Hey guys, i need some help in how to handle this scenario: Many old homes around here have third story windows above a porch roof. I’ve seen contractors set up a ladder i think by nailing a 2x4 on the roof. Is that the right/best way?
Here’s an example, a house I’ve scheduled for end of September (my most expensive job yet btw… And i got it cause they were impressed by my work on the neighbors yesterday!):
Ladder safety is no joke. If you can’t pole it then list windows like that as non-cleanable. Guys with WFP may attack it, or if you have standard pole skills.
You could nail a 2x4 to the second floor roof and safely place the ladder feet against it. You will need roof caulk or roof mastic to seal the nail holes. But - if you aren’t familiar enough with this type of ladder work you would probably be well advised not to.
Is it an attic window or living quarters window? I would use standoffs and put up on porch roof and water fed pole from there. If you want nose to glass and have enough ladder, you can put up from ground to top of window. Myself, I have a “sticky” mat that won’t slide down that pitch of roof and I would put a ladder on the porch roof and have someone “foot” the ladder if possible
Thats the kind of window where WFP really shows its value. Personally I wouldn’t even attempt ladders - If WFP isn’t an option then don’t take silly risks for just one window…
Thanks for the advice, guys! I guess I’ll need to get to work on those poling skills. At least I’ve got two months and will be hitting store fronts hard very soon (thanks to all the excellent help I’ve received from you guys in other threads).
You will have to put a ladder up there anyway to clean gutters eventually right? I would try a 16’ first, you might get lucky and not have to carry a 24’ up there…
Check to see if bottom sash can be removed, wfp, pole with ledger, hire a footer/screen boy for the day this will allow you to do odd ladder angles. Or skip which I don’t advise
Get on the porch roof with a 12ft pole. Charger them a little less. If your not confident in your work. (On that window only) I would do that whole home from the ground. No wfp needed. Whatever you do be smart and plan it out first.
When I have to do an old fashion window from inside I jump up on a two foot step ladder and lean out the top half of the window rather than sitting on the window sill and hanging out the window. Much easier on the old ab muscles and safer too.
Yes. That’s how I got into wfp work. I didn’t want to ladder up on high third story windows. I had the old Unger Hi-Flo system with an Unger Tele-Plus pole. Hand pump backpack from HD.
