Window Cleaning Ladder Basics
If you are afraid of heights, then window cleaning may be the job for you! There is absolutely 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 though you clean windows with a water fed pole. Although it can be worse, you will be a high rise window cleaner scaling down several stories with ropes or cranes. If you don't clean single story only, you will discover yourself on a ladder ultimately.
For the average residential window cleaner there are some basic size ladders to take into account and some ways of maneuvering those ladders that can save you hard work. I clean two story homes and on occasion three story. THEREFORE I will undoubtedly be directing my comments for window cleaners who plan to go at the very least two and perhaps three stories.
There are many 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 twenty eight foot ladder, which is as large when i would recommend for a single person. Anything over twenty eight should really be handled by two different people. A twenty eight isn't light to maneuver with and use, but it will certainly build muscle. The twenty eight is necessary when you are considering three stories and can really be pushing the limits for the 3rd story.
The 24 foot is perfect if you only plan to clean two stories, and you may rarely find any challenges for reaching second story windows. The 24 is also about 25 pounds lighter compared to the twenty eight. I love how light the 24 is, but sometimes I wish I still had a 28 for all those tough windows which are just a little too much, taking me out of my comfort zone to clean them. When you are not used to windows I recommend getting the twenty eight even though it is heavier. You don't want your twenty four fully extended with you sitting on the top two rungs reaching for the top of the window trying 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 the washing wand and squeegee not wanting to let go of the ladder.
Now the reason why I don't possess the 24 and a twenty eight is my rack only holds two ladders and I also own a sixteen foot ladder. This ladder is indeed 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 need to take in the 24, that is better then consuming a 28. Also the sixteen is sometimes just the right size on certain situations on the outside, where the 24 is to tall.
The last ladder may be the step ladder which is three to four feet tall. This is handy unless you use the pole a lot. I love to be right through to 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 once you have it down.
When it comes to the larger ladders there is something you must have which is ladder levelers. Ladder levelers allows you to set the ladder through to uneven terrain. You'll get about an extra foot or so to work with. You can purchase ladder levelers and attach them to the ladder or purchase a ladder with them already built in. I don't believe the built in ones are as nice or are well. I also choose the ones that have round feet in the bottom instead of the square kind. Since we have been talking accessories you also need it ladder mitts for the tops so you don't scratch up the walls.
When Commercial Window Cleaners Northampton come to maneuvering the ladder there's one very important technique that I learned. When you have your ladder up right, don't take it back down if you don't have too! When you move the ladder to the next window, move it upright. The best way to do this would be to pull the ladder away from the wall so it is straight up and down. Then stand up against the side of the ladder with it before you. Next place your strong arm straight up without a full extension but near fully extended and grab the nearest rung. Grab with your other hand the nearest rung that's 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 help hold and balance the ladder. You can also use your body contrary to the ladder to help balance it. Now simply walk together with your ladder to the next window.
This straight arm technique will save you time and energy. Be sure to look at your path above you and before you before you lift the ladder and begin walking. You do not desire to hit trees, a satellite dish, the home or anything for example. This may cause the ladder to fall over and destroy property, thus ruining your day! I would recommend practicing with the sixteen first.