I have read numerous posts concerning fanning and z but does anyone pole residential windows such as the second and third stories from the ground? also, does it do a good job?
i pole 2nd stories with a reg pole not wfp, it works well if you keep it really wet and are fast, easier if not in direct sunlight. Saves a lot of time compared w/ using a ladder. I’m trying to do more w/poles now to save time.
It seems like it would definitely save a lot of time but how clean do the windows get?
It’s like anything else, you have to dedicate yourself to becoming an expert with a pole. At first I hated poles and thought I would never use them much, but for the last two years I have reached for a pole every chance I get, and now you could not tell if I cleaned a window with a pole or was only a foot from the glass. I recently bought a 27’ pole from WCR and used it to do a lake home and the results were awesome, plus we shaved 2 hours off the work day. I’m getting to where I hate ladders, but won’t sacrifice quality.
P.S. using the right squeegee helps. I only use the Quicksilv… errr… I mean the SLAYER. It’s a must have for quality pole work.
I was thinking of maybe using the Ettore Backflip
I’ve never used the backflip, I always worry that the strip washer will drip while I’m trying to squeegee, so instead I use two poles if I have a lot of glass to do.
When I do an in/out job I do the insides first. I can usually tell which windows will need nose-to-glass approach. The rest I pole.
Since getting proficient at poling I’ve managed to save killer time off my jobs increasing profit margins. especially on those jobs that I bid a tad too low when I was new. Those $40/hr jobs I bid are now $60/hr at the same total job price.
Back flip is a great tool and with the golden glove sleeve (that’s what it comes shipped with) it doesn’t drip too bad but a Pulex Micro Tiger sleeve is your best bet for holding a good amount of water without too much dripping with the benefit of some good scrubbing action.
Re: Pole fanning for residential. My experience is that straight poling is usually better for residential jobs. Pole fanning is great for commercial windows with mullions. If you are going to do fanning with a pole on high windows, get a Wagtail.
It took me a year to feel confident to grab the pole…now I grab it where possible. Also as Steve said, the rubber is important…must be in good shape. Also make sure you have a scraper that can fit at the end of the pole…for me 90% of all large outside"atrium" style windows need some good scraping.
After squeegeeing residential window say two stories high with pole how do you wipe surrounding window?
I usually wrap a white terry towel around the end of the pole and go around the frame itself.
I should also note that another deciding factor for choosing the pole is repeat customer. First time cleans will often involve giving more direct attention to the frames.
In other words, every job is different.
People - check out the new Wagtails at the shop! Pole heaven!
I pole homes whenever I can. HUGE time saver… and huge money maker.
The problem is that no matter what skill we have it does not do as good of a job as being on the glass. That is mainly why I start on the outside windows so when I get inside I can get a good look at my handy work. Most times I can touch up a window from the inside.
Have a lot of towels! I usually squeegee off a window and take a fresh towel up the pole to go around the window. (I hate runners and a sun dried runner is the worst! :mad:)
When I get to this height I find a cloth over a pole may mark up the window. Unger do a “fixi-clamp” which is perfect for this.
I mainly use pole work on high one story or two story commercial work.
I love the backflip, not a big fan on the wagtail, but it is a must have for a few windows.
the scrim is a great rag to use on pole work, you can fold it over three or four times and it stays even on a windy day.
I don’t pole residential unless it’s last resort.
Always nose to glass or wfp.
This is Y I love WCR, the forums answer a miriad of questions. Great thread. 
LinO '09
