How do I get to this window?

Louis · May 10, 2019

Hi guys,

I'm very new to the game and was doing a first clean today, there was a window out the back that I just couldn't get to. I didn't want to put the ladder against the gutter and walk on a slanted, slate tiled roof.

I ended up not cleaning it and saying to the customer that I would come back with a different ladder next time!

How would you go about cleaning this window? (top left of house on the right). thanks

Davy G · May 10, 2019

Not easy. You could try and reach it from the ground at the right side of the extension, if your pole is long enough. ?

Part Timer · May 10, 2019

Can't see the access from the front or side, assuming ok then as @Davy G said, getting a swivel will make it easier. If you don't have plenty of room buy a very long gooseneck, you'll be able to do it from the front then. These are the type of windows where the extra flexibility of a CLX helps.

Master Jedi Alejandro · May 10, 2019

Swivel gooseneck others have reccomended is a good shout, makes the normal work easier. As for longer goosenecks, you need to way it up if it’s worth it. Discuss with customer. Most are fine with awkward windows being missed. Do both sides of it open? You could always trad it from inside. End of the day often best knocking off a pound or two and just not doing them to save strain on your body.

Iron Giant · May 10, 2019

Looks easy with a 22ft pole I have some similar and manage without issue

Pjj · May 10, 2019

Longer pole and do it from either side if you can stand there

Cookie · May 10, 2019

22 foot pole & if necessary stand on one of these just to get extra height:

Stevieboy · May 10, 2019

Or use a ladder like I have in my van. Stand it as an A frame near the double doors and reach straight over the top. Could reach it with 18 footer all day long. So handy.

Tony C · May 11, 2019

Louis said:
Hi guys,

I'm very new to the game and was doing a first clean today, there was a window out the back that I just couldn't get to. I didn't want to put the ladder against the gutter and walk on a slanted, slate tiled roof.

I ended up not cleaning it and saying to the customer that I would come back with a different ladder next time!

How would you go about cleaning this window? (top left of house on the right). thanks

View attachment 16419

Tony C · May 11, 2019

Hi Louis,

why not go the traditional route & ask the customer if u can do from the inside or maybe even hop out on to the flat roof,

saves spending unnecessary dosh or taking risks,

Stevieboy · May 11, 2019

Tony C said:
Hi Louis,

why not go the traditional route & ask the customer if u can do from the inside or maybe even hop out on to the flat roof,

saves spending unnecessary dosh or taking risks,

Yer because a ladder is unnecessary item to spend dosh on??? Try going inside walking through customers house coming back in with dirty shoes. Defo not the route to go down. Don’t be a penny pincher be professional.

Tony C · May 11, 2019

Stevieboy said:
Yer because a ladder is unnecessary item to spend dosh on??? Try going inside walking through customers house coming back in with dirty shoes. Defo not the route to go down. Don’t be a penny pincher be professional.

Thanks for that Steve in my experience you needn’t go outside you could do from inside, not being a penny pincher just stating the bleeding obvious!!!

Iron Giant · May 11, 2019

I maybe wrong but that roof looks like a Guardian roof, walking through clients houses because you don't have the tools to carry out a regular window cleaning service on a standard house is a no no and I've no doubt like most they will be at work.

wezza13 · May 11, 2019

I use the Extreme 35 and I'd stand as far to the right as I can and get it from the 45 degree angle. Get a lot of them like this

Tango · May 11, 2019

wezza13 said:
I use the Extreme 35 and I'd stand as far to the right as I can and get it from the 45 degree angle. Get a lot of them like this

How does your back cope with that? - I use the CLX27 and at full reach on the almost horizontal i was struggling. Back ain't quite been the same since lol. At 35ft I think it would tip me over!

wezza13 · May 11, 2019

Tango said:
How does your back cope with that? - I use the CLX27 and at full reach on the almost horizontal i was struggling. Back ain't quite been the same since lol. At 35ft I think it would tip me over!

The Extreme is really light. Don't get me wrong, they're awkward but more than doable ?

Doddy111 · May 12, 2019

On the subject of ladders I got myself some of these little giants and it’s an absolutely cracking bit of kit for getting over gates and getting to tricky windows. I think they normally retail at about £250-300 but I got mine from costco for £180.

I’d stand them up by the doors climb up and pole it.

Pjj · May 12, 2019

Yes they are very good we use them for the insides of conservatory’s but they are very heavy we have the 5 rung version with self levellers as we need the height in a steps configuration

dazmond · May 13, 2019

Louis said:
Hi guys,

I'm very new to the game and was doing a first clean today, there was a window out the back that I just couldn't get to. I didn't want to put the ladder against the gutter and walk on a slanted, slate tiled roof.

I ended up not cleaning it and saying to the customer that I would come back with a different ladder next time!

How would you go about cleaning this window? (top left of house on the right). thanks

View attachment 16419

those windows are easy to clean with a 25 ft pole,i have loads on some parts of my round(i use a SLX/xtreme hybrid pole with xtreme brush)

johnny bravo · May 16, 2019

I had one like this, they got a massive long kitchen extension. totally blocks bedroom window access by pole. could not be bothered using stepladder to balance on , I simply said I cannot reach bedrooms with pole.. end of, cant be assed with hassle as I would have to charge extra they would not be happy

cannot be bothered now with being mr nice guy, pleasing everyone. you get no thanks

Louis · May 22, 2019

cheers for replies everyone. I bought a Phoenix 35 and can now clean it by using the top of the roof to take some of the weight of the pole, when cleaning front on. My back could not handle tackling this from the side!

Welcome to the UK Window Cleaning Forums

Starting or own a window cleaning business? We're a network of window cleaners sharing advice, tips & experience. Rounds for sale & more. Join us today!

How do I get to this window?

Help Support WCF:

Active member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

New member

New member

Well-known member

New member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Active member

Similar threads

Log in