[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

This has never happened to myself personally yet ( touch wood ! ) but I`m
Just wondering if any members have had themselves, and if so,what was the
Outcome.When your accessing flat roofs and walking on flat roofs etc. etc.
To clean your customer/clients windows,after finishing,your customer phones
Up after a day or two,or whatever lenth of time lapse complaining that there`s
Rain water coming into the room via the ceiling etc.Where does the window
Cleaner stand legally?.Does the customer have to submit proof that it`s your
`clumping` and walking around that’s the cause of the leak,or do you have to
Go ahead and put the damage right thru` your public liability insurance or what?
What is the best and worse case scenario that can take place? All experiences,
Replies and comments appreciated.



Lewis Doubtfire, Gleem Clean ( The Blade Runner )

[windows_chepstow]

I ask every customer during the quotation stage if they're happy with me walking over their flat roof.

Some will 'err and em', but I tell them I do it on lots of other similar properties without a problem.  Which I do, but it's up to them.

If they agree, then they take their chance. 

It's not your fault if the roof is old, inferior or just plain rotten.

I would accept no responsibility if I caused any damage.

I asked them in the first instance; and I climb onto plenty of flat roofs without a problem.

[g_griffin]

I agree with Tosh.

As long as you have permission and don`t do anything stupid, then accept no responsibility.

 Put it down to wear and tear.

            Gerry.

[neil100]

If a flat roof is not fibreglassed. it will probably be felt with chipboard underneath. All these type of roofs have a shelf life of around 10 years.

If your foot goes through it or it leaks, then the flat roof as used up its natureal life span. The onous is on the customer to get it repaired.

My foot went through a flat roof once, I was fourtunate that they had pine cladding on the kitchen celing, Because it could of been curtians for me and my nuptuals. When I examined the roof the chipboard was rotten.

I told the customer what had happened and told them to claim on their household insurance. 2 weeks later they tried to claim the money back off me saying it was my fault.

I told them I had taken a sample of the roof that had given way. That it was rotten and If they wanted to pursue me ,I would take action my self and sue them for letting me work on a dangerous surface which is their responsibility to make sure that it is safe.

They never took things further.

Nel.

[DP]

When a house holder invites you onto their property, they have an obligation to keep you safe and free from harm. However when you are a contractor, this is not where it ends or the bottom line. You also have an obligation to keep yourself safe and take whatever steps are required to ensure this, being the knowledgeable party.

With the issue of felt type flat roofs it is easy to loose any claim for damages as flat roofs are not designed to be walked on or worked off  (unless there is clear evidence that they have been designed to).

The house holder may give you permission which could go half way (if there was a document signed to say they had) but rarely approves your methods assuming you will take all necessary precaution to protect their property and yourself.

The risk is yours and you may win (pre court) by arguing, but if it goes to the wire you could be surprised at what you were expected to supply to gain safe access even for a £5 - £10 window clean especially if it caused material damage or injury.
 

[thewindowcleaner1]

I,ve had a couple of flat roof give way a little as I always ask if its ok for me to walk on the roof I've never had any problems,
I,ve even refused to go onto a couple as they felt as if they were about to go.

As said above a flat felt roof only has a life of about 10 years and if something like that does happen to you point it out to the customer and tell them that they are really lucky that you did not hurt yourself as you would be claiming against thier insurance (attack is the best form of defence)

[steve k]

I don`t go over them now. If customer is unable to open access to rear for me, I only do front and charge proportionally.
If access over a gate is simple with ladders and adjacent walls then I will go over.
I have had a similar complaint from a customer who claimed that a roof tile on a garage roof had broken (garage under 2 windows) and they had a leak inside as a result.
They were definately testing the water with me to see if I offered repairs BUT I only WFP these windows so was off the hook but it made me think about damages claims for damaging roofs/gates/fences.

[L.Doubtfire - The Blade Runner]

Thanks for all the replies fella`s,I must say the response has been very
Informative,and also I recon `on the nail`.The media of these groups
Thru` the internet is awesome.



Lewis Doubtfire Gleem Clean ( The Blade Runner )