Mastering Your Cleaning Routine

What Methods Can Be Used to Clean High-Rise Windows?

by Yolanda Watts

If you own or operate a high-rise commercial building in a city centre or other busy environment, you need to pay particular attention to appearance. You'll want to ensure that the exterior is as clean as possible, bearing in mind the high levels of pollution that typically come with such a location, and you'll want to ensure that your tenants are happy with your efforts as well. What is the best way to approach commercial window cleaning?

Floor-to-Ceiling Glass

Most modern high-rise commercial buildings today feature floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum visibility and aesthetic appeal. They provide a great deal of light to all tenants and give them a view to enjoy while they work. However, cleaning can be a major chore with this amount of glass, and you'll certainly want to outsource the task to skilled contractors.

Water-Fed Pole System

When it comes to the cleaning approach, much will depend on the size of the building. For example, if you need to clean windows that are 20m above the ground, workers can use a carbon fibre pole system. The pressurised water is pushed to the special applicator while the operator moves the brush back and forth. Certainly, this requires some skill and dexterity, but it can be a great solution for medium-sized buildings. However, if your office block is a lot taller, you will have to consider a more involved approach.

Abseil and Cradles

For example, you may need to bring in cleaners who can abseil down the side of the building from the roof. Alternatively, bring in a cradle mechanism that can be lowered from a winch located on the top floor. Most very tall buildings have this facility in place, and your cleaners will need access to the machinery to perform their work. It goes without saying, but they will need to pay full attention to safety at all times, and this type of work can only be done in relatively benign conditions.

Cost and Experience

The more complicated the challenge, the higher the associated cost. You will also need to work with commercial cleaners that have experience in these areas and have highly trained personnel able to work at a great height.

Determining Your Needs

Talk with your local commercial cleaning contractor and give them details of the job in question. They'll advise you whether your windows can be cleaned using the water fed pole approach or if you will need something more involved.

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