I originally started fanning residential jobs with the smaller squeegees after watching another window cleaner do so. This guy fanned the glass so expertly that he rarely even had to use a towel to detail the windows when he was done fanning the glass. I figured that if I did enough fanning I would get to the place where I would rarely have to use a towel as well. Wrong! I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I never could bring myself to leave a window after fanning it, without detailing the edges, to make sure it was perfect. So… my speed never did get really fast with that method.
Gotta spin to win
I can’t say what’s faster because I don’t fan very often. I’m sure the guys who do it a lot and are good at it can do it as fast or faster- but me personally, I find it to be more a pain. It’s like gunfighters who twirl their guns- looks cool, but not for me. I’m not knocking “fanning” or those who are good at it (which isn’t me) I just find that big squeegees and simple technique are all I need. Like you, I find that it works quite efficiently. I even have a 30-incher…(never thought I would say that;) )
It depends on the occasion but when I’m tired of fanning I pull out my 24" monster and straight pulls. I only use larger squeegees on commerical work. Resi it 18" and below. For the speed I’m not that quick at fanning a window =) need more practice.
I would think unless your this guy that straight pulls would be best on commercial windows. YouTube - Terry ‘turbo’ Burrows - The Fastest Window Cleaner in the World
I doubt anyone is as fast as him.
For me personally, I prefer the fanning method on residential windows but sometimes I do the fancy z or upside down L method depending on the size of the window or the frame. Another thing to consider is how well the glass is sealed because you might have a “softedge” and you will get alot of bleedback.
On commercial I will use straight pulls but once in awhile I will show off because people are watching and fan the window( admit it guys we all do it ) lol:)
Hes cuttin corners with his scrubber… we should throw some bug spots at him!!
I was a straight puller but I practiced and practiced learning how to fan. I think people enjoy watching a window cleaner fan because it is not something that anyone can do. Anyone can straight pull.
Fanning for me has increased my time substantially.
I think most people who fan overlap way too much, leading to wasted time and effort
If you are “fanning” or “snaking” more than a couple of times across, you’re using too small of a squeegee.
I’ve worked with people using 18" fanning 5 times (or more) across, while I pull two quick swipes with a 30 or 24.
Boggles my mind…
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=3][FONT=Verdana]Fanning a window has a Zen essence to it. There is a flow and a natural rhythm to it. When I’m fanning, I enjoy being in that zone. For me straight pulling seems like harder work.<O:p</O:p[/FONT][/SIZE]<O:p</O:p[/FONT]
Especially if you’re like the guy that started this thread, using a 12" squeegee… I almost exclusively use 18" and use a combination of straight and fanning. Whatever suits the window.
It feels harder to me too.
In reality, I do both depending on the window. I fan most windows belly button height to max reach.
Depends on the glass. stright for some fan for alot of my residential.
Great point Dexter,
They’re both faster!
Gotta spin to win!!
But doesn’t glass cleaning get boring in that fashion?
Maybe- I get my thrills elsewhere. With three kids all under 3, I get plenty of exercise and excitement at home. When I’m working- boring is just fine for me;)
I’ve been thinking about this thread for a couple days now. I think the real reason I fan rather than straight pull windows is that I don’t want to look like a Bucket Bob. Vain, I know, but I think it’s the truth.
Could not agree more Mike.
Ha Ha
The guys with the long squeegees are laughing at us all the way to the bank. Vanity vanity.
