How can I clean a 5 story building?

[ALWC]

Hello All!

I am looking for some ideas on how to clean a 5 story building.  It is a giant apartment complex that has just finished being built. However, where I am from there are only a select few buildings that are over 3 stories tall.  Most jobs I am able to clean with the aid of a 32 ft ladder. If not, I rent a lift.  In this case, there is no room for a lift to move around the building, and my ladder only reaches to the 3rd story.  I have considered buying the equipment to repel from the roof but I am new to that technique and the builder said there is no anchor point on the roof, which is flat.  Also, my poles only go up to 24 feet. It would be possible to reach the top floors by climbing to the top of the 32 ft ladder and then extending the pole the remainder of the way.  However, that seem dangerous and there are about 900 windows on the 4th and 5th stories. So that would take forever and only increase the chances of someone falling.  The windows also have specks of mortar and silicon on them that would require some care to clean off.   Also, the windows can't be removed.  They are a single sheet of glass.

So here are my main questions:

1. Does anyone have any suggestion on how they would approach a job like this?

2. Does anyone have any experience with repelling to clean windows that might have some suggestions on how to anchor to the roof?

3. Or is there a more simple solution that I am overlooking? 

Thanks

 

[CM Cleaning Services]

Hello All!
I am looking for some ideas on how to clean a 5 story building.  It is a giant apartment complex that has just finished being built. However, where I am from there are only a select few buildings that are over 3 stories tall.  Most jobs I am able to clean with the aid of a 32 ft ladder. If not, I rent a lift.  In this case, there is no room for a lift to move around the building, and my ladder only reaches to the 3rd story.  I have considered buying the equipment to repel from the roof but I am new to that technique and the builder said there is no anchor point on the roof, which is flat.  Also, my poles only go up to 24 feet. It would be possible to reach the top floors by climbing to the top of the 32 ft ladder and then extending the pole the remainder of the way.  However, that seem dangerous and there are about 900 windows on the 4th and 5th stories. So that would take forever and only increase the chances of someone falling.  The windows also have specks of mortar and silicon on them that would require some care to clean off.   Also, the windows can't be removed.  They are a single sheet of glass.
 
So here are my main questions:
1. Does anyone have any suggestion on how they would approach a job like this?
2. Does anyone have any experience with repelling to clean windows that might have some suggestions on how to anchor to the roof?
3. Or is there a more simple solution that I am overlooking? 
 
Thanks

1. Does anyone have any suggestion on how they would approach a job like this? - tell the contractor you require access if access can't be arranged you can't do it !!!! A reach a wash is never sufficient to do a first clean on a new build of any sort theres always glue residue , render splash , paint on the glass or frames somewhere.

2. Does anyone have any experience with repelling to clean windows that might have some suggestions on how to anchor to the roof? - Yes this could be possible but ONLY highly trained people could do it and no contractor will allow just anybody to anchor of a roof to clean windows its a special kinda job so not for everyday window cleaners

3. Or is there a more simple solution that I am overlooking? - if access cant be sorted as mentioned in point 1 and point 2 requires another person or company specially trained in rope access then to answer point 3 simply walk away and sorry sir cant help you on this occasion but thanks for the offer.


Sent using the Window Cleaning Forums mobile app

 

[scottish cleaning service]

you would need to hire a cherry picker for first clean. After that, just use a large wfp which can reach 60 to 70 feet now. Before I did the first clean, I would need to know that I was getting the monthly contract to clean it or I wouldn't do the first clean. It sounds like a herculean task you have came across! Good luck.

 

[albootyerbaws]

no chance trying to control  a pole on a ladder.

 

[Jimbo]

I would just give it a miss, sounds like too much ******* about.

Sent using the Window Cleaning Forums mobile app

 

[Nudel]

Pole work from a ladder at that height? Mental...

If they want it done they should supply you with a lift type on the sides where it can be used, and build scaffolding for the rest.

If not, hire a specialist company to do the first rappel clean, and get some proper poles to do the maintenance cleans yourself afterwards.

 

[phillip]

Hi

This is what I speacilize in. There has never been a job I could not do.

There has been jobs where developers have not left enough in the budget to carry out the job safely.

These jobs I walk away from.

Where are you in the country ?

 

[pieman]

The first clean should have been done by hand while the scaffold was still in place . Then my suggestion would be to buy a bigger pole as trying to reach off the top of a ladder with a pole . Forget it you would be thrown straight off site . The main contractor has obviously dropped a *******


Sent from my iPhone using Window Cleaning Forums