[Mike Gillam]

Hello, new to this site, I am desperate for any subjections. Just completed a builders clean, and have been accused of scratching all the windows. Did not have a waiver in place, my insurance does not cover the glass that you are working on, so no insurance. I know through research that the manufactures of the glass are more than likely at fault, through there cleaning process before leaving the factory. To sum it up if it all pair shaped which I expect it to. They are looking for £15- £20000 compensation. Money that I have not got. I am reaching out to you all for your help or advice. My best regards, Mike

[NWH]

Hi Mike DO NOT tell them that you used a scraper of any kind tell them you used chemicals and cloths to remove silicone labels etc.

[SeanK]

What do you think is going on ? is there a chance you caused the damage or are they taking you for a ride to recover their
losses ?
How experienced are you ?

[Positivity]

Remember the Del Boy sketch when they dropped the chandelier?
Del Boy said to the customer "You've got our phone number haven't you?"
When he replied "No!"
Del Boy said "Right lads - leg it!"
Seriously though it could be bad - best deny all knowledge and be more careful next time.
Personally I don't touch builders cleans too many bad experiences.

[Smurf]

For a start do not in any shape or form infer any scratches/damage could have been caused by you. That is a case for the plaintiff loss adjuster/legal department to investigate and try prove you caused the damage in the first place so never admit anything.

Something sounds very fishy to me as other trades are very quick to try passing the blame onto the window cleaner. Did you use a scrapper at all as you sure as hell would know if you had caused any scratches or not working so close up & personal on the glass?

 

[Klean07]

My last builders clean was about 4 years ago when I too was accused of scratching some of the windows. Before I started the job I took pictures of every window in house. It's a good job I did because when I asked builder which ones were scratched he pointed to a couple that I couldn't do because of access problems! So to cut a long story short I never paid him a penny but I reckon they were already scratched when he saw me he thought ££££@s I may be a wc but I do have a brain too!

[Smurf]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but taking on what I call high risk jobs like bulders cleans without a signed waiver in place nor proper insurance cover should they try it on or things goes tits up has got to be asking for trouble.

Lets hope for your sake they don't pursue a claim but if they do you will obviously need to get good legal advice which none on here can really give as are not qualified to do so.

Best of luck bud

[Perfect Windows]

Lets hope for your sake they don't pursue a claim but if they do you will obviously need to get good legal advice which none on here can really give as are not qualified to do so.

Best of luck bud

Agreed.  None of us are legal experts, we're just a bunch of window cleaners (you'll probably get plenty of plausible sounding advice despite that).  If you're looking at a claim of possibly £20K you need solid, professional advice from a solicitor.

Vin

[lal]

My last builders clean was about 4 years ago when I too was accused of scratching some of the windows. Before I started the job I took pictures of every window in house. It's a good job I did because when I asked builder which ones were scratched he pointed to a couple that I couldn't do because of access problems! So to cut a long story short I never paid him a penny but I reckon they were already scratched when he saw me he thought ££££@s I may be a wc but I do have a brain too!

Hi Klean07, how long did that builders clean take you to complete, and did they pay you.

Regards
Lal

[Mike Gillam]

Crumbs what a great bunch you all are, thanks for the reply's . My full intention is not to admit to anything, but to prove to them that the equipment that we use is to the highest standard. Yes at time we did use a scraper but only in small places, not the whole window. We firstly sprayed a concrete softener then washed the window, and then if there was anything left used a scraper to remove. through research I am totally convinced that the fault lies with the window itself, or the messy plasterers. I am getting legal advice Mon morning as part of the insurance, So if you don't mind I will keep you informed . Again, a massive thank you for your responses. my best regards,Mike

[sunshine windows]

As has been stated already, do not accept liability for the scratches (unless you did it).

I would offer to prove first hand that your cleaning methods don't scratch the glass. Offer to return to sight and demonstrate your methods in front of the hierarchy. If they refuse this, I would ignore all further attempts to contact you unless threatened with legal action.  If they still pursue it, seek legal advice.

[duncan h]

A plasterer could only scratch the insides. We are talking outside arnt we

[NWH]

This is why I never ever do them anymore it's a builders clean for the builder not the home owner,the times I used to do it and then I'd see some other cleaner doing them for the new owner around 6 months later and I'd think I got all those bit of paint and silicone off for him so he could turn up and just pole it.

[windowswashed]

Did you keep the glass wet when using your scraper?
Did you scrape in one direction only?
Did you scrape in a forward only motion?
Did you use a new scraper blade? Did you blade towards rubber seals or alongside?
Did you notice scratches on the glass in a multitude of directions prior to and after cleaning the glass?
Did you sense if the scraper was cutting into the glass or sliding nicely across the glass removing only the cement? Do you have any before and after photos of the glass?

[the king]

i never touch them now ive done 4 builders cleans never again lol , good luck mike 

[darryn]

i was cleaning  big panes of glass had cement on off builders, cleaned with scraper next time i went it was sunny and i could see scratches never touch cement on glass again ,the thing is it just seems to turn to dust and causes the scratches

[CleanClear]

Crumbs what a great bunch you all are, thanks for the reply's . My full intention is not to admit to anything, but to prove to them that the equipment that we use is to the highest standard. Yes at time we did use a scraper but only in small places, not the whole window. We firstly sprayed a concrete softener then washed the window, and then if there was anything left used a scraper to remove. through research I am totally convinced that the fault lies with the window itself, or the messy plasterers. I am getting legal advice Mon morning as part of the insurance, So if you don't mind I will keep you informed . Again, a massive thank you for your responses. my best regards,Mike

Have they paid your invoice ?

[David Beecroft]

If you had to deal with cement on the windows then its the builders who are liable and not you. Modern building practice is to protect the glass from damage with polythene sheeting or similar. Cement alone will damage glass without any help from you, the lime burns the surface. Don't allow them to bully you into admitting liability. 

[geoffreyspecht]

Hello, new to this site, I am desperate for any subjections. Just completed a builders clean, and have been accused of scratching all the windows. Did not have a waiver in place, my insurance does not cover the glass that you are working on, so no insurance. I know through research that the manufactures of the glass are more than likely at fault, through there cleaning process before leaving the factory. To sum it up if it all pair shaped which I expect it to. They are looking for £15- £20000 compensation. Money that I have not got. I am reaching out to you all for your help or advice. My best regards, Mike

why is it going to cost £20000

[Fin Clearview]

Deny any liability to anyone. Tell them you saw someone using a scourer if you do think it was you. You just did your job to your usual high standards. Your word against theirs unless they have footage of you doing it which i very much doubt.