[steve@kleervue]

Hi Everyone,

I need some urgent help with cleaning windows over dormer roofs. Im quite new to the window cleaning world and came across a dormer roof today where the tiles were just a little too steep to walk on.  Trying to get the ladder in a safe position to effectively clean the window was a nightmare and I made a right mess of it!!!

Even worse i've got a couple more tomorrow morning, where either the tiles are too thin to walk on or too steep to walk on.

I will be checking the site regularly this evening, so any tips or advice would be a massive massive help and might just save me from losing the customers.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Steve

[Dominic]

Hi

I normally extend ladders so they rest on sill which means they will probably be at nearly full stretch and at a really dodgy angle then I get my partner to foot them at the bottom. Health and safety would have a field day if they saw us but I've been doing it like that for ten years now.

Alternatively can they be done from inside, if you work alone, without endangering yourself by leaning to far. Or if it's just one window just tell customer that it's against health and safety to attempt window like this and normally they are o.k with this.

Hopefully I'll be doing windows like this with water fed pole when I get used to my system because , correct me if I'm wrong experienced users, but this has got to be the easiest and safest method to do this type of window.

p.s I wouldn't bother attempting my first suggestion as 1 it's dangerous and 2 it's probably illegal with the new legislation, especially if you work alone.

cheers

Dom

[Mike_G]

If your ladder can reach you might be able to put it above the window (onto gutter or soffit) less of an angle than putting on to the sill, but still dodgy.

[windows_chepstow]

I've a few houses with dormer windows, but I won't even attempt to clean them.  They're all set back, well into the roof, and just don't look safe.

Personally, if it doesn't look or feel safe; I wouldn't even consider doing them, as broken legs would seriously hamper my income!

I'd just explain to the customer that they'd be dangerous to do and until I get my WFP system up and running; they'll have to remain dirty.

Be carfull!

[steve@kleervue]

Thanks for your advice everyone, was thinking bout doing them from inside if customer is in and ok with that, or how bout running the ladder up past the window and over the dormer roof to the side of the window using a stand off?? Not sure if it would work?

what do ya think? its just that i dont want to let my customers down if I can help it as still trying to build up a round and a name for myself.

Thanks in advance once again everyone.

Steve

[windows_chepstow]

i dont want to let my customers down if I can help it as still trying to build up a round and a name for myself.

Just because you won't clean a window because it puts your personal safety at risk does not mean you're letting a customer down.  If your customer is even a half-decent type, the last thing they'd want is their new window cleaner having an accident and killing himself; attempting to get a peice of glass clean.

Try the stand-off.  Try also a Rojak Ladder Stopper (£30 plus vat). 

Personally I wouldn't attempt the window from the inside; as I find inside jobs like this a pain to do.  You'd be making a rod for your own back.  But that's just my opinion.  When the winter comes; your feet are muddy and you've ten layers of clothing on; the last thing you want to do is mess about with protective overshoes and removing belt kits and clothes.

Anyway, most window cleaners take risks when they're starting up; like I did; because I/we didn't know any better.

But you don't and shouldn't have to.  If it's not safe; just don't do it.

[brett walker]

  steve   have you tried using a pole?  i sometimes use a 4 ft pole which extends to 8 ft , you can get the poles in different sizes .  if you put the ladder against the part of the roof that sticks out stand on ladder put applicator on the end of pole and soap window then put your blade on pole and blade vertical .  this methord wont clean them perfect but if you explain to the customer im sure they will understand you are doing your best to clean the awkward window           brett

[gaza]

ifIT LOOKS DODGY IT IS DODGY: if you have to go on slates my advice is dont clean it. your a long time dead.

 GAZA

[Simon Carter]

Having switched from squeeging to water fed pole, I sometimes look at windows I once would have attempted with a ladder & think to myself that I must have been mad.
Seriously, there is no danger money in this job. The first thing you will know is when you're on the floor growning. Use your time more wisely & go look for another customer without this aspect. Alternatively, agree to leave out dangerous windows, or invest in a pole.

[wash & go window cleaners]

hi
       I FELL OFF MY LADDER DOING A DORMA WINDOW. BUT AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT I FELL INTO A FLOWER BED AND CAME AWAY BRUISED AND SORE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.

I ONLY CHARGED £9.00 FOR THE HOUSE THIS MADE ME THINK (MY GOD I COULD HAVE BROKEN MY BACK FOR LESS THAN A TENNER)

NOW I USE WFP. IF FOR SOME REASON ICAN'T USE WFP I JUST EXPLAIN TO THE CUSTOMER THAT I WILL NOT DO ANY WINDOW THAT LOOKS TO RISKY. I JUST FANCY STICKING AROUND FOR A FEW MORE YEARS.

[pjulk]

You may be able to get to it using a standard pole with the normal window cleaning tools.
This was how i used to get them.
If you need it by tomorrow your best bet would be to pop down to B&Q as they sell extendible poles might not be as good as a proper window cleaning pole but should do the job.

Just remember though if its hot use plenty of water on your applicator or it will be dry by the time to go to squeegie it off
Paul

[rosskesava]

I had a scary moment once while using a pole up a ladder.

I dropped it and by instinct reached sideways to catch it and very nearly went sideways off the ladder which was 2 extensions up with me daftly and idiotically on the second rung down. I'm sure I left scatches down the glass as I tried to grip it with my nails.

Since that day I'll only ever use a pole from the ground as sometimes our reflexes just act before we can think.

I think safety comes first and if I can reach the window/dormer ok then I'll do it or if it can be done from the ground with a pole then likewise but anything else - forget it.

Most customers undstand if myself or one of the others thinks it too risky.

Cheers

Ross

[s.hughes]

At the moment I would use the ladder stretched out but footed by a ladderstopper which is h&s approved. I have never slipped with this and feel really safe using it.
That is until I get my wfp system, even then on a first clean I would prefer to clean them traditional style. But thats me.

Steveyboy

[dai]

I have used my car as a ladder stopper in the past, some windows are above drives that slope away from the house. I have allways had a big stabliser bar attached to the bottom of my ladder and I jam this behind a wheel.
Not for long though, I'm switching to WFP. Dai

[Paul Coleman]

steve   have you tried using a pole?  i sometimes use a 4 ft pole which extends to 8 ft , you can get the poles in different sizes .  if you put the ladder against the part of the roof that sticks out stand on ladder put applicator on the end of pole and soap window then put your blade on pole and blade vertical .  this methord wont clean them perfect but if you explain to the customer im sure they will understand you are doing your best to clean the awkward window           brett

I have a standard "Plus 4" Unger pole.  Thet don't reach everything but it's been a life saver over the years (in more ways than one).
If it feels unsafe, DON'T do it.  You've nothing to prove.  If they want to see a tightrope walker, let them go to the circus.

[brett walker]

STEVE NOT SEEN YOU ONLINE FOR A WHILE SENT YOU A PM BUT THEY HAVE NOW BEEN REMOVED FROM THE FORUM USE EMAILS.  HOWS IT GOING WITH THE DORMA WINDOWS ?
                          BRETT