squeegee
The squeegee has been one of the biggest breakthroughs in the window cleaning industry. It's one of the most important tools when it comes to properly cleaning a window. Understanding different components and options are imperative to quality of work and an efficient workplace. Industry leaders and manufacturers are always coming up with new ideas and designs to make the squeegee better for the job. This module should help you maintain your squeegee and choosing the right one based off of your needs.
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Breakdown
Below you'll see a breakdown of a common squeegee. The most basic parts are the rubber, channel, and handle with plenty of different options and textiles. Read each note and look over the picture.
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Squeegee Rubber
The rubber pulls off the soapy water from the glass by creating a clean, consistent suction to the glass while being drug across. Rubber usually comes in two different groove types depending on the channel. These are T shaped or rounded, allowing them to properly slide into the channel. -
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Rubber Strength
Once you've picked the correct groove you can decide between soft, medium and hard rubber. Most window cleaners use hard rubber in hotter climates, soft in colder climates and a medium in neutral weather. Some will even change their rubber depending on the season. Soft rubber tends to get cuts in it easily because it's softer. On the contrary, hard rubber tends to be on the stronger end, especially in colder weather. When the weather is hot it will soften the rubber which is why someone might switch their rubber throughout the season. If it's extremely hot and you're using soft rubber, then your rubber could end up feeling mushy. This could also happen by leaving your rubber directly in the sun. When storing your squeegee (or rubber) be sure it's in a neutral environment and out of direct sunlight. Leaning your rubber against anything can leave a mark in it as well. Remember that this is the part of the tool that has to create a clean suction against the glass and pull off all the soap residue. Any marks or imperfections could show up in your work. -
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Channels
The channel on your squeegee will usually be brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic. The channel will either be rounded or t shaped which will dictate which shape of rubber you'll want to purchase. Channels either come wide body or standard. Wide body are thicker channels and require a wide body handle but don't require any special rubber (other than T shaped or rounded). Wide body channels are usually recommended on longer channels because it keeps the channel straight and rigid. A bent channel will result in poor quality work and needs to be replaced. The longer the channel, the more likely it is to become bent. Standard channels are more typical on regular size channels anywhere from 6" to 20" however this can be the user's preference. Depending on what type of work you're doing will dictate what size channels you'll want on your belt. -
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Channel Size
Now we'll go over different sizes of channels depending on what you might be working on. Keep in mind these are general and you might prefer different. The smaller the channel the more control the user has because there's less drag on the glass. The drawback is you'll have to make more passes. The alternative is a larger channel but this creates more drag on the rubber and can be more difficult for the user.- 6" Used on french style windows or smaller paned windows. Anything smaller than 6" is usually easiest to clean with a wet towel, dry towel.
- 12" Used on most residential jobs. Big enough to move soap but small enough to be in control.
- 18" Used on custom residential with large glass or basic commercial jobs. Creates more drag so more soap might be needed or consider straight pulls on a hotter day. This size is also good for pole work.
- 24" Used on commercial jobs, pole work and high rise work. This size gets more difficult to fan with.
- 30" + Used on large commercial glass, custom projects and usually only straight pulls.
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Clip Vs No Clip
To hold your rubber in, there are small clips that pinch the end of the rubber and slide into the channel. These are common in most channels, however some brands have clips unique to their channel. The alternative to clips is a handle with teeth on it, which grabs the rubber. This method is less popular because the teeth can end up causing the rubber to leave a gap when working. The two types of channels/handles aren't usually universal so try to keep your tools consistent so you can change out channel sizes if needed. -
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Swivel Vs. Straight Handle
Straight handles are good for doing work when the squeegee is in hand. A swivel handle is a must when doing pole work while fanning. If you're doing straight pulls with the pole then you would be fine with a straight handle. Most swivel handles also lock so you can have the best of both worlds. Swivel handles are most likely plastic so they may be more susceptible to breaking, where as straight handles are easy to find in different metals. If you don't plan on needing the swivel function you may be better off with a straight metal handle to save money and get more longevity out of your handle. -
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Standard Release
Standard Release Most handles have small bolts that need to be loosened to release the channel. If the bolts are loose then the channel will slide back and forth, which can be difficult to work with. Some users like to have the bolts loose enough just to slide the channel back and forth for extra reach when needed. These types are better for users who don't regularly change or adjust their channels. On a clip less squeegee with teeth, the bolts would need to be completely off so the teeth aren't pulling on the rubber when moving the channel.
Quick Release
Quick release handles are designed to quickly release the channel from the handle. This is really helpful for someone who likes to regularly change their channel. Some window cleaners will have dozens of channels they interchange onto one handle while others have less sizes but complete sets with a handle and channel. -
Handle Placement
Sliding your handle over can help you reach glass that's just out of reach. The drawback is most of the pressure is under the handle. To get a good clean pull, you'll want to tilt into the longer end for pressure. Try to minimize the pressure pushed against the glass while trying to even out the pressure along the channel. For normal use try to get your handle as center as possible or slightly off to one side depending on your preference. Even pressure across the channel will give you the best results when using your squeegee -
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Damage
There are two main issues that are common when working with a squeegee besides obvious signs of damage. The first is a bent channel. If your channel is bent, the rubber won't sit flush on the glass, leaving soapy water behind. Do not push harder on the glass to try to straighten it out, this could break the glass. While you could try to bend the channel back, it's usually best to replace it altogether. The second is rubber damage. Needing to replace your rubber is common from damage or just wear. If you drag your rubber across anything gritty or a hard spot, it can end up slightly cutting your rubber. This is more common on soft rubber too, especially construction clean up jobs. If you get cuts in your rubber, you'll need to flip or replace it.
The smallest cut or imperfection in your rubber can cause streaks in your squeegee path. -
Your rubber has a good edge and bad edge if it hasn't been flipped. It's normal for the used edge to become rounded over time during use. Once there is any kind of uneven wear, it's time to flip it to your fresh edge. This is a rubber end view to represent the wear you might see on your rubber. During storage remember to protect your rubber edges to preserve
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Rubber Replacement
If it's time to replace your rubber make sure you flip it first. This will cut back on waste and cost of new rubber. If you're unsure if you've flipped it or not then try flipping and testing it. Sometimes rubber will last for weeks or months and some days you'll replace it five times. It can just depend on what you're working on, quality of rubber or just luck. Either way, replace your rubber when you're leaving any water behind. The rubber is what pulls everything off of the window after a good scrub. Any residue left will end up showing up later as the lighting changes. Especially pay attention on hotter days because streaks may dry instantly before noticing them.
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Over Stretched
If the rubber is over stretched then from puling to tight. While you want the rubber tight, over stretching cause issues with the suction to the glass while working. -
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Over Complressed
If you get waves in the rubber then it's too compressed. Pull out the end clips and try adjusting them to get a little more pull across the channel. If the rubber is too long then try cutting some off. -
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Just Right
When the rubber is straight with a little edging over the channel it's just right. On a clip less squeegee just make sure theres no compression under the teeth from over tightening. -
Fanning Vs Straight Pulls
Fanning
Fanning means to clean the entire pane without lifting your squeegee, with a continuous, back and forth swiping motion.
Straight Pulls
Doing straight pulls means to pull the squeegee straight across the glass, usually multiple times. Each pull requires you to reset the squeegee and close out again. A straight pull can be done top to bottom or side to side.
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 be more difficult to get the correct angle. A typical angle for most squeegee handles is about 30' degrees, in your hand. Adjust your hand to keep the squeegee consistent on the glass as you work your way across and down.
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