Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: fullers cleaners on April 12, 2008, 09:42:08 am
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I have recently obtained job, which will also involve cleaning one window @ 75ft I would like advice on best pole for job. my other work does not exceed forty feet ,so if I buy a pole I would wish it to be adaptible for this work as well. All advice gratefully accepted Many thanks Kieron :)
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/emporiumpoles/2211407597/in/set-72157603244192910/
http://www.emporiumpoles.co.uk/?aboutus
Try these have never used them myself but they look good
Their is also the sl2 from gardiners
Dean
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could not reccomend the sl2 more. but the biggest is 60ft and i think you can add to it, but they dont reccomend it.
but for lightness and rigiditity if thats a word this has to be the best pole, easy to errect, and easy to bring it down
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many thanks for swift reply I like the sound of the Sl2 has anyone got experience of adding on bearing in mind it will only be this height for one large window
Kieron ::)
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can you get to the top of the building because at that height i think you have to tie it off, that coming down is gonna cause some damage.
when mines fully out its strong and sturdy and soooooo light
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no that is not a option although the site is reasonably sheltered and for obvious reasons would be done on a calm day. Do you think adding three more sections would be a problem.What hieght have you used yours at
kieron
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is there no chance it can be cleaned from the inside ?
just seems a lot of expense for 1 window
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no chance but it is part of a good contract
8)
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have you seen alexs pics? thats at 60 ft
one sec ill look
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here you go
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=52383.0
theres someone else working at that height but i cant remember who
do a search
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In another recent post Alex said that some of his customers use theirs at 75ft. I use the Emporium at 80-88ft
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thanks for the link I will rind Alex s office next week Jeff do you put your pole up and down on your own, and is the water feed similar to the SL2 going up the middle of pole rather that a exterior hose
kieron
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Both poles need outside the pole supply, I use Algarde Silicon or Raindrip 1/4" hose. Simply spin the pole to wrap it tidily round the pole.
Yes I work by myself, but please be warned 75ft is extreme height, you should get some experience and possible a Banksman etc.
Please also get some string out and accurately measure the height vertically to the ground, a guess may cost you money for an un-needed extension.
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i think if your work is normally about 40 foot, your in for the fright of your life at 60 let alone 75,
advice on the pole is important but i would recommend some experience at 60 foot first before attempting that height, its got nothing to do with strength.
regards
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thanks for the link I will rind Alex s office next week Jeff do you put your pole up and down on your own, and is the water feed similar to the SL2 going up the middle of pole rather that a exterior hose
kieron
There out of stock of SL2 for well into next month (spoke with them on the phone yesturday)
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many thanks for advice i have had a friend of mine put his 60 ft up and estimated from there i will also bring someone on my first few times of doing job I know it will be a tougher job when at forty ft involving thought rather than brawn though both are available but would appreciate tips on putting up and taking down of pole and any difference in cleaning techniques
many thanks Kieron ;)
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Was your mates a 60ft telescopic or modular ?
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sorry for delayed reply but it was telescopic
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I have recently obtained job, which will also involve cleaning one window @ 75ft I would like advice on best pole for job. my other work does not exceed forty feet ,so if I buy a pole I would wish it to be adaptible for this work as well. All advice gratefully accepted Many thanks Kieron :)
Presumably there are other windows below it and on the rest of the site. What many miss is that doing that one window gets you the whole contract.
Ok well best I can do without pics etc. Do the 75ft on the job last (but after you have had experience) and work downwards to the ones below on that section. I assemble mine by holding in one hand at 5ft and fitting the next pole into the base. But at that height "plate balancing" skills are required. So For the high stuff take an assistant to steady the pole while assembling, he would have to stand on a box or be quite tall and hold the pole in both hands inbetween you fitting the extension sections and also hand you each section, Its a two man thing. I can do it by myself but I suggest you use the extra man. If you dont have a roller brush use the back of the elbow to scrape the pole upwards then turn the brush over to work.
You will find that once up there the brush angles change as the pole becomes parallel with the wall which can be a problem so you may also find adjusting the adjustable elbow before you assemble better. You need a brush with good splay,which you angle the bristles slightly upwards and allow the upward movement of the pole to scrub and the downward one to rinse.
Once you get it up there Use the 2nd man to stand under the pole and help stop slide slip and assist in pushing the top of the pole outwards a bit.. Then drop off a section or two and do the windows below.
I agree with Tony, you are in for the fright of your life ;) it can be scary, take all safety precautions.
Its not exactly the way I would do it but its my best shot to suit you.
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Mant thanks Jeff, whats life without a bit of excitement,I will attempt said method once I have obtained elusive pole, I am due to clean this window next month, and yes there are two other windows direct below at 15ft intervals would you recomend a small gooseneck as they are set back about eight inches or will the natural angle take care of this
Kieron
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The goose necks can cause leverage problems. I find no goose neck is generally best as you have more control at height. But if you have recesses then you will need an adjustable elbow or - I suggest smallest is best you can find out how much you need by standing vertically underneath a lower window and seeing how much reach you need from a vertical pole. The bow of the pole will reduce to almost zero or parallel with the building at that height and may touch/rub the wall or cills 3-5ft ft below the window, a gooseneck elbow helps overcome this prob but... has limitations.
The compression and weight of the high pole on the joints will also work the joints together, I would wrap a couple of turns of plain pvc tape around the joints as a semi permanent "stop" others use silicon spray. Compression can cause wear and compaction stress fractures.
You should also diy or look for fitted tips and butt protectors to help protect your investement.
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Jeff
How would you calculate the height of a building? the method I use is, each floor are 10 feet high, I then times that by how many floors there are.
Also when working at 80' each and every month, which pole would you recommend the Emporium or SL2?
Also do you do any practical training at these heights?
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As good as method of assesment as any other but you cannot beat a ball of string or tape measure. Or counting brickwork.
I dont do 80ft every month. Have only held the sl2 not worked it.
Training is £500/day including my days labour. I suspect I am no different to you- but I know how to do it.
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many thanks Jeff Iwill post how I got on at a later date
Kind regards Kieron
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prevously there was a picture on here of someone poling at a massive height think 88ft can anyone give me link to this please.
Chris
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Not to worry found it
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=49014.0
Chris
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Hope you've priced it very well, because it's an experience cleaning at great height.
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Jeff
Ive just looked at the 83' building you cleaned, the one I have in mind has one more storey, and it also has 2 other floors that are under these 8 floors, apart from the sides, which makes the 2 side over 100'
Did you get any bend in the pole at the height you was working? would I get enough friction on the glass to clean it or would it be a wash clean?
You have not used a SL2 but you have seen one and felt it, which one if either feels the stronger, or in your opinion would not be up to a job, this high up on a regular basis.
Asos have you a time frame on how long it takes to clean at this height.
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SL2 i`ve had both poles and still have 1 of them,you can guess which 1 i still have.Guy`s i know use the SL2 at 75ft regularly and have no problems,it`s the strongest modular on the market it`s the only modular pole that`s been made for window cleaning.
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thanks everyone for your kind advice,I ordered pole, and await arrival. Looking forward to challenge,
Regards Kieron 8)