Steel window restoration- how do I reach the second floor? First floor is complete already.

Submitted by Weak_Wrongdoer_2774 t3_11vstem in DIY

I’ve completed about 20 windows on the ground floor of my house, restoring the steel one sash at a time. I have several second floor windows which would be tough to reach even with the longest ladder, the tops of which are around 20’ from grade. I’ve got an extension ladder with stabilizing bar, but I never feel extremely stable on it given how much movement is required to restore them. Any smart ways to secure the ladder better, or clever ways to get up there? Thanks!

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GRZMNKY t1_jcun435 wrote

Rent some scaffolding, or a cherry picker

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Weak_Wrongdoer_2774 OP t1_jcunf3s wrote

This is a great suggestion, but the real issue is that due to dry times and quantity of windows- and doing this on weekends, it’s going to probably take 2 summers on and off to get to the remaining 30 windows on level 2. It needs to be something I “own”.

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wirral_guy t1_jcupgv3 wrote

Buy the scaffolding you need, use it for as long as you need it then sell it to recoup some of the cost - will be cheaper than renting etc over a 2 year period and you aren't limited to a time frame.

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Weak_Wrongdoer_2774 OP t1_jcvrx10 wrote

Great suggestion. I’ve done this with other odd tools with mostly good results. Thanks!

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NotEasilyConfused t1_jcury5r wrote

If you are competent enough to do the windows right, you can build your own scaffolding.

You are working with pieces of metal and glass... why would you want anything less safe than this?

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Weak_Wrongdoer_2774 OP t1_jcvrr86 wrote

I definitely can erect it, I’m not sure I could fabricate it. I agree though that it seems scaffold is the way to go. Unfortunately I have 5 windows which are above a bay window below, which is steeply raked. I’m not sure I know how I’ll do those quite yet (standing on the rake doesn’t seem realistic for several hours). Thanks!

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Park_Particular t1_jczxlym wrote

Maybe you could build a secure platform to help hold the ladder in place and sturdy. Keep the ladder firmly on the ground, but clamp or otherwise attach it to a frame that stands several feet high. I'm visualizing one made of 2x4s, with a 4' x 8' base (or what room you have) to give lots of stability, with a second frame 4' up from that, connected with lots of 2x4s for more stability, and all staked into the ground. You don't need a platform on top, just some crosspieces to attach to the ladder. You could also build a small box to keep at the top of the ladder to hold your tools and supplies.

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porcelainvacation t1_jcvkrap wrote

If the sashes are the same size, swap them with the ground floor ones and work on it from below, or remove one at a time, board it up while you are working, then replace.

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Weak_Wrongdoer_2774 OP t1_jcvrjsf wrote

Very clever!! Unfortunately the sashes are not removable. They’re Fenestra Steel Casements, and are permanently fixed. The frames themselves also require grinding, rust abatement, and replacement of many lites in the fixed portion.

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GhostofDan t1_jcw3ztt wrote

a set up with pump jacks wouldn't be terribly expensive.

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