[Rowley65]

Hi everyone

Im just starting out and need to buy some ladders. I initially considered a stright set of alloy 2x11ft and a pair of 3metre pointers for around town. Carrying both sets on a roof rack with quick release locks. However, Ramsey do a pair of pointers that extend to 17ft 6 and the top section is detachable. Is this a sensible option? I will be doing shop fronts and 4 bedroom houses.

Cheers

Mike

[Ian_Giles]

You say  you are just starting out, are you a complete newbie to window cleaning? Or do you come to it as an experienced window cleaner who has worked for someone else?
You have said you will be doing shop fronts and houses too, so is it an accurate assumption that you have bought, or are about to buy an existing round?



Have you looked into WFP? If you are doing commercial stuff you should consider it, as updated regs regards health & safety may affect you to a greater degree than if you were just doing domestic work.

But as to ladders, get an aluminium extention ladder, make sure it is a light trade one.
11ft extention is fine for standard houses, won't be long enough for a 3 storey house though, so at least consider a triple.
Also try to go for a ladder that has rungs that are flat when you stand on them, not square section or round section. It makes them far more comfortable to stand on.

A 3 metre pointer ladder is a biggy, I have 3 of them (but only cos I had others working for me in the past) two 8ft pointers and a 6ft one. (As against 2m or 3m)
The 6ft one is by far the most useful.

I've had extention pointers in the past too, they have their uses, but when they are well extended I would, in this current climate of health & safety issues, have grave doubts about their safety and stability.

Roof rack; make sure they are ladder bars as against a 'roof rack' (though I imagine you meant roof bars)
I'm sure you are now supposed to have the correct ladder clamps to hold your ladders in place.
But I still use a good pair of bungee's Naughty me, but in 21 years as a window cleaner 10 years running my own decorating business I have never, ever had a problem with them.
They are not what you should use of course, though I will continue to use them...... but I can't stand the ladder clamps.

A final thought; If you are assuming you will pick up lots of shop fronts, then unless you really are buying into an existing round, then think again!!! They are far and away the hardest and most heavily contested work to get into.

Best of luck

Ian

[Rowley65]

Hi Ian

Im completley new to window cleaning. I have done some sign cleaning for a company I used work for, but thats it. Ive just bin at it 1 week. I have not bought a round and intend to build it up slowley through droping flyers and word of mouth if i can. I did not even consider doing commercial properties but I have picked up 10 jobs this week. cafes bars etc. I have proberbly just been lucky. I have not undercut anybody and infact priced quite high. I do not want to tread on anybodys toes, but I have a living to make too. On my flyers it specifically asks, "do you have a window cleaner..if not call"...If someone says they have a window cleaner, I just walk away. Its only when they say "but I have not seen him in months" do I engage in business mode. I dont think I
can be fairer than that. I aim to run a professsional outfit.  I am proberby going to have a very steep learning curve.

Im borowing ladders and a some bars at the minit. Yes, I also wondered about the stability of pointer extensions.I just thought it might be more convenient, so I dont have to lug around too many pairs of ladders. I think I will take your advice. I have bin looking at the Thule roof bars. very nice but flippin expensive. your thoughts?

By the way, I could just drink that beer you have in your hand

Any other advice would be welcome as you seem to have bin in the trade a long time.

Thanks again  Mike

[windows_chepstow]

I have 3 of them (but only cos I had others working for me in the past) two 8ft pointers

Ian, I'll give you £40.00 for one of your 8 foot pointers!

[Crystal Cleaning Services]

Hi Rowley, Just a quick note to recommend the Thule roof bars. I know they are a bit on the pricey side, but they are well worth it. As an added bonus, you can also put locks on them to stop anyone trying to loosen or steal them. What part of the country are you working in??

[Ian_Giles]

Yep,
Thule do good roof bars, you won't go wrong with them, just make sure you get the correct clamps for the bars

If you can find an experienced window cleaner on this forum, who is within commuting distance, see if you can get him to let you spend a morning (free of charge  ) with him.
A good un' will be able to pass on loads of tips and help with technique and so on.

If your funds run to it, book yourself in to one of the courses that Craig Mawlem runs, for a complete Newbie this is a really, really good idea, there is an awful lot you can learn by doing so.

Here is a link that will give you more info.

http://www.iwcto.com/

Not expensive and only a day!


Tosh,

SOLD!

just let me know when you want it

Ian

[windows_chepstow]

Tosh,

SOLD!

just let me know when you want it

Ian

Ian,

You should have said £50.00! 

I'll pick 'em up Friday morning if that's ok; I'll visit you in the town centre - I think you do your weekly cleans then.

PM me your mobile; and I'll phone you on Fri morning.

Cheers!