If you’re 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. Though 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 will discover yourself on a ladder ultimately.

For the average residential window cleaner there are several basic size ladders to consider and some methods of maneuvering those ladders that may 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 least two and possibly three stories.

There are several size ladders on the market. Personally, i 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, that is as large as I would recommend for an individual. Anything over 28 should be handled by two people. A twenty eight is not light to maneuver with and use, nonetheless it will certainly build up muscle. The twenty eight is necessary for anyone who is considering three stories and will really be pushing the limits for the 3rd story.

The twenty four foot is perfect in the event that you only intend to clean two stories, and you may rarely find any challenges for reaching second story windows. The 24 is also about twenty five pounds lighter than the twenty eight. I really like how light the 24 is, but sometimes I wish I still had a twenty eight for all those tough windows that are just a little too high, taking me out of my safe place to clean them. When you are not used to windows I highly recommend getting the twenty eight though it is heavier. You don’t want to have your 24 fully extended with you standing on the top two rungs reaching for the very best of the window trying 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 forget about the ladder.

Now the reason why I don’t have the 24 and a 28 is my rack only holds two ladders and I also own a sixteen foot ladder. This ladder is so light it’s like heaven once you only have to utilize it. I wield it around with one arm. High Rise Window Cleaning Shooters Hill is the ladder you will take inside the home quite often for those vaulted ceilings with second story windows. Although, sometimes you will need to take in the twenty four, which is better then taking in a twenty eight. Also the sixteen may also be just the right size on certain situations externally, where the twenty four is to tall.

The last ladder may be the step ladder which is three to four feet tall. This is handy if you don’t use the pole a whole lot. I like to be right up on the window where I can 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 after you have it down.

With regards 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 a supplementary foot or so to utilize. You can purchase ladder levelers and attach them to the ladder or purchase a ladder using them already built in. I don’t think the built in ones are as nice or are well. I also choose the ones that have round feet at the bottom as opposed to 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 it come to maneuvering the ladder there is one very important technique that I learned. After 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 from the wall so it’s straight up and down. Then stand up against the side of the ladder with it in front of you. Next place your strong arm straight up without 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 an excellent grip push directly in the air so 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 even use your body against the ladder to greatly help balance it. Now simply walk with your ladder to the next window.

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