I Really Need Advice With This

Guy Blackmon

Roundtable Host 2009
OK, this is concrete dust/slurry that has dried on the windows. GC wants these windows cleaned to "Like New Condition". What do I use to help break down this dust without scratching the windows. I'm sure this will be a multi-step situation but I'm at a loss as to what process to use on the windows.
 

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I would call a real window pro like Chris at WCR.
 
I'm not Chris but I'll chime in.
I have had success with pure water only by spraying it on and letting it soak in and then gently brushing and rinsing. If that doesn't get it you will need Cement Off by Titan. It is made for that situation.
 
Lol. I just noticed my new user title.
Funny stuff!
Pressure Tek sales would be more accurate since I have sent way more sales to Bob over the years and got paid the exact same amount!
 
Hey Guy

What Thad posted is a great start. This is one of the most risky jobs you can take on as a window cleaner. There is a huge potential for scratched glass from the dried on cement, but also from fabricating debris.

The product that Thad mention above "cement off" will do the trick. You will want to carefully brush it on and let it dwell and break up the concrete. From the look of the pictures it seems like you have a mess on your hands. You will probably need a few gallons of the product, but more importantly time. Its going to labor intensive and slow moving. I would charge upwards of 5x times a regular cleaning price on something like this.

Before you start anything your absolutely going to need a scratch glass and damage waiver to protect yourself. You can get that waiver on this page: http://shopwindowcleaningresource.com/fabricating-debris

Its a free download, while you are there please also watch the videos about fabricating debris.

I notice we have Gary Mauer on this site now, Gary is a world class expert on the subject of scratched glass.. He may have some other tips for you. Good luck and give us a call if you need anything.
 
Guy, what about NMD-80 from Eaco-CHem. It is not supposed to etch glass, it is made to clean and break down new masonry smears, runs etc like shown there. I think it would be easier to x-jet, allow for some dwell time and rinse with a little pressure than scrub all of those windows. Not too mention the possibility of the glass scratches.......
I would call eacochem and send them the pics. They are very good to deal with.
Just my $0.02.
 
Good Luck Guy , look like good Advice here that you got. Some others Might chime in as Chris Mentioned above Gary has 20 Plus years with this sorta thing. I asked him to chime in.

This is Chris's Forum an residents usually , handle but since he's suggesting Gary I invited him.
 
Thanks Chris L. yea definitely a disclaimer here, that's first on the list before even bidding.

This is an old (Early to mid 1950's) building that's being renovated (Last one in this contract). They are upgrading several buildings on Ft. Bragg this year and we are Blessed to be the Company that is being called in for this and future work.
 
How much cement is there, really? Someone wrote on one of the windows with a fingertip - and it looks like screens are unaffected.

It looks like mostly dust. Clean that off with a waterfed pole brush before applying any chemicals - that way you won't waste so much of the chemical and application time.
For any remaining cement (that won't give way to the brush) you could use Cement-Off - which contains a very mild acid. Lots of dwell time and then scrape gently - and rinse thorougly.
You might consider a preliminary scrub and liberal rinse with tap water - save the pure water rinse for after you've done your chem work.
 
NMD-80 will etch the windows!! If left to dry. Restore one was designed for this situation. Works wonders on glass and no scrubbing.
 
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