Under the scheme, customers can rest assured that their property is in safe hands with their professional window cleaner has been background checked by Police Scotland and showed proof that they are fully insured.

The scheme was brought in to regulate a trade that allows operators access to customer's property both externally and on occasion internally.

Are there any conditions?

Applying for a Window Cleaner license requires proof of public liability insurance in excess of one million pounds, photographic identification, and proof of employers liability insurance as an employee or employer. There is also a Criminal background check carried out by Police Scotland.

Penalties

Anyone working as a Window Cleaner in Fife not in possession of a Licence can be prosecuted and fined up to £2500. If at any point you do not meet a condition on the license and you continue working, the fine is £1000. Failure to notify Fife Council if you no longer meet the conditions of a Licence can result In a £1000 fine. There is also a £500 fine if you are required by the council to send back your license but fail to do so.

Do you have to pay any application fees?

There is a fee, but the overall cost will differ based on how the duration of the license. A single-year license comes with a £65 fee, whereas a 3-year license will cost £165.

Conclusion

The Window Cleaners license in Fife is a legal requirement put in place to regulate the industry and increase public safety. Those operating without a valid license are not criminal background checked, they are likely not insured meaning that any damage to your property will be very difficult to have rectified. You should always use a professional and regulated service provider to protect yourself and your property.

As a professional window cleaning service, we are cleaning specialists. All staff are licensed and fully insured to meet legal requirements. Operating safe and effective cleaning methods using our reach and wash system and purified water for residential and commercial window cleaning and other exterior cleaning tasks.