Chris-tal Clean

20/11/2024

20/11/2024

A few jobs so far

20/11/2024

Cleaning gutters, Soffit and fascia

Gutter cleaning uses high reach extendable poles fed with pure water to clean the outside of gutters, fascias and downpipes to remove dirt and green algae.

For stubborn stains, I also use a product called T.F.R. (Traffic Film Remover), which is applied with a long reach pole, brushed in, left to work for a short time and then washed off with pure water. It is a non-corstick version that can be used on all PVC films, windows and window frames, doors and verandas.

*Please note that some stubborn stains may require multiple applications of T.F.R. (this will be reflected in the price) and in some cases, if algae has been left for too long, permanent staining may remain on the guttering, fascias and soffits.

20/11/2024

Gutter vacuum system

How can blocked gutters cause damage to properties?

A gutter is blocked when rainwater can no longer drain away freely. If they continue to be blocked, the gutters will overflow. This leads to water damage and can cause a whole host of other problems.

Blocked gutters can cause long-term damage. Problems that arise can affect walls, cladding, windows and ceilings and potentially disturb the foundations, causing movement and subsidence. The interior of your home can also be affected, as water pe*******on can cause the growth of mold spores and moisture over time.

How are gutters cleaned?

I use a high performance gutter suction system with 3x 1000 watt motors. No ladders or scaffolding are required, which means minimal disruption to you, the customer. The gutter vacuum uses light weight Aerospace Aluminum poles and can reach even the most inaccessible areas, such as above conservatories and extensions.

When is the best time of year to clean guttering?

Autumn through to spring, but there is no specific time. More noticeably if there is plant growth showing or water is leaking from downpipes and connections. Scilly is unique in its location to beaches, but a lot of wind-blown sand collects on the roofs and is washed into the gutters, where it builds up due to the heavy material and eventually blocks the flow of water.

Regular checks are best to avoid build up of debry, especially if you have trees and your roof is prone to moss.

Why use a gutter vacuum and not do it by hand?

Using a gutter vacuum from the safety of the ground saves money as it's quicker and you do not have to climb ladders. This reduces the risks of working at height. Therefore, this is an effective solution to the traditional methods.

The waste is collected in the drum of the gutter vacuum and composted as it is mostly organic waste.

How often?

Regular cleaning saves time and money, and as winds are frequent on Scilly, even in summer, it's a good idea to keep on top of it. Depending on where your property is located, e.g. near trees or beaches, more frequent cleaning may be required

Gutter surveying

I have an attachment for a camera at the end of the gutter vacuum cleaner. This allows me to look inside the gutters and check for damage, debris and blockages. It's a Wi-Fi system connected to a portable screen on the ground. I also use it to check that all debris has been removed after cleaning.

20/11/2024

Window cleaning

What are the costs? Pole v traditional

The van is equipped with a commercial water purification system and tank. This means I can produce as much pure 0.00 pms (parts per million) water as I want. There are lots of boreholes on Scilly and in the summer some of the water is produced by desalination. In order to wash windows without leaving streaks or dirt on the panes when drying, the water must first be filtered. Pure water dries without leaving droplet marks or streaks.

The good news is that in many cases this is not an expensive job and is cheaper than traditional methods (e.g. ladder and bucket).

I can give you free estimates because I know the islands and their different and sometimes unique properties well. This way I can assess any access issues and make sure everything you want is included in the estimate, so there are no hidden costs or surprises on the day.

Conservatories

When cleaning conservatories, I use pure water and long-handled brushes to remove dirt, sand, organic material and green algae from the roofs, windows and frames. Pure water dries without leaving drips or streaks.

20/11/2024

General information

Why is pure water used for window cleaning?

The water that comes out of your tap contains sediment and minerals. It is suitable for washing cars and drinking, but leaves streaks, debry and water spots when used to clean windows. Pure water naturally absorbs dirt, so when windows are cleaned and rinsed with pure water, it takes the dirt and algae with it. Windows and conservatories are left wet to dry naturally leaving a spotless, streak-free finish.

Why do window cleaners use water-fed poles instead of traditional methods?

- Safety: Water-fed poles allow the user to operate everything from the ground, virtually eliminating injury and property damage.

- Environmentally friendly: Pure water contains no chemicals, unlike traditional methods using soap and other cleaning products. This is especially good for pets, grass and flowers and the general environment.

- Versatility: Unlike ladders, water-fed poles can get into hard-to-reach places, which is not possible with conventional methods. As the pole is telescopic, you can reach Velux and roof windows. The frames are also cleaned, leaving a better overall appearance.

Water-fed poles are not just limited to window cleaning. They can be used for almost anything from soffits and fascias, conservatory roofs, Velux and roof windows, solar panels to commercial properties, signage and cladding.

Do you need to be at home when the cleaning is carried out?

No, I am able to do the work without your presence. I just need access around the property. An outside tap would be helpful but is not essential. For vacuum cleaning work on the guttering, I only need access to a socket