If you're afraid of heights, then window cleaning may be the job for you! There is no better solution to overcome your fear of 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. Though it can be worse, you could 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 sooner or later.
For your 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. So I will undoubtedly be directing my comments for window cleaners who intend to go at least two and possibly three stories.
There are some size ladders on the market. I personally own a sixteen foot and a twenty four 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 twenty eight should really be handled by two different people. A twenty eight is not light to go with and use, but it will certainly build muscle. The twenty eight is essential in case you are considering three stories and will really be pushing the limits for the 3rd story.
The 24 foot is perfect if you only intend to clean two stories, and you will rarely find any challenges for reaching second story windows. The 24 is also about 25 pounds lighter than the twenty eight. I really like how light the 24 is, but sometimes I wish I still had a 28 for 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 highly recommend getting the twenty eight though it is heavier. You do not want your 24 fully extended with you standing on the most notable two rungs reaching for the most notable of the window attempting to clean, squeegee and detail the window on a hot windy day. Discuss scary, it's scary enough with the proper size ladder when you first begin, just reaching for your washing wand and squeegee not attempting to let go of the ladder.
Now More helpful hints don't possess the 24 and a 28 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 utilize it. I wield it around with one arm. The sixteen may be the ladder you will take inside the home quite often for all those vaulted ceilings with second story windows. Although, sometimes you have to take in the 24, that is better then consuming a 28. Also the sixteen may also be the ideal size on certain situations externally, where the 24 is to tall.
The last ladder is the step ladder that is three to four feet tall. That is handy unless you use the pole a whole lot. I like to be right through to the window where I can see everything on the window, that way I don't miss any spots and it's also a shorter distance for possible dripping inside the home. I really believe the pole method is faster however when you have it down.
When it comes to the larger ladders there's something you'll want which is ladder levelers. Ladder levelers lets you set the ladder up on uneven terrain. You'll get about an extra foot or so to utilize. You can buy 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 work as well. Commercial Window Cleaning Northampton prefer 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 which means you don't scratch up the walls.
When it come to maneuvering the ladder there is one very important technique that I learned. Once you have your ladder up right, don't go on it back down unless you have too! Once you move the ladder to the next window, move it upright. The best way to do this is to pull the ladder away from the wall so it is directly and down. Then operate contrary to the side of the ladder with it before you. Next place your strong arm directly with out a full extension but close to fully extended and grab the nearest rung. Grab together with your other hand the nearest rung that's about waist high. Now with a good grip push directly 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. You can also 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 to look at your way above you and in front of you before you lift the ladder and commence walking. You don't desire to hit trees, a satellite dish, the home or anything for example. This can cause the ladder to fall over and destroy property, thus ruining your entire day! I would recommend practicing with the sixteen first.