Window Cleaner's Guide to Extension Poles - WCR

It's no surprise that ladders pose an array of safety risks so why not invest in a quality extension pole? Extension poles are easier to transport to and from the job site, less bulky and of course, the safety benefits are huge. If you do a lot of storefront or route work, a quality extension pole is key.  They can also be very useful for residential work. At the end of the day, an extension pole allows you to reach difficult or high reach areas easily and quickly.

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Let's talk safety real quick. You should always have both hands on your extension pole when working. You should also never leave your extension pole on the ground or unattended when not in use. Not only is this a trip hazard but you can damage your pole. You should also check and replace your locking cones and collars as needed and regularly. Replacement parts for your pole are readily available but that won't help you if you are on the job and something goes wrong.

In this blog post we will be going over some of the most commonly asked questions we get when it comes to extension poles. Are Carbon Fiber Extension Poles really that much better? What is the difference between internal and external locking mechanisms? What is extended versus unextended pole lengths? We're also happy to answer your questions directly, just give us a call at 862-266-!

There are two main styles of cleaning windows. One is using traditional methods that include hand tools like squeegees, washer sleeves, extension poles, etc. Water Fed window cleaning, on the other hand, uses pure water and waterfed brushes to leave a spotless clean.

Extension Poles are a great asset for residential, route or storefront work. With an extension pole, you can attach any of your traditional tools such as squeegees, scrapers or any other window cleaning accessories.

Waterfed Poles, on the other hand, are essential for reaching new heights or tackling those "big" jobs. A waterfed pole will allow you to clean ground-level windows all the way up to 6 stories and above all from the safety of the ground. No more ladders! Water fed poles can consist of Aluminum, Fiberglass, or Carbon Fiber material (the most popular) and can be suited for residential, commercial and more!

If you'd like to learn more about the differences between Extension Poles and Waterfed Poles, visit the Window Cleaning Poles page.

The company is the world’s best Telescopic Tool supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

When it comes to cleaning high windows without the use of a ladder, selecting the right extension pole is crucial for both effectiveness and safety. Here’s a guide to some of the best extension poles available for this task, along with key features to consider.

Top Extension Poles for Cleaning High Windows

1. XERO Carbon Fiber Pole

• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Length Options: Available in sizes from 8 to 20 feet.
• Features: Lightweight and extremely rigid, making it ideal for high access window washing. The sections nest into one another for easy storage and transport.
• Price Range: Higher-end but worth the investment for durability and ease of use[4].

2. Unger OptiLoc Extension Pole

• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Length Options: Various lengths available.
• Features: External locking collars allow for easy extension and collapse. It is compatible with various cleaning tools, enhancing versatility.
• Benefits: Lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for long cleaning sessions.

3. Ettore REA-C-H Extension Pole

• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Length Options: Available in multiple sections (1 to 4).
• Features: Ergonomic handle and external locking system provide stability and ease of use.
• Advantages: Known for its strength and lightweight design, making it a popular choice among window cleaners.

4. Moerman Carbonator

• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Length Options: Can extend up to 24 feet.
• Features: Designed specifically for window cleaning with a focus on lightweight construction and minimal flex.
• Use Case: Ideal for both residential and commercial window cleaning tasks.

5. FACELIFT Phantom Water Fed Pole

• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Length Options: Up to 35 feet.
• Features: Designed for both soft washing and window cleaning, this pole offers excellent rigidity while remaining lightweight.
• Benefits: Perfect for high-level cleaning without the need for ladders, especially in soft washing applications.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Extension Pole

Material

• Aluminum Poles: Durable but heavier and more prone to flexing under load.
• Fiberglass Poles: Lighter than aluminum but still can flex significantly.
• Carbon Fiber Poles: The best option for high access work due to their rigidity and lightweight nature, though they are typically more expensive.

Length

Determine the height of the windows you need to clean. A good rule of thumb is to add approximately 20% to the height of the window when selecting pole length to account for working angle and reach.

Flexibility

Choose poles with minimal flex, especially if you need to clean very high windows. Too much flex can make it difficult to control the cleaning tool effectively.

Budget

Prices can vary widely based on material and brand. While cheaper options may be tempting, investing in a higher-quality pole can save time and effort in the long run.

Selecting the right extension pole is essential for effective high window cleaning without a ladder.

Consider factors like material, length, flexibility, and budget when making your choice. High-quality poles like those from XERO, Unger, Ettore, Moerman, and FACELIFT offer excellent performance that can make your window cleaning tasks safer and more efficient.

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