Cleaning outside of a window that does not open

Accomodation, House and Garden
1
Hi All

I would like to clean the outside sill and glass of a window on the 2nd floor, the window does not seem to open so it seems it will require access from the outside via ladder

1. As this is not accessible to the tenant, does cleaning typically fall under the responsibilities of the landlord?

2. If not, Can anyone recommend a reliable window cleaner near St Gallen (8722)?

Thanks in advance

Mike

2
Are you sure it does not open? There are no screws all around the frame that you can loosen up to open the part that is typically "stuck"?

3
Depends what kind of rental we are talking about. I would ask the building manager or landlord what they usually do.

4
In buildings with windows which do not open, sometimes the property manager arranges the cleaning.

Although you see screws, it might not be an easy task to loosen them and clean the glass.

An alternative to a very tall ladder to reach the second floor might be an extending pole with an attachment. We bought such a thing to clean the roof of our pergola. The longest pole we could find was in the garden section and from Wolf Garten. They sell various attachments. If you can stand on a sturdy ladder this could work.

I did have a window with screws but it was part of a 3er window so it was attached to the one next to it with a hinge. Yours probably has a hinge but without seeing it I can't say for sure.

5
Does the window not open at all? Or does it tip open a bit but not enough for you to clean the glass and window sill outside?

If it is the second option, it will open completely to allow you to clean it. This is a fairly standard system in CH. It is often a safety measure to ensure that kids can't open the window and fall out.

You just need to "unhook" the slider system that is on the top surface of the window. There are no screws etc to touch. It is a bit complicated to explain, but I will try. You will see the sliding part that goes back and forth on the top surface. It is a bit hard to get at but there is a thin metal part on top of it that needs to be opened/pivoted towards you. Once you have this you just need to line up the slots so the window comes free from the sliding system. Be sure you are supporting the window when you are doing this or it will drop. Then you support the window until it is fully open/down. Clean the window and window sill then do the reverse to re-hook the slider part.

Another idea is to ask one of the neighbours if they can show you.

6
I live in a fairly new block of flats and some of my windows do not open as well. Twice a year they are being cleaned from the outside (it's like in typical office buildings where windows do not open) and it's all arranged by the administrator.

7
I have the same issue - most window panes are large and affixed with 5 screws. I have undone one pane, only to find 2 of the threads stripped from the previous tenants already - I think they simply bite into the wood frame and not designed for frequent removal.

My contract says twice per year the maintenance company must "clean the facade and outside windows". We made the argument these panes should be included, but predictably we were sent away :-)

How are people dealing with this chore, acrobatics aside?