Module 5 — Windows: Method Selection + Safety (Lesson)

This trade is hard work, but it’s not complicated forever. We’re going to keep it simple: protect first, run a repeatable process, and document everything. You don’t need perfect gear on Day 1 — you need good habits and a clear next step. If you’re unsure, you stop, test, and reset expectations before you touch the surface.

What you’re doing today

You’re learning how to choose the right window method without guessing — and how to keep windows, frames, screens, and customers safe.

Why this matters

Windows are reputation work.

A roof can look great from the street. A bad window job looks bad from the kitchen.

Tools & materials (minimum viable)

• Gloves + eye protection (minimum)
• Clean towels/rags (no lint)
• A basic traditional kit (bucket/mop/squeegee)
• Phone camera (Proof Pack)

If you’re using ladders:

• ladder + stabilizer (don’t overreach)

The non-negotiables

• No high-pressure blasting on glass, frames, seals, or screen enclosures.
• Diagnose first: soil + substrate + risk.
• Protect landscaping and manage runoff.

The method ladder (least aggressive → most involved)

1. Dry work (remove cobwebs/debris)
2. Traditional (scrub + squeegee)
3. WFP (pure water) when appropriate
4. Detailing (tracks/screens/add-ons)

Step-by-step: 60-second window diagnosis

1. Look for hard water / minerals.
2. Check for frame oxidation risk.
3. Note access risk (ladders/obstacles).
4. Decide your lane:
   • traditional
   • WFP
   • decline / set exception

Decision points (if X, do Y)

• If you see hard water staining:

  • don’t promise it comes out with a basic wash.

• If frames are chalky or transfer color:

  • oxidation risk (your rinse can pull it onto glass).

• If access is sketchy:

  • safety first; pick WFP if it reduces ladder work.

Common mistakes + fixes

• Mistake: treating every window as “standard glass.”

  • Fix: coatings/damage exist; diagnose first.

• Mistake: cleaning dirty screens then rinsing them onto clean glass.

  • Fix: screens are their own workflow.

What good looks like

• No streaks from inside view.
• Clean edges and corners.
• Customer knows what is included and what is excluded.

How to prove it (Proof Pack)

• before/after of a representative window set
• close-up of any exceptions (hard water, failed seal)

SOPs

• Traditional windows:
• Screens:
• Tracks:
• WFP:

Risk references

• Glass risk:
• Metals/fixtures risk:
• Hard water/minerals:

Do this next (assignment)

• Walk a house and label each window: easy / medium / high-risk.
• Choose method (traditional vs WFP) and write the one-sentence reason.

References

• Proof Pack SOP:
• Final Walk checklist:

Printables

• Operator Checklist Pack (truck copy):

Gear Box (Amazon)

(Insert the relevant Gear Box module for this lesson here.)

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