Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Ian Mason on February 11, 2009, 03:14:19 pm

Title: Small van roofrack ladder limit?
Post by: Ian Mason on February 11, 2009, 03:14:19 pm

Hi all,

I am hoping to start out soon as a traditional window cleaner, but have some questions regarding maximum ladder lengths & small vans.

Basically, can anyone advise me on the maximum length of a ladder, on top of a fiesta van?

I have been trawling through posts regarding ladder types & lengths, & think I shall opt for a double extension "A" ladder & Rojak anti slip device. I notice that many window cleaners advise using a closed 3.5mtr double extension ladder, however, I don`t intend to go any higher than 1st floor windows on my own,  so could I opt for a closed 3.0 mtr ladder or smaller instead?

I am just trying to weigh up the pro`s & cons, such as weight & legal lengths & so on.

Many thanks,

Ian.

Title: Re: Small van roofrack ladder limit?
Post by: chrisyg on February 11, 2009, 03:20:21 pm

dont bother with a rojak for a frames.. get some articulated ladder feet which have rubber enlarged feet to stabilise and prevent slip - besides the rojak will only get in your way.. the a frame you can use at angles against the property not directly 90 degrees on, so you give yourself a multitude of options.. and it also had a rubber block at the top which is a great gripper.

Good to see that someone is investing in a quality set of ladders.. yes they are expensive, but they will make you much faster, then using regular ladders.

If your that fussed about stabilising after that, get some ladder limpets - that reminds me i must order mine!  ::)

http://www.laddatec.com/index.htm

Title: Re: Small van roofrack ladder limit?
Post by: Ian Mason on February 11, 2009, 08:36:26 pm

Hi again,

Thank you both for the replies!

I shall certainly invest in a pair of these articulated feet, & those ladder limpets look like a reassuring investment aswell.

Thanks again,

Ian.

Title: Re: Small van roofrack ladder limit?
Post by: Mr.G on February 11, 2009, 08:39:04 pm

you'll find some windows that can only be cleaned with the ladder ABOVE the window so the extra .5 metre could be useful.

Title: Re: Small van roofrack ladder limit?
Post by: Ian Mason on February 11, 2009, 11:41:34 pm

Quote from: Stan The Man on February 11, 2009, 10:45:43 pm

Quote from: Ian75n on February 11, 2009, 08:36:26 pm

Hi again,

Thank you both for the replies!

I shall certainly invest in a pair of these articulated feet, & those ladder limpets look like a reassuring investment aswell.

Thanks again,

Ian.

i wouldnt bother with the limpets,but a stand off comes in handy  ;D

Hi Stan,

This ladder is sure getting heavier, Lol.

I was having a look at these stand offs, as many of the houses in my area have a kind of small sloping roof that skirts the houses, but even with that attached, the ladder is likely to be at a silly angle, & I guess the only way around this would to use a pole.

Thanks again.