Frequently Asked Questions

All three methods are used, chosen case by case. Water-fed pole systems cover most residential jobs up to around four storeys and avoid the need to lean equipment against the building. Rope access is reserved for taller structures or facades where a pole cannot get a clean angle on the glass. Ladders are used only for short, straightforward reaches where anchoring points and ground conditions make them the safer, quicker option. The choice is made during the initial site look, not decided on arrival.

Rope access relies on redundant systems — a working line and a separate safety line, each independently anchored, so a failure in one does not create a fall risk. It also avoids the disruption of erecting scaffolding for a job that might take a single afternoon. Scaffolding still has its place for long-term facade work, but for periodic window cleaning it is rarely proportionate. The decision comes down to how long the equipment needs to stay up and how the building is shaped.

A quote is built from three factors: the number and size of window panes, the access method required, and the time needed on site. A terraced house with a water-fed pole job is quoted differently from a flat requiring rope access to a fourth-floor bay window. Written quotes are given after a short site assessment, either in person or from photographs sent by email, and remain valid for 30 days. There are no hidden add-ons once a figure is confirmed.

Requests submitted through the contact page typically receive a reply within 3 hours during business hours (Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:30). Booking dates depend on the season — spring and early summer are busier, autumn tends to have more availability. A firm date is usually confirmed within a week of the initial enquiry, sooner if the job is straightforward and weather conditions cooperate.

Light rain does not usually stop a water-fed pole job, since the system uses purified water regardless of weather. Rope access work, however, is postponed in wet or windy conditions, as wet ropes and surfaces increase risk. If a booking needs to move, the office contacts the client as early as possible on the day and offers the next available slot, generally within a few working days.

There is a minimum call-out charge to cover travel and setup time, since access equipment needs to be brought regardless of how many windows are involved. This makes single-window jobs less cost-efficient per pane than a full facade, but it is still possible to book one — the minimum charge is confirmed at quote stage so there are no surprises on the invoice.

Standard cleaning covers the glass and immediately visible frame edges. Full frame and sill detailing — removing built-up grime from uPVC or painted timber frames — is available as an add-on and is priced separately, since it takes considerably longer per window. This is worth discussing at quote stage, particularly for older Bristol properties with painted wooden frames that have not been cleaned in some time.

Yes, though the approach depends on what sits below. Glass conservatory roofs need careful footing arrangements or a pole angle that avoids placing weight on the roof itself. Flat-roofed extensions sometimes provide a safe working platform for a short ladder or pole setup, once checked for load capacity. This detail is normally spotted during the site assessment and factored into the method statement before work begins.

The water-fed pole system uses purified water with the mineral content removed, which is what allows it to dry without leaving streaks or spots. No detergent is added for routine cleaning. For windows with heavier grime — building dust, sap, or old paint splashes — a mild pre-treatment is applied by hand before the pole system rinses it away.

Most residential clients book every 8 to 12 weeks, which keeps frames and glass from building up grime that becomes harder to shift later. Properties near busier roads or with exposure to salt air along the harbourside tend to need shorter intervals. Commercial premises often settle on a monthly or bi-monthly schedule depending on footfall and how visible the windows are from street level.

Both. A one-off clean is common before a house sale, after building work, or simply when windows have not been done in a while. Recurring bookings suit landlords and businesses that want the job handled without repeated enquiries. About one in five clients who book once end up setting a repeat schedule after seeing how the first visit goes.

Every job at height is preceded by a written risk assessment and method statement covering anchor points, weather limits, and emergency procedures. Public liability cover is held for site work, and details can be requested ahead of a booking. Technicians working on ropes carry their own equipment logs, which record inspection dates for harnesses, lines and connectors.

For most exterior work using a water-fed pole or rope access, no internal access is needed. Some window styles, such as fixed panes that only open inward, may require brief access from inside to complete a full clean of both sides. This is flagged at quote stage so there are no surprises about timing or arrangements for keys and access on the day.

Yes, and Bristol has no shortage of them — Georgian terraces in Clifton, Victorian townhouses, and older commercial buildings in the city centre are regularly on the schedule. Anchor points for rope access are chosen to avoid contact with stonework or render, and pole work is adjusted for older, more fragile window putty or single-glazed panes that need a gentler approach than modern uPVC.

A standard terraced house with a water-fed pole setup usually takes 45 to 90 minutes. Rope access jobs on taller buildings take longer to set up safely — often two to three hours including anchor checks — even if the actual cleaning time is similar. Commercial premises with a larger glass area are quoted with an estimated duration in advance so staff or tenants can plan around it.

This is common in parts of Bristol with tightly packed Victorian housing. Water-fed poles are well suited to narrow gaps since they need only a small footprint at ground level. Rope access can also work in courtyards provided there is a suitable anchor point above, such as a parapet or roof structure rated for the load. Each situation is assessed individually rather than assumed to be impossible.

Yes, though a small exclusion zone is usually marked out directly below any rope access work, similar to standard practice on any site with overhead activity. Water-fed pole work carries much lower risk to bystanders since no one is working at height above ground. Pets and children are best kept away from hoses and equipment simply to avoid trip hazards rather than any specific danger from the work itself.

Work is currently carried out across 7 districts in and around Bristol, including the central areas near North Street and surrounding residential neighbourhoods. If a property falls outside the usual coverage area, it is still worth asking — occasional jobs are taken further out depending on scheduling and travel time, particularly for larger commercial contracts.

If streaking or missed spots are noticed within 48 hours of a job, the affected windows are revisited at no extra charge. This is a practical arrangement rather than a formal guarantee of results, since outdoor conditions such as pollen, dust, or a sudden dry spell can affect how glass looks within a day or two of cleaning, and that is outside anyone's control.

Payment is due on completion for one-off jobs, typically by bank transfer or card. Recurring clients are usually invoiced monthly, with payment terms of 14 days. All prices quoted include VAT where applicable, and a written invoice is provided after every visit for both residential and commercial bookings.

Yes, and commercial contracts make up a meaningful share of ongoing work. Office buildings, shopfronts and mixed-use premises are scheduled on a fixed cycle agreed in advance, with a single point of contact for adjustments. A short site visit is arranged first to confirm access methods and agree working hours that avoid disrupting staff or customers.

A rough description of the building — number of storeys, approximate number of windows, and any known access restrictions such as a locked courtyard or a shared driveway — is enough to start. Photographs of the facade speed things up considerably and often allow a provisional price to be given by email before any site visit is arranged.

The contact page has a form along with the phone number and email address for the Bristol office at 114 North Street. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:30, and requests sent outside those hours are picked up the next working day. Most enquiries receive a reply within 3 hours during business hours, whether the question is about pricing, scheduling, or access methods described on this page. The full list of services is also available for reference before getting in touch.