Window Cleaning Ladder Basics

If you are afraid of heights, then window cleaning may be the job for you! There is no better way to overcome your concern with heights then being up on a ladder every day. Unfortunately window cleaning does demand ladder work, even if you clean windows with a water fed pole. Although it can be worse, you could be a higher rise window cleaner scaling down several stories with ropes or cranes. Unless you clean single story only, you can find yourself on a ladder sooner or later.

For the average residential window cleaner there are several basic size ladders to consider and some methods of maneuvering those ladders that can save you time and energy. I clean two story homes and on occasion three story. So I will be directing my comments for window cleaners who plan to go at least two and possibly three stories.

There are some size ladders out there. I personally own a sixteen foot and a 24 foot ladder, and also a step ladder. When I first started window cleaning I owned a 28 foot ladder, which is as large as I would recommend for an individual. Anything over 28 should really be handled by two different people. A twenty eight is not light to maneuver with and use, nonetheless it will certainly build muscle. The twenty eight is necessary if you are considering three stories and can really be pushing the limits for the 3rd story.

The twenty four foot is perfect if you only plan to clean two stories, and you may rarely find any challenges for reaching second story windows. The twenty four is also about 25 pounds lighter compared to the twenty eight. I really like how light the twenty four is, but sometimes I wish I still had a 28 for all those tough windows that are just a little too much, taking me out of my comfort zone to clean them. For anyone who is not used to windows I recommend getting the twenty eight even though it is heavier. You do not want your 24 fully extended with you sitting on the very best two rungs reaching for the top of the window attempting to clean, squeegee and detail the window on a hot windy day. Talk about scary, it's scary enough with the proper size ladder when you initially begin, just reaching for your washing wand and squeegee not attempting to let go of the ladder.


Now the reason I don't possess the twenty four and a twenty eight is my rack only holds two ladders and I also own a sixteen foot ladder. High Rise Window Cleaning Manchester is so light it's like heaven when you only have to use it. I wield it around with one arm. The sixteen may be the ladder you will take in the home quite often for all those vaulted ceilings with second story windows. Although, sometimes you should take in the twenty four, that is better then taking in a twenty eight. Also the sixteen may also be the ideal size on certain situations externally, where the twenty four is to tall.

The last ladder is the step ladder that is 3 to 4 feet tall. This is handy unless you use the pole a lot. I love to be right up on the window where I could see everything on the window, this way I don't miss any spots and it's a shorter distance for possible dripping inside the home. I believe the pole method is faster however when you have it down.

When it comes to the larger ladders there is something you must have and that is ladder levelers. Ladder levelers permits you to set the ladder through to uneven terrain. They give you about an extra foot or so to utilize. You can buy ladder levelers and attach them to the ladder or purchase a ladder using them already built-in. I don't believe the built in ones are as nice or are well. I also choose the ones which have round feet at the bottom instead of the square kind. Since we are talking accessories additionally you want to buy ladder mitts for the tops and that means you don't scratch up the walls.

When it come to maneuvering the ladder there is one essential technique that I learned. Once you have your ladder up right, don't take it back down unless you have too! When you move the ladder to another window, move it upright. The way to do this is to pull the ladder from the wall so it is straight up and down. Then operate contrary to the side of the ladder with it in front of you. Next place your strong arm directly without a full extension but near fully extended and grab the nearest rung. Grab with your other hand the nearest rung that is about waist high. Now with a good grip push straight up in the air which means that your strong arm is fully extended and lock your arm. Use your lower arm to greatly help hold and balance the ladder. Also you can use your body against the ladder to help balance it. Now simply walk with your ladder to another window.

This straight arm technique can save you time and energy. Make sure you look at your way above you and in front of you before you lift the ladder and begin walking. You don't want to hit trees, a satellite dish, the house or anything for that matter. This may cause the ladder to fall over and destroy property, thus ruining your entire day! I would recommend practicing with the sixteen first.

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Pub: 22 Feb 2024 12:17 UTC
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