laddersPost Construct.

pole work

Pole work is a skill involving the use of traditional tools on the end of a pole. Using a pole can help a window cleaner avoid going up a ladder or keep them from dangerous situations. Some people believe you can't do a good job cleaning a window with a pole but it's simply not true. Getting the right tools with the right tips and tricks, it can be done without jeopardizing quality. Pole work it especially common on commercial glass, mainly route work. On a new account it might be best going nose to glass but after it becomes regular maintenance you can work with a pole, if desired.

Hazards To Consider

  • Assume that any pole conducts electricity, for safety concerns. We're trying to create good practice and habit.
    Remember that water conducts electricity, even if the pole doesn't. Do not use if there is lightning.
  • Poles are top heavy. Keep that in mind when you have the weight of tools on the end. They can end up slamming into a window if they get momentum.
  • Make sure any equipment on the end of the pole is secured. Something could end up falling. Your tools should be compatible with the pole and either screw or click in.
  • Keep your hands and pole dry and free of dirt. Dirt can jam up the pole.
  • You're not catching drips with a pole. This could create a slipping hazard, especially in a walking path.
  • Never leave a pole, whether extended or unextended, against a building. If you must leave, leave the pole unextended and out of the walkway, but preferably back on the work truck.
  • If you need to pick up an extended pole then put the handheld end against a wall. Grab the other end and walk it up while putting pressure against the wall. You can also have a coworker hold the handheld end while you walk it up. "Lift with your legs, not back.
  • Do not horseplay with poles, use only for the intended purpose.
  • Watch out behind you. You could hit someone or something with the end of your pole. Keep your hand on the end to avoid damage and injuries when working in tight quarters.
  • Most poles will get very hot when sitting in the sun. Be sure to keep your poles stored in a cool dry place. If it's already hot try running water over it to cool it down.
  • Don't use a razor blade on the end of a pole. This could result in severe scratches without being able to hear or see the results.

Tools

  • Poles

    When selecting a pole, the goal is to go as light and as rigid as possible. If you will be using it for route work or store fronts you can use a basic, inexpensive extension pole.If you need to go multi-story, then you may want to work with something more expensive and tailored to your needs. Each pole has a different pole tip but can commonly be switched out or changed to fit your window cleaning tools. Keeping your tool and pole brand the same helps with interchanging your tools quickly. Having the ability to work quickly is important when doing pole work because your window can dry before you get a squeegee on it.

  • Pole Connections

    • ACME Threads: This is a screw thread used to attach accessories to poles. The threads are fairly universal and adapt to many tools. Euro threads are also common in the window cleaning industry but are mainlyused on water fed poles, have tighter threads, and also taper towards the end. If you're not switching tools while working, then ACME threads are great choices.
    • Cone/Pole Tip: Cone heads are tapered. These allow a user to slide a tool right over the end. The idea is that the tapered end will pinch inside the tool and create a pressure fit and prevent the tool from falling off. This is probably the least desirable way to connect tools because if it's too loose it can fall off and too tight it will be difficult to remove.
    • Clip/Lock: Clips are small tabs that pop into an accessory's hole. Clips allow for quick switches on tools and a solid connection to prevent tools from falling off. If you're switching tools repeatedly while working, then clips might be the most

  • Complete Scrubber

    Your complete scrubber is used to apply soapy water and scrub the glass. Having a T bar with a swivel can be really helpful when working with a pole. It will allow you to scrub in swirls easier, otherwise you can be restricted to scrub up and down. To avoid extra drips and cleanup it's common to haircut the top edge when using a pole. Remember haircutting is leaving about a half inch of glass to avoid the frame getting wet. If the window is a mess, or it's the firs time cleaning you may need to scrub all the way to the top for quality of work. Make sure your washer has the correct connections to attach to your pole. Dropped tools means inefficiencies, broken tools, or injuries. Your washer can either be dipped in a bucket or some workers will use a spray bottle to apply soap to the window and then scrub with their washer.

  • Squeegee

    There are two ways to utilize a squeegee and the technique you prefer can dictate what type of squeegee you choose. With "Straight Pulls," you pull straight down, or across the glass, and you do not need a swivel squeegee. This method typically requires a longer squeegee channel (18-24") to avoid streaks. If you opt for the "Fanning Method," then most users will go for a smaller channel on a swivel handle, usually 10"-18". This allows for less drag on the rubber, allowing you to properly fan the window.

  • Squeegee Angles

    The angle of your squeegee on the glass is important. When your squeegee is in your hand, naturally you can make the adjustment on the glass. When it's on a pole it can make it more difficult to get the correct angle. A typical angle for most squeegee handles is about 30° degrees, in your hand.

    The angle of your handle can change depending on your height, how close you are to window, height of glass, if glass is below/above you, and may other factors. A squeegee that can adjust angles can help you keep a consistent angle on the glass.

    + ° Angles

    Are for when the glass is about the user. The higher up, the higher degree.
    0° Angles

    Are for when the glass is level with the user.
    -° Angles
    Are for when the glass is angled below the user.

    No matter the angle you choose for the handle that's comfortable for you, the important thing is to keep the rubber flush and consistent on the glass. Note: In the example the handles are at a true ' angle. However, the top of the handle that holds the channel might be at an angle as well so the overall angle from glass to handle is most likely off. The important thing is for you to understand that the angle needs to stay consistent once you find what works. If you are splitting highs then you can probably only work so low before needing to change your angle. For efficiency do all windows at one level, then make adjustments to pole and angle for a lower level.

  • Combination Tools

    There are a lot of tools on the market that are a combination of squeegees and washers, such as the Ettore Brass Backflip. These tools allow a user to go from scrubbing to squeegeeing in a matter of a second. These tools help with efficiency and keeping your window wet instead of manually switching your tools.

  • Ledgers

    Ledgers are types of squeegee handles that create distance for the squeegee to reach the glass over a window ledge. If a high window has a large window ledge or sill it can make it impossible for the window cleaner to close out. Ledgers take away the challenge by creating angled distance between the rubber and pole. Most ledgers only allow for straight down pulls. There are also angle adaptors that connect between the squeegee handle and the pole. These allow the user to treat a normal squeegee handle as more of a ledger.

  • Straight Pulls

    Straight pulls means to pull soapy water off the glass pulling straight across, most commonly straight down. This is a common method because it's simple and you can get away with pretty much any pole and squeegee. When doing straight down pulls it's often preferred to use a larger channel 18"-24". This allows less pull downs, especially on larger glass, usually commercial. If you're working on residential glass it might be easier with a smaller channel.
    After you have the following, we can begin straigh pulls on the glass.

    • A bucket of soapy water
    • A clean dry pole that can safely reach your work area and connects appropriately to your tools.
    • Complete scrubber and somplete squeegee appropriate for the work.
    • Detailing towels

  • Step 1 - Scrub

    Soap your glass with your washer. If you're working on hot glass then this step is especially important, but it may be difficult to keep wet. Remember that running a squeegee over dry glass will never look good. A good soapy window will allow your squeegee to glide off the glass instead of streaking. A combination tool that has a squeegee and a washer together will help keep the window wet with a quick transition to the squeegee. On a cooler day or cooler area, this may not be a problem to switch tools or even soap up multiple panes at once. During this step it's common to haircut the top edge of the glass, meaning to avoid about a half inch below the frame. This helps you avoid drips coming down over your work. Make sure haircutting never jeopardizes the quality of your work. If the window is very dirty or your first time cleaning, you may need to use a ladder this time. Use your best judgement for safety and quality of work.

  • Step 2 - Shimmy

    Once your window has been scrubbed and soaped up, you're ready to squeegee. You want to start your rubber above the solution on dry glass. If you don't, you may create a drag behind your squeegee. To create a starting space, shimmy your squeegee slightly to create a starting spot. Then lift and reset your squeegee to start your pull down.

  • Step 3 - Pull & Tilt

    After the shimmy, you're ready to pull down. As you pull down, try to keep the angle on your rubber consistent. Also remember that you're guiding the water as you pull down. To avoid lines you want to tilt your squeegee slightly into the direction you're working. This is a very important step. If you don't tilt your squeegee correctly, then the solution will run backwards and leave a steak from the end of the squeegee. If you're pulling sideways instead of down, this will happen naturally.

  • Step 4 - Tap, Tap!

    After you've pulled your squeegee across the glass, you'll have the soapy solution on your squeegee. To get ride of this do a couple light taps to remove the solution over an area of the glass that hasn't been cleaned. After this you are ready to go back to the top to shimmy and then do your next pull. Repeat this across the pane until you're done. Try to overlap your pulls to create a desired width of soap towards the last pull. If you are doing full pulls and you end up with only two inches of solution left, it could make it hard to pull down or even cause streaks.

  • Step 5 - Shimmy

    You have tapped off some soapy solution, do another shimmy to create another straight starting point for your rubber before your next pull down. Make sure your squeegee has plenty of overlap on the soap area.

  • Step 6 - Pull & Tilt

    Your tilt is extra important on this pull because the water can leave lines on the left without a tilt. Remember you're trying to guide the water off in the direction you're working. Try to keep your rubber angle on the glass consistent as you pull down. Once you're finished you can pull the solution off the frames with your squeegee or wipe it up with a towel. If you're in a public place make sure you're not leaving soapy water on the ground for others to slip on.

  • Fanning

    Fanning a window means rotating a squeegee back and forth to remove the soap solution from the glass. This has become the norm for window cleaning with belting jobs. When the squeegee is in your hand it makes the process much easier, but still takes practice. When it's on a pole it can become a little more difficult. For this type of pole work you will need to make sure you have a swivel squeegee to create the fanning motion. When you're fanning, using a smaller channel helps because it creates less drag on your rubber in the process.
    After you have the following, we can begin straigh pulls on the glass.

    • A bucket of soapy water
    • A clean dry pole that can safely reach your work area and connects appropriately to your tools.
    • Complete scrubber and somplete squeegee appropriate for the work.
    • Detailing towels

  • Step 1 - Scrub

    Soap your glass with your washer. If you're working on hot glass then this step is especially important, but it may be difficult to keep wet. Remember that running a squeegee over dry glass will never look good. A good soapy window will allow your squeegee to glide off the glass instead of streaking. A combination tool that has a squeegee and a washer together will help keep the window wet with a quick transition to the squeegee. On a cooler day or cooler area, this may not be a problem to switch tools or even soap up multiple panes at once. During this step it's common to haircut the top edge of the glass, meaning to avoid about a half inch below the frame. This helps you avoid drips coming down over your work. Make sure haircutting never jeopardizes the quality of your work. If the window is very dirty or your first time cleaning, you may need to use a ladder this time. Use your best judgement for safety and quality of work.

  • Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.

  • Step 2 - Cut Towards Edge

    After your window is sufficiently scrubbed and soaped, switch over to your squeegee. Remember this step needs to be done with a swivel squeegee handle. There are a lot of different patterns to follow when you're fanning a window and you can find what works best for you, however this technique is common and it seems to work well. The idea is to make nice clean cuts around the pane so you're only left with soap in the middle of the glass. Swiveling back and forth can work for some people or some situations but the drawback is wear on the end of your rubber. When you're hitting the frames from side to side it creates extra unnecessary wear, and bumps can force you to repeatedly need to reset your squeegee or swivel back up to get spots. Find a spot towards the center of the pane to make an entry. You'll want to cut the top edge of the glass and then pull straight down for a clean top and edge. Make sure you swivel all the way up to the corner of the glass before pulling down.

  • Step 3 - Cut Towards Opposite Edge

    Same as the previous step but on the opposite side. Find a comfortable spot to cut in on the pane, swivel to your upper corner and then pull down. Remember to keep your rubber angle on the glass consistent as you pull down. If your glass has dried out by now, you need to rewet it. If you're getting lines behind your squeegee, it's probably either time to replace your rubber or your tools are too wet. As you work your way down, remember to be aware of what's behind you. You could injure yourself, someone else, or bump your pole into something.

  • Step 4 - Cut Down The Mountain

    After the previous steps, you should be left with a soapy center of the glass, commonly known as the mountain. In this final step you'l fan down the center to remove all the solution. This step is also a good time to swivel back up and get missed spots. If the center of the glass it too dry to squeegee then rewet the center. At this point you can significantly haircut the sides and top to avoid needing to squeegee back over clean areas. Guide the soapy water down the glass to a nice clean finish at the bottom and then you can wipe all of your edges.

  • Tips

  • Floor Mop

    Since you're working with a pole you wont be able to catch your drips. This means whatever you pull off the glass is coming down. Keeping a dry towel on the floor can be used as a mop on the end of your pole to keep your area clean. This is especially important when working on slippery surfaces or around bystanders. Always be aware and keep your workspace safe.

  • Hands On Pole

    You will naturally be focused on your tools and how the work is coming out. This means the back end of your pole could hit something. This is especially common in dealerships and working around cars. To avoid this keep your hand on the end of your pull as you pull down and back.

    This will let you focus on your work but avoid denting or damaging something.

  • Dust The Sills

    Once the sills become wet, they become muddy. Before you get started on extra dirty projects, consider dusting the sills. This will reduce cleanup at the end and keep your tools cleaner. If you're a low guy waiting on your high guy, go ahead and dust sills ahead while the high guy gets ahead.

If you feel you have a full understanding of this module, proceed to the test. Once you complete the test, you will be redirected back to the main module page.

Take Test
Modules