Preventing stone chips to patio and other windows is one of the greatest problems for Contractors. Strimmers, mowers and concrete breakers all causing stones and other hard detritus large and small, spinning off in the general direction of a sheet of glass are a major headache – and a drain on one’s wallet!
Having been on the receiving end of a complaint from a client who insisted that a stone chip to a patio window MUST have been damaged during landscaping works several months before as we were the only ones who had been working in the garden – ‘It only shows up now the sun shines on the glass’ – I decided to find a high profile solution. One that not only ensured that we were trying to prevent any possible damage, but were seen to be doing so.
Using a large, heavy duty cloth dust sheet, with two corners knotted to form pockets, and two extending poles (triple length Barco pole saw poles, affording twelve feet of fully adjustable length) the sheet is either tucked into the corners of the brickwork to the patio doors, or covering both upstairs and downstairs (ground and first floor on most houses) windows. This operation takes only a few minutes at most, and avoids any question of liability for damage.
Rather like the chimney sweep who takes great care about cleanliness, the fact that you are seen to take preventative action during your operations, whether it be a ten minute strimming exercise or full blown sledge hammers and Kangos, your client will not only appreciate your efforts, but also comment on your duty of care to their friends.