Cleaning hard to reach windows

[Smurf]

The general idea is to try and think of ways to reduce the risk of awkward jobs as mentioned already by the op. That means you don't need to use ladders at all if you don't want too as you could even use a trad pole or if you wanted lean out of the windows upstairs too or better still just go tile walking which alot of old school trad (numpties) still do. Alternatively just leave awkward windows out.

Unfortunately many old school trad cleaners seem brain dead and will tackle any window no matter how hard it is to get at.

[media]

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[rugbywolf]

The general idea is to try and think of ways to reduce the risk of awkward jobs as mentioned already by the op. That means you don't need to use ladders at all if you don't want too as you could even use a trad pole or if you wanted lean out of the windows upstairs too or better still just go tile walking which alot of old school trad (numpties) still do. Alternatively just leave awkward windows out.
Unfortunately many old school trad cleaners seem brain dead and will tackle any window no matter how hard it is to get at.

[media]

I accept that.

 

[kev]

Hi guysIm thinking of starting my own window cleaning business, I've done my research from technique, canvassing and equipment, but the only thing I'm struggling to find information on is cleaning windows on the first floor with a roof below (as in image) would it be best to clean from the ground with an extention pole or from ladders with pole, also how would you go about wiping the frame and sills on these types of windows? I want customers to look at their window and be pleased and not just think I've done half a job

Also any tips and tricks for newbies to window cleaning would be appreciated

Thank you

Personally i would put the ladder between the windows and reach over, but i'm also thinking put the ladder up the side and stand on the roof and clean the windows, it looks easy enough as long as it's not wet and slippy

 

[kev]

Hi guysIm thinking of starting my own window cleaning business, I've done my research from technique, canvassing and equipment, but the only thing I'm struggling to find information on is cleaning windows on the first floor with a roof below (as in image) would it be best to clean from the ground with an extention pole or from ladders with pole, also how would you go about wiping the frame and sills on these types of windows? I want customers to look at their window and be pleased and not just think I've done half a job

Also any tips and tricks for newbies to window cleaning would be appreciated

Thank you

Hi guysIm thinking of starting my own window cleaning business, I've done my research from technique, canvassing and equipment, but the only thing I'm struggling to find information on is cleaning windows on the first floor with a roof below (as in image) would it be best to clean from the ground with an extention pole or from ladders with pole, also how would you go about wiping the frame and sills on these types of windows? I want customers to look at their window and be pleased and not just think I've done half a job

Also any tips and tricks for newbies to window cleaning would be appreciated

Thank you

Whatever you do dont put the ladders on the guttering above the windows. I doubt you could reach them that way anyway

 

[kev]

Resting ladders on fascias can and do give way for sure @daveyboy1. Also only a numpty would rest a ladder on guttering too.

Putting it on the fascia is unneccesary and will only make the job more dangerous and harder to do, having to stretch too far. A ladder needs to be solid with nowhere to go

 

[kev]

The general idea is to try and think of ways to reduce the risk of awkward jobs as mentioned already by the op. That means you don't need to use ladders at all if you don't want too as you could even use a trad pole or if you wanted lean out of the windows upstairs too or better still just go tile walking which alot of old school trad (numpties) still do. Alternatively just leave awkward windows out.
Unfortunately many old school trad cleaners seem brain dead and will tackle any window no matter how hard it is to get at.

[media]

Absolute ffn idiots lol it beggers belief that there is actually people that are that stupid out there

 

[Smurf]

Well they needed to get to those windows at all cost so it seems above that pitched roof so to earn themselves an extra £2 at a £1 a window /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[kev]

Well they needed to get to those windows at all cost so it seems above that pitched roof so to earn themselves an extra £2 at a £1 a window /emoticons/biggrin.png

I've always said no amount of money is worth your life lol i wouldn't do any of they windows for £100. I dont do third floor on a ladder it is too dangerous

 

[Smurf]

That's the problem as some will get around things one way or another just to earn a couple of squid. Humans are great problem solvers don't you know

 

[rugbywolf]

Personally i would put the ladder between the windows and reach over, but i'm also thinking put the ladder up the side and stand on the roof and clean the windows, it looks easy enough as long as it's not wet and slippy

If you are tall then you should be able to reach, I don't stand on a roof unless I had to.

 

[kev]

If you are tall then you should be able to reach, I don't stand on a roof unless I had to.

As long as your not going to damage the roof it's all about getting the job done quickly and safely as possible. If it was me i'd put the ladder up the side and jump onto the roof. Would take about 3 minutes. Job done. Would take longer to put the ladder in the middle, but it's always an option. As long as your ladder is dug into the ground it wont go anywhere, always jump on the first rung to dig the ladder into the ground properly and it gives you a mental note that it is safe. All these things build confidence and means you can work faster

 

[rugbywolf]

As long as your not going to damage the roof it's all about getting the job done quickly and safely as possible. If it was me i'd put the ladder up the side and jump onto the roof. Would take about 3 minutes. Job done. Would take longer to put the ladder in the middle, but it's always an option. As long as your ladder is dug into the ground it wont go anywhere, always jump on the first rung to dig the ladder into the ground properly and it gives you a mental note that it is safe. All these things build confidence and means you can work faster

I used to jump on the first ladder like you say, until one day it broke off. So I don't do that any more. I'm not afraid of sloping roofs, I have a whole road with every house having one, and why would it take longer to put the ladder in the middle, you're putting it nearly the same height. From standing on the ladder in the middle you can reach both (even if you have to put one foot one the roof), so it's got to be a better option. and, although I do it myself sometimes, I try to avoid sticking the ladder down into the ground as some customers don't like it.

 

[kev]

I used to jump on the first ladder like you say, until one day it broke off. So I don't do that any more. I'm not afraid of sloping roofs, I have a whole road with every house having one, and why would it take longer to put the ladder in the middle, you're putting it nearly the same height. From standing on the ladder in the middle you can reach both (even if you have to put one foot one the roof), so it's got to be a better option. and, although I do it myself sometimes, I try to avoid sticking the ladder down into the ground as some customers don't like it.

every situations different mate, putting the ladder in the middle is a good as any, i do a load of houses that way because i cant reach from the roof. But from a speed point if view i'd do it from the roof it is just quicker

 

[Mart1001]

You've only got to look at the houses further down the road to see there's no angle there for a ladder, if the windows were further apart, then maybe with a standoff but other than that, Harris pole fitted with an angle adaptor and a zero degree squeegee will do the job just fine.

It's not quite as thorough as a ladder, but then nothing is in my opinion.

Attaching a scrim to the end of the pole afterwards using a plastic G clamp will allow you to still wipe the frames and sills to at least some sort of standard. You have to be clear with the customer from the get go, explain it's a problem window but you'll still do the best job you can. They are normally thankful that you'll be tackling it as the response I often get is "oh, I didn't think you'd be able to do that one".

Mart.

 

[rugbywolf]

You've only got to look at the houses further down the road to see there's no angle there for a ladder, if the windows were further apart, then maybe with a standoff but other than that, Harris pole fitted with an angle adaptor and a zero degree squeegee will do the job just fine.It's not quite as thorough as a ladder, but then nothing is in my opinion.

Attaching a scrim to the end of the pole afterwards using a plastic G clamp will allow you to still wipe the frames and sills to at least some sort of standard. You have to be clear with the customer from the get go, explain it's a problem window but you'll still do the best job you can. They are normally thankful that you'll be tackling it as the response I often get is "oh, I didn't think you'd be able to do that one".

Mart.

Well mart, you are right, I hadn't noticed the houses further up the road. So if it was me I still think that you can put the ladder between, but snuck it right up under the gutter. Failing that, I personally, providing the lower gutters over the bays are good, put the ladder on them and cock one leg onto the roof and lean over, I think I should be able to reach then.

 

[Mart1001]

Well mart, you are right, I hadn't noticed the houses further up the road. So if it was me I still think that you can put the ladder between, but snuck it right up under the gutter. Failing that, I personally, providing the lower gutters over the bays are good, put the ladder on them and cock one leg onto the roof and lean over, I think I should be able to reach then.

Yea sorry bud...didn't mean to sound high n mighty lol. I mean, even with a photo, you can never really tell until you're actually there and maybe the ladder on the facia just under the guttering with ladder mits attached may be the way I would actually go. These houses seem to have the lower roof sticking out a little more than normal so this is just an example and you can usually hook up between the windows as you say. But failing anything else and never taking risk's as a general rule of thumb, I'd recommend my Harris pole /emoticons/smile.png

This is why I love trad....I love a good puzzle /emoticons/smile.png

 

[Dave B]

If in doubt pole it is my motto nowadays

 

[DCCleaner]

Asked this in another thread, other than tile walking and gutter vacs what's the safest option for cleaning the gutters in the corners etc over these doorways, I tile walked today and the fine sandy gravel moving about beneath my feet made for brown underpants material, won't be doing it again.

 

[Dave B]

Smurf would be the best one to ask

Maybe harris pole with pro gutter tool on the end

If you're not comfortable on a roof don't get on it

I am an ex roofer but not everyone has the same degree of competence

Not worth the risk for a few quid

 

[DCCleaner]

Smurf would be the best one to askMaybe harris pole with pro gutter tool on the end

If you're not comfortable on a roof don't get on it

I am an ex roofer but not everyone has the same degree of competence

Not worth the risk for a few quid

The problem is getting the right configuration of angles to get the gutter tool into the gutter, was hoping somebody would know how to set it up mate, cheers