Extension Poles offer a safer alternative to ladders for cleaning high windows. A pole extension allows you to easily reach those difficult areas. When you wash and squeegee your windows from a higher height, the same principles and techniques apply – the base distance, the cutting of the edge and less pressure on the window squeegee.
The extension pole: What to look for
You might need to purchase a variety of extension poles, depending on what you do. You will need a few large poles but bigger isn’t always better. Best quality window cleaning poles jobs can be handled by the small, lightweight poles of 2 x60cm. This size is recommended for windows that are out of reach.
You should consider the size of your van or car’s boot. You might want to buy a 3 x 12Mt extension rod instead of a 2 x 18Mt pole. The two poles can both extend up to 3.6Mt but the three section is easier to fit into vehicles.
For first-time users, it can be difficult to use extension poles that reach beyond 3.6Mt. Your results will improve with patience and practice.
How do you attach your squeegees, tools and extension poles?
The majority of tools attach by a simple push and turn. Some brands have handles for window washers and window squeegees that lock onto the pole. This feature is a safety measure, but not a necessity.
There are five common mistakes that people make when using an extension pole to wash windows
- You are not wetting your window enough.
This can be a problem with warm glass. The glass may be dry by the time you begin to squeegee. You may drag dirt and streaks down the window when you squeegee if you do not wet all of the glass, including the top frame.
- Too much water on the window
Moisture will make it more difficult to cut the edge and clean the surface.
- Washing a large area at once.
Before you have a chance finish squeegeeing, the glass will start to dry.
- After washing, squeegeeing is too slow.
After washing the glass, it is best to immediately squeegee.
- Try to clean the glass in direct sunlight.
It is not impossible but very difficult.
How to use an extension rod like a pro
1. Use a Window Washer that has a swivel-handle. The washer can be placed at the end the extension pole.
2. When washing exterior windows that are dirty, use more water.
3. Do not wash your windows in direct sunlight or when they are very hot.
4. Do not wash windows with an extension pole on windy or blustery days. The pole may become unstable and a danger to your safety.
5. First, extend the lower sections of the pole.
6. Never extend each section to its maximum. You will have a more stable, solid pole to work with.
Window washing with an extension pole
Start at the top when washing windows with an extension pole. Then, move the washer up and down across the window. You might find that moving the washer in a straight line from left to right is easier than using a circular movement. You should direct all your energy from your shoulders and arms, keeping your knees bent and your spine straight.
If you have a continuous, high sheet of glass, wash it only down to about chest height. After you’ve washed the glass, squeegee it. Then, wash the glass down to chest height.
Window squeegeeing with an extension pole
Follow the same squeegeeing technique you use to squeegee windows without a pole. You can either squeegee across or from top to bottom. Use less pressure, keep your distance constant, and cut the edge. As you work from left to right draw your Window Squeegee up or across, making sure the right side of the window channel is higher than the left. The moisture will drip across and down the glass as you work.
When using an extension pole, it is sometimes not possible to wipe the replaceable rubber squeegee after each pass. You can tap the squeegee on the wet window instead of wiping.
Take the squeegee from the pole after squeegeeing to chest height. Finish the window using the tools you have in your hands or on a shorter pole.
Wrap your lint-free cloth around the extension pole and wipe any problem areas. The more you practice, the fewer touch-ups will be needed.
Safety tips for extension poles
1. When working, always keep both hands on the extension pole.
2. When not in use, never leave your extension pole lying on the ground. Unattended poles can cause a trip.
3. Regularly check and replace locking cones and adaptors. Do not wait until they break to start a project.
What makes you more comfortable with an extension pole to clean your windows? Tell us what you think. Contact us if you have any suggestions or tricks that we could add to the page.
