All Things J. Racenstein and Window Cleaning

To restore the original luminance of the windows of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, more than 16,000 glass mosaics are being washed with hot water high-pressure cleaners. The old church, built between 1891 and 1895, was damaged and destroyed during air-raids in 1943. A new church, whose windows are being cleaned now, was constructed between 1959 and 1963 after plans of Egon Eiermann. Parts of the old church were conserved and serve as a war memorial.

Check out the Full Article at MSN PhotoBlog

One of our customers was featured on the news yesterday. Out of Houston, Texas Len Cannon of KHOU 11 News, works with Manuel Medina of Martin’s Window Cleaning as they go up over 100feet off the ground.

Eric Thayer for The New York Times

Here in the Los Angeles county, Graffiti is something that’s commonly seen on the streets. It ranges from “artistic”, to territorial marks, even reverse graffiti. Who’s to say its not art? Well… To many people, its not ‘art’ when its done on someone’s property other than their own. Thats when they call it graffiti.

Graffiti is defined as: images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property. Graffiti is any type of public markings that may appear in the forms of simple written words to elaborate wall paintings.

In the article Cities Report Surge in Graffiti in the NY Times, it says that in many cities, there has been a rise in graffiti. Mostly due to school’s summer break. Kids are bored, have nothing to do, they go out & start tagging.

What does this have to do with window cleaning? Hmm… a little. Let’s say a window was sprayed with graffiti. Your option could be to scrape it. Or try something like 3-Star Graffiti Remover Metal & Paint

Last year, we had Matt from BK Enterprises come down and demo the 3-Star Graffiti Removers for us. A few of the warehouse guys went out and sprayed graffiti on the warehouse, on a staff member’s car, a faux concrete surface, parking sign, etc.. It was pretty funny, one of the local law enforcements came over and was worried about what happened to our store. We told him we did it, but for demo purposes. Read about that day here: http://www.jracenstein.com/blog/green-graffiti-removal/394

For More Videos on Graffiti Removal Products: Go to Youtube.com and search J.Racenstein + Graffiti

Joey has over ten years experience as a professional window cleaner. His father started a high-rise commercial and residential window cleaning business 30 years ago in Washington, MO and Joey followed in his footsteps. He has worked full-time with his dad since college. However, he’s been involved in the business for a lot longer than that.

“I have been cleaning windows since I was old enough for my dad to put a squeegee in my hand,” explains Corley. “Many people in the industry will recognize me from IWCA conventions or have seen me grow up since the first Southwest Window Cleaners seminar that Jim and Jacinda Willingham put on in Lubbock, Texas.”

Joey is familiar with all aspects of the business, but is particularly passionate about the Automated High Rise Window Cleaning System from IPC Eagle and the De-Ionization technology that has revolutionized window cleaning over the past 10-15 years. He goes on to say, “I look forward to being a resource for window cleaners and doing my part to help everyone out in the field stay up to date on the latest and most profitable methods and strategies of the business.”

Joey joins J. Racenstein’s crew of professional window cleaners, alongside Jim Foster with 33 years of experience, Mike Draper with 22 years and Anthony DiTusa with 10 years. In addition to these experts, J. Racenstein’s sales representatives possess a high degree of technical expertise and product knowledge.

You can reach the J. Racenstein team at helpdesk@jracenstein.com or by calling 800-221-3748.

Steve just came back from the UK visiting one of our manufacturers, Ionic.  They are one of the leading manufacturers of water fed poles.

Some of you may already own one of their systems such as the Multi-pole, the Glyder and the Swift.

New for 2011 is the Grafter.

In the UK, “Grafter” means “hard-worker” and this new pole line lives up to its meaning.  Its lightweight and rigid for everyday use at affordable prices.

Steve had a great time there with Jason Mawlam and Reuben Reynolds and was pleased to see innovation with these new Grafter poles. Sturdier, lightweight and cheaper to boot!

These poles feature compact sections that offer easy maneuverability in residential settings and working around any obstacles.

They are available in Carbon/Fiberglass and the hybrid that has more carbon fiber in all extend-able sections. Its easy to use especially above 25 feet, has the convenience to fit in smaller vehicles because it has a short closed length, its more durable and rigid thanks to the carbon fiber.

Overall, a great mid-range pole.

Check out some pictures from his trip!

To purchase this pole or for more details on the poles:
Visit: http://www.jracenstein.com/catalog/Grafter_Poles.html

Have a question about the pole??
Start a discussion about it on our forum. http://www.jracenstein.com/forums