How does everyone was 2nd story and up decks that don’t have steps from the ground to them? Ladders? Do you go in the customers house?
I realize this might not even be an issue for many, but I will be washing beach homes and this thought just popped up in my head.
Hopefully people can share suggestions because I really don’t want to risk walking through homes and possibly tracking around bleach.
@Clean_Blue how do you do it? Others?
Ladders, be sure if your leaning ladder on railing that the railing is secure, a fellow got sued in S Florida years back for leaning ladder on balcony rail then some weight challenged tenant leaned on rail,it gave way & the washer got blamed for the fall & death. I wont lean ladders on any apt-condo railings built before 2005 or on certain builders units. If you go into a customers home you better be bonded. Lots of $$ on the beach. Go get it ! Regards
Try to find a location to lean a ladder that is not on the actual railing but allows you to climb over the railing if possible. For example in this photo you might place the ladder on the side of the house in that area between the railing and the first window to the right, then climb over. If that isn’t a possibility lean the ladder on the railing as close to a post as possible as it’s stronger there than in the middle between two posts.
I usually go through the house though if I can unless I’m going to be soaking wet. If you take proper precautions, you shouldn’t be dripping bleach or water in their house.
Ladder up and hop over, on the way back over it can be a little dangerous if your not athletic. I use to be a paratrooper so if I fall I at least know how to not break a bone… well hopefully. All joking aside always take a rope with you and wear a Blackhawk belt with a place in front for a caribeener. Small rope with two Caribeeners could save your life. Wrap the rope around a main support pole weave through caribeener, and attach the end of the rope (caribeener) to the metal loop on your belt.
Obviously only doing that when having to hop over the rail. Only enough rope to allow you to hop over (a few feet)
@OCDmike there will be times when you need to get access through the house for roof top decks or decks that are accessible from a ladder. I advise my customers when I present them with the estimate that I will need access.
I am buying a 40’ ladder this year to get the decks that my 32 won’t get. I don’t like being on a 40’ ladder much less climbing over a railing at that height but I hate going into my customer’s houses even more. Most of my jobs I use a 25’ and a 32’ ladder. You will need both because the 32’ is too tall for the lower decks. As far as safety I use to climb the ladder and wrap a piece of 14 wire around the ladder rung and deck railing. Now I use hooks attached to the ladder. This will keep it from sliding off the wet, soapy railing as you are getting on or off it.
Thanks Bill - and everyone else.
You described the exact procedure I had envisioned in my head. I have the 20 and 30 foot ladders already - looks like I’m in the market for a 40’ now. The height doesn’t bother me, I just hate needing a 2nd person on these jobs just to help with a ladder. Oh well, like you said, rather ladder up then go through the house.
That’s another problem is a 40’ ladder should be set up by 2 people.
Yep. We send out 2 people even if it’s just the 32’. You know in our area, if a ladder goes down the price tag to replace whatever it hits has at least 1 comma. That’s the double-edged sword around us.
