Telescopic Poles

Telescopic poles have revolutionized the window cleaning industry and the safety standards that are associated with window cleaning. Now, it's possible with the aid of modern telescopic poles to reach 3rd/4th/5th and higher windows from the ground. All this means that ladders only need to be used where it's not possible to use poles. Sometimes we have to revert back to ladders on jobs, due to angles and positions of the windows make it very difficult or impossible to use poles. I will generally use ladders for skylights and roofs of conservatories in conjunction with a pole, with someone holding the ladder for me. The general rule that people abide by, if they're using poles is to use them as much as possible and work safely rather than risk going up a ladder again. After all that's why we've made the conversion to WFP.

It's important to choose the right kind of pole. Although, all telescopic poles available on the market today are made from lightweight materials, you still want to be aware that poles can be very heavy and you should avoid using them for extended periods of time. It's important to give your muscles a rest. Also, you don't want to carefully consider the average height of the windows on your round. Do you do mostly 2nd and 3rd storey work? If this is the case, selecting a 60ft pole to use all the time, isn't very practical and you could overstretch yourself and do some serious damage in window conditions if you loose control. There are two types of poles to choose from. Some people like to buy just one type, and then upgrade if they find themselves getting more work at a greater height. Whilst, others will start off with both pole types, to allow flexibility and ensure they're not caught out on a job:

• The first type is fibre-glass/glass-fibre poles, which most people will start out on. They start from 2ft poles and go up to about 35 foot. This poles are suitable for 2nd and 3rd storey work. The clamps and fittings vary, according to what brand you buy. You should buy poles with strong sturdy clamps, preferably anodized aluminium clamps.
• The second type is carbon fibre, which is used for heights above 35 foot. These poles are designed to reach higher storeys such as 4th/5th/6th etc. The ranges of carbon fibre are usually between 35' and 60'. It should be noted that once the poles are extended above 40' it can sometimes be a two-man job holding the pole and keeping it stable.

Gardiner Pole Systems do some great telescopic poles that are suitably designed for great heights as well as lower ones. Also worth checking out are Omnipoles poles (can be a bit pricey though), as well as Unger telescopic poles - where you can easily buy add-on sections and aluminium clamps to support them at very affordable prices.

Poles providing a good workout.....

I was recently talking to a mate, who swears by his Gardiner poles as producing the best cleaning results. He also said his longer sized poles, namely the carbon fibre ones 38' and 56' ones respectively give him the chance for a good workout, and to build some muscles on the old arms. Never really thought about it, until he mentioned but thinking back to when I first started out I had these really skinny arms, now my arms are bigger and the best thing is I've never had to go to the gym to achieve this. It was solely achieved by me being out and about using me poles. So my questions to you kind readers is what poles do you use? Are they lightweight or heavy ones? And have you noticed any increase in muscle mass?