The Sky's The Limit For Window Cleaning Systems

There’s no doubt that the professional window cleaning sector will continue to make progress, taking advantage of new technology and innovations in engineering and materials to produce even more adaptable window cleaning systems.

The sky's the limit for window cleaning systems: They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and the window cleaning sector is certainly proving this to be true, using innovative materials, technology and designs to answer client needs.  Jochen Wagener, head of marketing for Unger Europe, reveals how window cleaning systems are adapting and developing to keep pace with key market trends.

The only way is up – if the continuing architectural trend for high-rise buildings is anything to go by. The majority of our most iconic buildings seem to prove the theory that size matters, in terms of height, that is. Whether we are talking about the Shard in London, the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, or the Torre de Cristal in Madrid, the fashion for high-rise, high-tech designs – featuring lots of glass and metal – doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.

Tall buildings, whether new or established, need regular, thorough and effective cleaning to ensure they present a professional face to customers and colleagues. For the highest heights, ‘robotic’ automatic window cleaning systems, operated by remote control and using chemical-free pure water, are gaining ground. However, if a more ‘James Bond’ approach is preferred, abseiling using traditional squeegees is also still widely used. Operatives can also regularly be seen cleaning high level windows from cradles, using small poles, brushes and again pure water.

Professional window cleaners continue to embrace new methods and equipment – with water-fed poles emerging as another popular choice. These poles allow operatives to clean high buildings and windows safely from the ground, alleviating the need to work at height.

For many years, window cleaners have had the choice of two types of pole system: telescopic or modular. However, telescopic poles can tend to flex as they are extended, with a subsequent loss of control. They also have some weight issues; for example, a six-section telescopic pole will always have six sections as they cannot be removed – so even if you only need to use four sections to clean to the height required, you are still carrying the weight of six.

Modular systems, although better at extending without weakening rigidity, simply become too heavy as they are extended, and the extensions also add width to the poles making them less easy to handle. They can also take a long time to construct or build up, which is a disadvantage in terms of making the best use of operatives’ time.

This presented the sector with a challenge: how do you create a water-fed pole system that will clean up to 65 feet/20 metres in height, but be both lightweight and easy to control? Along with engineering and design techniques, combining the best features of both telescopic and modular poles, using the right materials is crucial – and more and more options are emerging to provide specific solutions.

Carbon fibre, fibreglass and aluminium are all materials that have brought choice and flexibility to the window cleaning sector, helping to create equipment that offers alternatives to suit the situation or building type. Carbon fibre in particular offers an amazing balance between strength, weight and rigidity. In comparison to steel it is stronger, more rigid, and yet it weighs considerably less.

These ‘next generation’ carbon fibre poles provide a better balance between weight and rigidity. Because the poles are lighter they make the job of a cleaning operative that much easier and more comfortable, putting less of a strain on their bodies and enabling them to clean swiftly and efficiently. The fact that they are lighter also means that the operative is less likely to get tired as quickly, so they can clean a larger surface area than if using a conventional system.

However, just because the poles are lightweight it doesn’t mean that they deliver less in terms of rigidity. Even when extensions are added to increase the length and reach of the system, the poles do not bend or become unwieldy. On the contrary rigidity, and therefore control, is maintained, allowing every corner and crevice to be cleaned thoroughly.

As companies and organisations have become more environmentally aware, an increase in the use of solar panels has also brought challenges for the window cleaning sector. Installing solar panels represents a big investment in both time and money, so businesses need to ensure that they are kept in top condition to reap the expected rewards.

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) says that solar power is the fastest growing energy technology in the world. The two main systems currently in use are:

• Photovoltaic (PV) panels – these convert sunlight into electricity and are available in a variety of formats including cladding, roof tiles, and custom glazing.

• Solar hot water systems – these absorb energy from the sun and transfer it, using heat exchangers, to heat water. A variety of collectors are available, which are commonly mounted on roofs in the same way as PV panels.

No matter where a building is sited, solar panels are exposed to the weather and environmental influences 24/7, 365 days a year. Dust, dirt and other deposits not only look unsightly, they affect the performance of the panels. Traffic fumes and soot can build up quickly, especially on systems that are located near roads, railway stations or on industrial parks where there is a constant stream of trucks, vans and cars.

The orientation of the panels is another factor to consider. Because you are looking to achieve maximum exposure to sunlight, panels should ideally be oriented to the south. When oriented in other directions, a build-up of plants or moss on the surface can result. The angle at which the panels are placed can also have an impact.

It’s widely agreed that if the panels lay very flat, then there will be more deposits to deal with. A steeper angle will help, to a certain extent, but dirt may still have a tendency to collect in lower corners. And although rain removes some of the existing dirt, it also deposits new dirt on the surface.

Soiling that is left on the panels stops sunlight from getting through, meaning that less energy is produced, in some cases resulting in a decrease in efficiency of 30 per cent. This is obviously not acceptable, so regular cleaning should be put in place to ensure you protect your investment.

Water-fed poles have already established themselves as a popular choice with professional window cleaners, because they allow them to clean high buildings and windows safely from the ground, alleviating the need to work at height. These pole systems now also lend themselves perfectly to cleaning solar panels, dispensing with the need for ladders or cranes but still cleaning safely and efficiently to help boost solar output.

Cleaning with chemicals also runs the risk of leaving a film on the panels that can prevent the sun’s rays from getting through, so the most effective way to clean is to use pure water. To get to this state the water is processed to remove the minerals and impurities that would otherwise dry and lead to spots and streaks.

Cleaning techniques used on the outside of buildings are now helping to influence how interiors are maintained, and window cleaning equipment is adapting to fulfil a growing need for safe and effective ways to do an ‘inside job’.

Many different businesses and organisations require indoor cleaning systems. From shopping centres, with their central, glass-clad atriums; to museums and galleries that need safe ways to clean around precious exhibits; to manufacturing facilities incorporating roof skylights – indoor cleaning is becoming increasingly important.

Demand is growing for easy-to-use, flexible systems. Companies are looking for more efficient ways to keep their premises clean – and that means efficiencies in both time and money. Methods of cleaning high interior windows that dispense with the need for ladders, but still operate in a safe way, are becoming more popular.

Telescopic pole systems are smaller and lighter, so they are more easily moved around buildings and between floors than bulky ladders, plus they get the job done quickly, without compromising quality. Systems that use pure water don’t need chemicals, saving both money and helping companies with their ‘green’ agendas; plus re-usable, washable pads mean less waste and more sustainability.

Indoor window cleaning systems means that customers are now able to clean places that were previously out of reach, such as ceilings, escalators, conservatory roofs and elevators. Ordinarily, this would require specialist cleaning and logistics to arrange – increasing financial outlay because of the high cost of hiring equipment such as scissor lifts, and causing disruption to the working day because areas have to be closed off while cleaning takes place – but the latest systems provide a solution to these problems.

Thanks to continuous product development and feedback from clients on their changing needs, great cleaning results are now the norm, and not difficult to achieve when compared to the more traditional glass cleaners and paper towels, used in years gone by.

There’s no doubt that the professional window cleaning sector will continue to make progress, taking advantage of new technology and innovations in engineering and materials to produce even more adaptable window cleaning systems. Whether you need to clean inside, outside, or up on the roof, the 21st century window cleaning sector is rising to the challenges ahead, and providing imaginative solutions that deliver the required results.

European Water Fed Poles - Pole Position

Michelle Marshall, Editor of the European Cleaning Journal was kind enough to provide the full print copy to read below.
With the advent of water-fed poles, is there still a need for traditional window cleaning methods such as detergents, ladders and cradles? Will these die out, or will there always be some applications where they are essential? Ann Laffeaty finds out...

Pole position (From the European Cleaning Journal - Edition June/July 2010): It is becoming increasingly hard for window cleaners to justify going about their business in the old-fashioned way, using a ladder and squeegee. The European Work at Height Directive has revolutionised window cleaning and imposed new restrictions on the industry. Working at height is an integral part of the window cleaner’s role and the ladder was once his most important tool. But it was also his most dangerous since an estimated two-thirds of accidents that occur when working at height involve the use of ladders. The new regulations stipulate that if a high-rise task can reasonably be carried out from the ground, that is how it must be done. And the advent of water-fed poles has made the vast majority of window cleaning tasks achievable from ground level. Since using pole systems is also faster and more efficient than ladders – while enabling the window cleaner to access greater heights - it is hard to argue that using a water-fed pole is not a viable alternative in most cases.

So, is there still a need for conventional cleaning methods such as the ladder, squeegee and bucket? Probably not, according to Brodex general manager Ann Forde-Johnston. “Cleaning from the ground is much faster which means window cleaners have more time to carry out their job and earn more money,” she said. “Water-fed poles are also the safest way of cleaning windows. Cleaners are being forced off ladders because of insurance issues – building owners don’t want to run the risk of an accident on their premises.” Brodex offers water-fed poles reaching heights of around 70 feet, though Forde-Johnston concedes that 60 feet tends to be the upper limit when working from the ground. “You can’t really see the dirt on the window at 70 feet and if the pole is too long or too heavy, the window cleaner can’t control it and it can fall. Using an over-long pole can also lead to back or neck injuries.” She said a cherry picker was required at heights of more than 60 feet – though even here a water-fed-pole could be used. “Larger buildings often have a water tank on the roof and window cleaners simply use their poles from the cradle. In fact we often receive calls from architects asking us where to build a water tank into the design to make life simpler for window cleaners.”

Unger’s marketing co-ordinator Axel Droste agrees that water-fed poles are taking over the industry. “Ladders will die out as regulations restrict their use and pole work becomes more widespread,” he predicted. Unger manufactures three modular pole systems enabling work to be carried out at heights of up to 20 metres. The company also has a Classic range incorporating squeegees, scrapers and accessories. According to Droste there is still a need for traditional hand tools for indoor work, low-level cleaning and hard-to-reach areas. Unger also offers a detergent for classic cleaning. “Our RO filter has a second pump that sucks soap out of a canister to supplement pure water in difficult applications, such as where windows have not been cleaned for a long time,” said Droste. “In general soaps and chemicals are not needed but in some cases they can help.”



The IPC Group is another organisation that provides both traditional window cleaning equipment and water-fed poles. According to marketing director Walter Tomasi: “Squeegees and detergents are still useful for particular tasks such as cleaning in internal environments, in places where there is no easy access and for traditional window cleaning. “As for water-fed poles, the limit of this cleaning system has always been the maximum level they can reach - generally considered to be 15-20 metres. But at IPC we thought to go beyond this.” The company has developed the HighRise system, a robot said to be able to clean glass surfaces of any height from the ground via a radio link. “Compared with manual window cleaning alternatives, HighRise makes the task of cleaning high rise façades both safer and more effective,” claims Tomasi.

Window Cleaning Warehouse director Julian Davies says the need for traditional window cleaning methods is now mainly confined to the domestic sector. The company offers both water-fed poles and traditional equipment. “There are still a great many window cleaners working domestic rounds, and one-man businesses can find the capital requirement of buying the equipment for pure water cleaning somewhat daunting,” he said. “However, even these businesses are becoming more aware of the Working at Height regulations.” Where ladders are still being used, safety remains an issue. One company looking to address this is Rojak which manufactures a range of anti-slip ladder stabilisers. “Ladders are essentially unstable and need to be brought up to date,” said Rojak director Barry Weatherall. “We are trying to increase the safety of ladders all the time.” But according to Weatherall, water-fed poles are not without their own health and safety problems. “You see window cleaners using water-fed poles walking backwards into the road where they could easily be knocked over,” he said. “And with all that water being sprayed around you are potentially creating a skating rink during the winter months.”

Ice hazard:
Marketing manager of Ionic Systems Philip Hanson agrees that ice can be an issue in the winter. “Industry guidelines advocate spreading rock salt around the area and cordoning it off if there is a risk of the water freezing,” he said. “But personally I have never heard of anyone injuring themselves from ice caused by water-fed poles, and I read every month about people injuring themselves when working at height.” Ionic Systems launched the Reach and Wash - a mobile, vehicle-mounted water-fed pole system - in 1997. The company also manufactures a range of water-fed poles with a maximum reach of 72 feet. According to Hanson the scope of the tools is growing all the time. “External window cleaning can be carried out with a water-fed pole to heights of 7o feet - which is beyond the reach of ladders anyway,” he said. “Abseiling cleaners tend to use normal tools, but what we are finding in warmer countries is that an increasing number of abseiling cleaners use short-reach water-fed poles. This is because if you squirt soapy water on a window in hot weather it will quite often dry before you get a chance to rinse it off.” Improvements are constantly being carried out in the water-fed pole industry.

Brodex’s Ann Forde-Johnston says the company is developing lighter poles to enable the task to be carried out more safely and claims the company’s own 60 feet carbon fibre pole is the lightest on the market at only 2.6 kilos. Brodex is also working closely with the Federation for Window Cleaners to run training courses. “Using water-fed poles requires a simple technique but if you don’t get it right, it can lead to all kinds of problems,” she said. “We always train customers on how to use our equipment but we are not window cleaners. So we are planning to offer our customers discounted training course from the Federation for Window Cleaners.” So, are water-fed pole systems replacing traditional ladder-and-bucket methods? According to Forde-Johnston the only window cleaning tasks that cannot always be carried out effectively via a pole system is indoor work. “Customers don’t tend to like having water inside, so some of our larger commercial customers carry ladders for indoor use,” she said.

Even that is due to change if the water-fed pole companies have their way. Ionic Systems has developed the Pro-10 water-fed pole system designed for use in buildings with high internal glass windows. This uses a high-powered vacuum to collect, re-purify and re-use the water. And Forde-Johnston adds: “At Brodex we are in the process of developing an indoor system comprising a large reservoir of water and a high-reach indoor cleaning facility. We were mortified at ISSA/INTERCLEAN in Amsterdam that the system wasn’t ready because people were asking for it, but we’re pretty close to launching it.”

Poles not always the answer:
However water-fed poles will never take over the industry completely according to regional operations manager of cleaning service provider OCS Michael Chambers, who says the company’s window cleaners always use traditional tools for high-rise work. “We only use poles at heights of up to 60 feet - any higher than that and we use a cradle or scaffolding,” he said. “And we don’t use water-fed poles from a cradle since you are swinging about in mid-air and they are much more difficult to control.” Despite the development of water-fed pole systems for indoor work, he said OCS was still more likely to use a ladder or mobile platform plus traditional tools for internal cleaning. In fact water-fed poles are not even the complete answer for external work, according to Chambers. “If you had a 60 feet building made entirely of glass with no sun canopies, screens or other obstructions you could clean the entire structure using a water-fed pole,” he said. “But modern buildings often have such features, while older buildings may also have beams or balconies. “I think water-fed poles will become a dominant method of window cleaning but they can never replace traditional methods completely. There will always be a place for the cradle system.”

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Europe Reforms V.A.T. for Window Cleaners

The EU has given the green light to the UK to extend its reverse charge VAT (value added tax)scheme aimed at cracking down on carousel fraud. The council declared that "that reduced VAT rates may, depending on the circumstances, have positive and negative economic effects, so that more efficient alternative solutions should always be considered before a member state decides to use the option to apply reduced VAT rate." More efficient alternatives presumably being in short supply, the council then decided that that all member states should have the option to apply reduced VAT rates on a permanent basis to a range of economic activity. The ministers also struck a rare blow for transparency, OK-ing reduced VAT on "Window-cleaning and cleaning in private households".
Personal services also scored a potential VAT reduction, with the ministers giving their blessing to cuts on "domestic care services such as home help and care of young, elderly, sick or disabled" as well as hairdressing. Perhaps recognising that the building sector is crumbling before our eyes, members are at liberty to reduce VAT on the "renovation and repairing of private dwellings, excluding materials which account for a significant part of the value of the service supplied".

Amidst all these (potential) VAT giveaways, there was barely space to record that the UK has been given a two-year extension to the reverse charge VAT regime which aims to bring carousel frauds to a juddering halt, and actually ensure that VAT money flows into the Exchequer. It's difficult to know whether the scheme, kicked off two years ago, is actually having an effect. However, there seems to be less alarm at Whitehall about the scams, which last year were estimated to be costing the UK around £3bn in lost receipts. Then again, that does seem like peanuts when compared to the billions being used to prop up the UK's banking sector.
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The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin), chaired by Czech finance minister Miroslav Kalousek (pictured) agreed at a meeting in Brussels on March 10 2009 to reduce value-added tax (VAT) in some sectors. The ministers reached agreement on a short list that included, above all, labour-intensive local services, where all European Union member states should be allowed to permanently apply the reduced VAT rate. These services include small repair services of bicycles, shoes, leatherware, textile furnishings and clothes, window cleaning and household cleaning, hair salons and the provision of home nursing services."This will mean lower tax revenues, but without a deal, consumers would have ended up paying more, at a time when no one wants further brakes on spending," Euronews said. The EU currently has a patchwork of reduced rates of value-added tax on labour-intensive services, such as home care for the elderly, hairdressing or home repairs.
The Wall Street Journal said that Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Germany and Lithuania said in a statement that they did not intend to take advantage of the cut in taxes. Ecofin also called for International Monetary Fund resources for countries in trouble to be doubled to $500 billion. The agreement also stipulates that the reduced VAT rate will not apply to the other items contained in a European Commission proposal presented in July 2009. The Wall Street Journal said that Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Germany and Lithuania said in a statement that they did not intend to take advantage of the cut in taxes. Ecofin also called for International Monetary Fund resources for countries in trouble to be doubled to $500 billion.