[jonnyald]

obviously i cant see the sills . but most of these high up windows iv done using the ladders previously and i know they arent covered in leaves . if you ever try using a wagtail flipper you  can see its potential , on a high pole i tend to use the 14 inch wagtail as its easier to flip up there . ive never had a problem wiping the frames and the sills .  i currently use a 18 inch flipper  as my main everyday squeegee and its ace 

[jonnyald]

The only problem is getting over sills on higher windows, and I haven't found a good angle adapter yet, the under one just comes loose on you, so it is really only be good for first floor work.

 id say go get a wagtail angle arm, theyre cheap enuf .   i have 2 of them float around in my bucket , im forever picking one or other up to  jam it on a pole  ,and now n then ive used the 2 together as well

[TonyD]

Thanks for the views there, obviously a split view on whether or not it can be done.  I might give it a try as Jonnyald seems to do ok with this method.  Sounds like a lot of practice and checking for a while to get perfect results but probably worth it if the technique can be mastered due to the hugely reduced ladder risk.  Could be a great bonus skill for the times that placing a ladder is a bit tight/tricky too.
I'd think a clamped m/f to wipe the sill/detail would work fine so long as the sill was over wiped to make sure as it's not visible.

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

Really is a bad idea to try and trad with a pole.  It's ok on shop windows where you might only have a few foot of pole but when using 10 or more feet it nye on impossible.  I have a few jobs where I have to but fortunately these are commercial and nobody will ever look at these windows, when I do the other side on a flat roof I can see all the mistakes I've made.  Certainly not recommended for domestics.

Simon.

[SteveAllan]

I have to agree with the wagtail users above. They are your best bet on a pole, they will allow you to fan the window thus leaving no marks (when you get used to it)
I have made the mods that wagga has done where the pad flips over the top instead of down, this is better for upper windows as you can see whats going on better, i use normal wagtail on ground floor. Also do the dogearing he has done and there is hardly any detailing to be done.

[dazmond]

hi sparrowteeth,some rubbish been spouted on here at times.YES U CAN USE EXTENSION POLES EFFECTIVELY ON 1ST AND SECOND FLOOR WINDOWS but it takes a lot of practice,it a little slower and u will have to get over fear of ladders cos u will always need them for access over gates and flat roofs etc.i use ladders mainly and poles for awkward and ALWAYS for second floor windows.i have lots of TRAD equipment and poles,vise versa,swivel squeegys etc.fixi clamp for scrim or microfibres.i use poles alot more during the winter months when its wet and slippy for ladders.why do u think they still sell them?u just need practice and the right techniques.why more cleaners dont use them is beyond me.they use them far more in the states.and u dont get soaked.i even rag the odd leaded/frosted window with damp scrim in clamp on pole if windows are done regularly and r fairly clean.NEVER had a complaint in 15 yrs.but majority i clean off ladders cos its quicker but if u work alone on wet/frosty days GET THE POLE OUT .


1. use good rubber on squeegy

2.use v.dry microfibre/scrim in clamp for detailing

3.use backflip/vise versa where possible

4.dont soap right to top edge unless v.dirty

5.cut in at the top edge and feather if downward strokes

6.have micro/scrim in clamp in pouch ready to swap quickly


dont have t mop too wet unless first time clean,hope this helps pal.best wishes.


also have a 4in scraper handy in case of stubborn bird muck/paint etc to pop on end of pole when needed

[TonyD]

Thanks for all replies, I'm much better on the ladder now, just took my first 10 or so cleans till I got used to the strangeness of working up there.  I'll still be practicing with a pole though, as mentioned above could be a godsend on icy ground in the winter.  I've heard from a few people that are doing fine with a wagtail and pole.