ᐅ Cleaning sliding glass windows on upper floors from the outside
Created on: 2 Jan 2021 11:39
M
manohara
I assume there is no practical solution, but first the problem:
In the upper floor of a house, I want to install large, floor-to-ceiling sliding windows (the attic is being converted). The goal is to have the front (with a wide, unobstructed view of the countryside to the south) open as extensively as possible. We’re talking about an area 4 meters wide and 2.20 meters high (13 feet, 7 inches by 7 feet, 3 inches).
What I want is to create a feeling “up there” on the south side, similar to being on a covered balcony.
So far, my plan is to have fixed glass panels of 1 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) on each side, with the central 2-meter (6 feet, 7 inches) section sliding to the right and left. It won’t be an “extremely large” opening, but it should be as wide as possible.
The window surfaces must, of course, be accessible for cleaning from the outside. The current solution is to install a narrow “balcony” in front of them. This will probably be a slim metal grate floor with a railing.
What I’m now wondering is if there are solutions that do not require a walkable space outside in front of the windows. A railing is obviously necessary whenever the windows are open, but if the panels could be cleaned from the inside like regular casement windows, it would eliminate the need for an external walkway.
I am looking for a sliding-and-tilting mechanism (which, as far as I know, I have never seen anywhere) where the floor-to-ceiling panels can also be tilted inward for cleaning. Does anyone know of such a system? Or can you suggest how to search for it online? When I search for “tilt-and-slide door,” I only get folding doors, which also cannot be accessed from inside on the outside surface.
Of course, I am also happy to hear any completely different ideas that I haven’t thought of yet.
In the upper floor of a house, I want to install large, floor-to-ceiling sliding windows (the attic is being converted). The goal is to have the front (with a wide, unobstructed view of the countryside to the south) open as extensively as possible. We’re talking about an area 4 meters wide and 2.20 meters high (13 feet, 7 inches by 7 feet, 3 inches).
What I want is to create a feeling “up there” on the south side, similar to being on a covered balcony.
So far, my plan is to have fixed glass panels of 1 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) on each side, with the central 2-meter (6 feet, 7 inches) section sliding to the right and left. It won’t be an “extremely large” opening, but it should be as wide as possible.
The window surfaces must, of course, be accessible for cleaning from the outside. The current solution is to install a narrow “balcony” in front of them. This will probably be a slim metal grate floor with a railing.
What I’m now wondering is if there are solutions that do not require a walkable space outside in front of the windows. A railing is obviously necessary whenever the windows are open, but if the panels could be cleaned from the inside like regular casement windows, it would eliminate the need for an external walkway.
I am looking for a sliding-and-tilting mechanism (which, as far as I know, I have never seen anywhere) where the floor-to-ceiling panels can also be tilted inward for cleaning. Does anyone know of such a system? Or can you suggest how to search for it online? When I search for “tilt-and-slide door,” I only get folding doors, which also cannot be accessed from inside on the outside surface.
Of course, I am also happy to hear any completely different ideas that I haven’t thought of yet.
Yes, "completely standard" doors would probably be possible. What I like about sliding doors is that they "don’t get in the way." They don’t obstruct space when only half open, and they don’t require the entire area in front of them to open...
but maybe I’ll get there eventually... 🙂
“Regular” doors are also technically much easier to seal tightly... that might be another point I should consider in my plans...
but maybe I’ll get there eventually... 🙂
“Regular” doors are also technically much easier to seal tightly... that might be another point I should consider in my plans...
K
knalltüte2 Jan 2021 18:15Prof. Femsterputzer have very long handles that allow them to reach glass roofs or windows on the second floor. In my opinion, they are also not too expensive 😉
The main issue is the fall protection in front of it.
We also have a spot one floor higher (fixed glazed).
With fiberglass/carbon rod and an osmosis system, it’s easy to clean. Otherwise, use a tall ladder or call a professional.
In this case, I would also recommend regular doors instead.
We also have a spot one floor higher (fixed glazed).
With fiberglass/carbon rod and an osmosis system, it’s easy to clean. Otherwise, use a tall ladder or call a professional.
In this case, I would also recommend regular doors instead.
The house is located on a slope. Between the garden below the window and the window at the top, there are two and a half floors.
... and in a rural area, hiring a professional to clean windows seems a bit unusual to me.
I am still hoping for a lift-and-slide folding door where the glass panel can be folded out from the sliding door, something like a regular door integrated into a sliding door.
The disadvantage is, first, that I haven’t been able to find something like this online so far, and second, that such a double frame is naturally much bulkier than a simple one.
But who knows what I might still come across...
... and in a rural area, hiring a professional to clean windows seems a bit unusual to me.
I am still hoping for a lift-and-slide folding door where the glass panel can be folded out from the sliding door, something like a regular door integrated into a sliding door.
The disadvantage is, first, that I haven’t been able to find something like this online so far, and second, that such a double frame is naturally much bulkier than a simple one.
But who knows what I might still come across...
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