Looking to diversify? Want a business add on that leaves the competition in the dust? How about owning a gold mine in these lean economic times? In fact economist say strategic diversifying of business services can make the difference between whether a company eats or starves in a down economy. Glass Restoration has been an undervalued market in the window cleaning community for years now. Some businesses however have seen the need and have capitalized on this cash cow. However, more often than not typical chemicals and scrubs will not remove etching or corrosion in the glass. This poses a problem. Especially when the window cleaner is trying to restore a shower door in a home or a commercial grade piece of glass that has been badly damaged by hard water deposits. Scrubs, powders and chemicals will not remove the etching caused by such damage. These have their place. What is needed in these cases and what seems to be the case more often than not. Is for the glass to be brought down lower than the damage in a process called "glass polishing". Being ever vigilant to industry trends and wanting to help our customers to expand and grow. JRacenstein has added the JFlint line of products to our catalog. Also Jeff Flint will be helping educate window cleaners and JRacenstein customers who want to add this service to their business. Jeff will also be a guest on our Blog. We will be having a question and answer with Jeff from JFlint on this timely matter before April showers can bring May flowers. JRacenstein is again happy to provide you not just with the product but with the support.
http://www.jracenstein.com/store/items.asp?xCc=w0dwb
Also not to be forgotten is another line of quality products JRacenstein has added. Presto Restoration. With the right products and experts on our team to assist you, it's not hard to see why JRacenstein has been considered the leader in the industry. "Are you in good hands"?
Anthony, thank you for including me in the discussion. JRacenstein certainly has all of the tools and techniques you need for hard water removal - including a wealth of knowledge.
In my opinion, polishing will become a standard technique for every window cleaner. It's fast and efficient - provided you have the right tools.
As a window cleaner I recognized a need for an efficient, safe, and effective hard water removal system that didn't cost an arm and a leg. There's so much hard water out there. It's a big problem and a big opportunity! I get asked to do shower doors, glass tables, and even windshields. So, I built from the ground up a system that is totally optimized for hard water.
There are (5) parts to each system: Tool, Pads, Powder, Sealant, and Training.
If anyone has questions or wants videos on why each system includes Nylon Polishing Pads, an acid free powder, a variable speed continuous duty power tool, or a foam applicator for the sealant just let me know.
Jeff
JFlint Products
Well Jeff how does this product differ from most of the traditional methods that have been used thus far? Meaning in relation to chemicals and scrubs?
(03-30-2011 07:00 PM)Anthony DiTusa Wrote: [ -> ]Well Jeff how does this product differ from most of the traditional methods that have been used thus far? Meaning in relation to chemicals and scrubs?
Traditional methods require a lot of elbow grease. We've taken this process a step further by using a polisher, nylon pad, and chemical free cleaner. The reason is that hard water is difficult to remove by hand. Polishers are fast and efficient. We also developed a brand new type of nylon material for our pads. They remove hard water and etching very well, and they're safe on sensitive surfaces such as glass and shower doors. The polishing powder we use is superfine and all natural. It makes an excellent hard water cleaner. Finally, we have a great sealant that is really easy to apply with our foam applicator and is very durable
So what sealer would you recommend? Or does one come with your system that is part of the JFlint line?
(03-31-2011 09:23 AM)Anthony DiTusa Wrote: [ -> ]So what sealer would you recommend? Or does one come with your system that is part of the JFlint line?
We use Envicoat because its very durable and is real easy and fast to apply. We developed a foam applicator that makes sealing as fast as window cleaning. The foam also increases the coverage rate. One oz covers 20 sq ft or more. That means you can cover 20 sq ft for only $2.75!
The foam attaches to our Knuckler sanding block. Just dip the foam into the sealant and spread it on the glass. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then do a light buff or rinse it. The whole process takes minutes.
Both the Envicoat and the Foam Applicator Kit are included in the Mr Hard Water System.
Hey Guys,
Just incase your doing some glass restoration and Using crystal clear 550, we do have the waiver form for it. A few Customers have called for it maybe this can help when explainig to your clients this product
Glass Clearing Authorization and Release
The undersigned building owner/manager acknowledges and agrees as follows:
1. Corroded Windows: I have been informed that some or all of the glass panes on the building located at ___________________________________________________________________are corroded and /or hazed to the point that conventional cleaning methods and products as provided by professional window cleaners cannot clear the windows adequately, Further, I understand that this corrosion may have damaged the surface of the glass significantly and if so, the glass may have to be replaced.
2. Special Clearing Agents: I have also been informed that there are special glass clearing agents, which may restore clarity to the windows. These products may contain specialized acids and polishes that are designed to be far more active than conventional window cleaning products. If the corrosion has not progressed to cause significant damage to the window's surface, these special clearing agents should restore most or all of the window clarity and eliminate the need to replace all the windows. In some cases, however, the damaged condition of the glass may not be restored, or in some rare cases, may appear worse after application of the special clearing agents.
3. Risks of Special Clearing Agents: There is no guarantee that the special clearing agents will restore any or all of the windows. Replacement will be required to restore any window that is too damaged for the special clearing agents. In some locations, the special clearing agents may clear some, but not all the panes.
4. Authorization: On the basis of the forgoing understanding and information, I hereby authorize _________________________________________________________________to use special clearing agents in an attempt to restore the clarity to the affected windows.
5. Release and Indemnity: I agree no to make any claim arising from or in connection with the use of or application of the special clearing agents, and I further agree to indemnify, defend and hold _____________________________________________________________________harmless and the manufacturer of any special clearing agent from and against any claims for damage to real or personal property that may arise in connection with the use or application of the special clearing agents.
Dated:
Signed: Title:
I am always interested in increasing my window expertise. Window restoration is definitely something I want to get into.
A couple of questions:
1. Where can I go to learn the basics of window restoration and what products to use?
2. How do you go about marketing for this and what type of clients do you aim for? (I know how to market window cleaning and screen repair. But, who would most likely be interested in window restoration?)
If you can help me get started, that would be awesome!
Getting started with glass restoration is easy with the Mr Hard Water Power Tool Kit. I developed the kit to contain everything you need to restore hard water damaged windows and even HF etching. (It's a must have "back-up" system in case you etch a customer's glass.) Each system includes not only the power tool, pads, polishing powder, and sealant, but an extensive DVD that shows how to do it.
The DVD also includes job costing, pricing, and selling tips. Glass restoration is an easy sell because it immediately raises the curbside appeal of homes and businesses. Hard water damage also reflects poorly on the owner's self image. It's embarrasing for them to have that problem. The Mr Hard Water Power Tool Kit removes that embarrassment. So, glass restoration is a real value added service that the customer is willing to pay for.
Not the bad idea, I fact I appreciate to you about this thought. This is the way to expose your idea.
Keep it up man. Best of luck for your future time.
Thanks man.