Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ > Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here we answer the most commonly asked questions about our services, scheduling, and payment options. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly.
General Questions
1. Do I need to be home when you provide the service?
No — in most cases you don’t need to be present. We’ll contact you beforehand to confirm access arrangements. If access requires an unlocked gate or specific instructions, please let us know in advance.
2. What services do you offer?
We provide a range of property maintenance services including window cleaning, gutter clearing, fascia & soffit cleaning, and pressure washing.
3. Do you clean in the rain or adverse weather?
Yes — for services like window cleaning, light rain doesn’t affect results, especially when using professional water-fed systems. In extreme weather (high winds, storms), we may need to reschedule for safety reasons.
4. How often should I have my property serviced?
Cleaning frequency depends on your property type and local conditions.
Many customers choose regular schedules but one-off visits are also available — just ask!
4 > 8 weeks for window cleaning
6 > 12 months for gutters
1 > 2 years for pressure washing drive ways
Service Details
5. Do you use ladders or high-reach equipment?
For safety and efficiency, many of our cleaning tasks use professional reach-and-wash systems or water-fed poles, allowing us to work from the ground up to 4 storeys (aprox 32 feet / 9.5m.
6. Will you clean frames, sills, and other exterior surfaces?
Yes — our standard window cleaning practice includes frames and sills as part of the complete finish (where included in the quoted service).
7. What if I’m not happy with the service?
We aim for your complete satisfaction. If you have any concerns about the quality of any work, please contact us within 48 hours and we’ll do our best to put it right. (See t&c's for our 48 hour window cleaning guarantee)
Scheduling & Access
8. How do I book a service?
You can book by phone, email, or via our online contact form. We’ll confirm the appointment details with you in advance. Please provide your mobile number where possible.
9. Can I choose a specific date/time?
We’ll do our best to accommodate your preferred schedule, subject to route planning and availability.
10. What happens if my access is restricted (e.g., locked gates)?
If access is needed and a gate or door is locked, we’ll ask you to leave a key, open the gate, or make other arrangements prior to the visit.
Payments & Pricing
11. What payment methods do you accept?
We offer several convenient payment options:
- Cash on the day
- Bank transfer
- Card payments via SumUp (card terminal on site or contactless, or payment link)
Just let us know your preference when booking.
12. When is payment due?
Payment is due upon completion of the service, unless other arrangements have been agreed in advance.
13. Do you require a contract or regular commitment?
No long-term contract is required. You can choose a one-off service or regular visits — it’s up to you.
14. Do you charge extra for additional services?
Any extra work beyond the agreed scope will be discussed and agreed with you before we start.
15. Pure water reach and Wash explained
What is a pure water reach and wash system?
A pure water reach and wash system is a modern method of window cleaning that allows windows to be cleaned from the safety of the ground using a long, lightweight pole.
The pole has a brush at the end and uses 100% pure water to clean the glass and frames. Because the water has had its minerals and impurities removed, it dries naturally without leaving the spots and marks that ordinary tap water can leave behind.
How does it work?
Pure water is pumped through the pole to a soft-bristled brush. The brush is used to gently agitate the glass and frames, while the pure water rinses away dirt and grime.
Once rinsed, the window is simply left to dry. As the water contains virtually no dissolved minerals, it can dry on the glass without leaving water spots or residue.
Why use pure water?
Ordinary tap water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When tap water dries on a window, these minerals can remain behind as spots or deposits.
Pure water has these impurities removed, allowing the water to evaporate cleanly and leave the glass looking clear and streak-free.
Can you clean the window frames as well as the glass?
Yes. One of the advantages of the reach and wash system is that we can clean both the glass and accessible window frames as part of the cleaning process.
This helps remove accumulated dirt, dust, cobwebs and other deposits from areas that can be difficult to reach using traditional methods.
Does the window need to be dried with a cloth?
No. Unlike traditional window cleaning, there is normally no need to wipe the glass dry.
The window is rinsed thoroughly with pure water and allowed to dry naturally. This means there is no need for ladders, squeegees or cloths on most windows.
Is it safe for my windows?
Yes. The system uses specially designed, soft window-cleaning brushes and pure water. The brush is suitable for cleaning glass and most standard window frames when used correctly.
As with any cleaning method, we take care around delicate surfaces, seals, vents and any areas that may require special attention.
How high can you reach?
The reach depends on the equipment and the property, but water-fed poles can clean windows at considerable height from the safety of the ground.
This makes the system particularly useful for upper-floor windows, conservatories, extensions and hard-to-reach areas.
Is reach and wash better than traditional window cleaning?
• It offers several advantages. It allows us to:
• Clean many windows without working from ladders.
• Reach upper-floor and difficult-to-access windows.
• Clean frames as well as glass.
• Reduce the need to work at height.
• Clean larger areas efficiently.
• Leave windows to dry naturally without wiping.
However, some windows or situations may still require an alternative cleaning method depending on their design, accessibility and condition.
Will my windows be spotless immediately after cleaning?
Most windows will dry clear, but occasionally a small amount of dirt or residue may become visible as the window dries, particularly if the glass has not been cleaned regularly.
This is more common with heavily soiled windows or glass that has accumulated deposits over a long period. Regular cleaning helps prevent this build-up and keeps windows looking their best.
Why might I see spots after the first clean?
If a window has been cleaned with tap water, contaminated equipment, or has accumulated deposits over time, the first pure-water clean may loosen existing dirt and mineral deposits.
We rinse thoroughly to minimise this, but a heavily soiled window may require more than one clean to achieve the best possible finish.
Does pure water damage plants or my garden?
Pure water itself does not contain the minerals found in ordinary tap water and is generally harmless to plants when used as part of normal window cleaning.
We nevertheless take care to minimise unnecessary water use and avoid causing disturbance to delicate plants, flowers and garden areas.
Why do we use the reach and wash system?
We use the pure water reach and wash system because it provides an efficient way of cleaning windows while allowing us to work safely from ground level wherever practical.
It is particularly well suited to modern properties and homes with windows that are difficult or unsafe to reach using traditional methods.
"Pure water + specialist equipment + the right technique = clean windows without the need to climb ladders wherever possible."
Safety & Insurance
16. Are you insured?
Yes — SB Property Maintenance is fully insured with public liability insurance for your peace of mind.
.