When it comes to high rise buildings, clean windows are key to appearance, natural light and professionalism. But cleaning windows at heights is a whole different ball game and requires careful consideration of both safety and skill. This article looks at the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus hiring a window cleaner, at the key points of rise window cleaning cost, special equipment and risk.
Why High-Rise Window Cleaning
High-rise buildings have large glass facades that get dirty, dusty and stained. Exterior window cleaning is not just about appearance but long-term maintenance of the exterior of the building. Whether it’s a commercial building, office complex or residential skyscraper, clean windows are key to curb appeal and occupants having natural light.
But high rise window cleaning is not as simple as cleaning ground level windows. The height and type of windows in these buildings require advanced cleaning techniques and a deep understanding of safety regulations. Many building owners and property managers are faced with the question: should they do it themselves or hire a window cleaning service?
DIY High-Rise Window Cleaning: Worth the Risk?
While DIY high rise window cleaning may seem like a cost saving option, it comes with big risks and limitations.
Pros of DIY High Rise Window Cleaning
- Immediate Cost Savings: On the surface, cleaning the windows yourself seems to save money. Avoiding the rise in window cleaning costs by hiring professionals seems appealing, especially for smaller properties or accessible windows.
- Control and Flexibility: As a building owner, DIY window cleaning gives you control of the cleaning schedule and how often your windows are cleaned. This flexibility is useful for buildings where windows are more accessible, and dirt buildup is minimal.
Cons of DIY High-Rise Window Cleaning
- Risk of Injury: The biggest problem with DIY high-rise window cleaning is the risk of injury. Without the right safety gear like rope access systems, safety harnesses or aerial work platforms, cleaning windows on tall buildings is super dangerous. Falls from heights can be fatal.
- No Specialized Equipment: Most DIY cleaners don’t have access to the specialized equipment used by professionals like water-fed poles, building maintenance units and advanced cleaning solutions for tough stains like salt residue and water spots. Standard cleaning tools like squeegees and soapy water are not designed for commercial window cleaning on high-rise buildings.
- Subpar Results: Getting a streak free finish with DIY tools is hard, especially when cleaning elevated windows or skyscraper windows. Without the right training or cleaning agents, DIY cleaning will leave behind water marks, stubborn stains and streaks and ruin the building’s appearance.
- Time-Consuming: Cleaning the windows of a tall building is a long and arduous process, especially for those without the right tools or experience. Building owners will find themselves spending too much time on the job and getting poor results.
High-Rise Window Cleaning: Why Pro is Better
Getting a professional to clean your high-rise property has many benefits, from safety to convenience. Professional window cleaning is not just about clean windows, it’s about minimising risk and using training to deal with the challenges of tall buildings.
Pros of Professional Window Cleaning
- Safety: Safety is the number one priority for high-rise window cleaning. Professional cleaners are trained to the highest standard and use advanced safety gear like harnesses, rope access systems and arrest systems to prevent accidents. This means both the cleaners and building occupants are protected from harm.
- Specialised Equipment: Rise window cleaning services have the latest equipment to tackle commercial buildings. This includes elevated work platforms, water-fed poles and specialist cleaning agents like alkaline-based solutions or acid-based solutions to clean water marks and tough stains. Advanced cleaning systems mean a streak-free finish on high-level windows and glass facades.
- Time and Efficiency: A professional team of window cleaners can do the job quicker and more efficiently than any DIY approach. Using specialist equipment they can cover more surface area in less time and minimal disruption to your building’s operations. Whether it’s a 100 storey building or a smaller office complex, hiring window cleaning companies means an efficient service that saves you time.
- Peace of Mind: When you hire a professional window cleaning service, you have peace of mind, knowing the job will be done safely and to the highest standard. Window cleaning companies are often fully insured, so you’re protected in the unlikely event of an accident. They also follow strict safety regulations to comply with industry standards.
- Long Term Savings: While professional window cleaning may cost more upfront for rise window cleaning, it often leads to long term savings. Regular cleaning by experts helps preserve your windows and prevents the buildup of damaging substances like salt residue and watermarks. This means less need for costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Cons of Professional Window Cleaning
- Higher Upfront Cost: One of the main drawbacks is the upfront rise window cleaning cost which may be more than a DIY approach. But when you factor in the long term benefits of safety, better results and less accidents the investment is often worth it.
- Scheduling: Depending on the cleaning service’s availability, there may be some delay in scheduling. Some building types, like high-rise office complexes, may require specialist teams that are in high demand and may have wait times.
When to DIY
While professional cleaning is the best option for high-rise properties, there are times when DIY might be suitable. If the building has accessible windows that are easy to reach and doesn’t require specialist tools or advanced safety gear then DIY might work. For example cleaning the windows of a 10 storey building with accessible balconies might be suitable for a building owner with basic cleaning tools like extension poles and Window Cleaning Tools.
When to Use Professional Window Cleaning Services
For most commercial buildings or high rise buildings, using professional window cleaners is the safer and more efficient option. Properties with high windows, hard to reach areas or complex glass facades require specialized skills. Buildings exposed to the elements, such as coastal high rises with salt residue, benefit from regular cleaning with specialized equipment and conscious cleaning solutions.
High rise window cleaners with rope access window cleaning or abseiling window cleaning skills can clean the tallest skyscrapers. Many professional companies also offer eco friendly window cleaning services using environmentally conscious cleaning agents that are safe for the building and its occupants.
Conclusion
Deciding between DIY and professional high-rise window cleaning depends on many factors, such as the height of the building, the complexity of the windows, and the level of risk involved. In comparison, DIY cleaning may seem like the cheaper option, but the risk of injury, risk of accidents and subpar results make it not worth it. Professional window cleaners bring expertise, safety and high-quality results to every job. Although the cost of high-rise window cleaning may be more upfront, the long-term benefits of increased safety, better cleaning and fewer repairs make it worth it.
In short, when it comes to high-rise buildings, it’s all about balancing the risk of injury, the complexity of the job and the long-term benefits. With the right approach and the right equipment, professional window cleaners give you a safer, more efficient solution every time.
FAQ
What equipment do professionals use for high-rise window cleaning?
Professionals use various specialized equipment, including water-fed poles, rope access systems, aerial work platforms and advanced cleaning solutions to clean high-rise windows thoroughly and safely.
How often should I clean high-rise windows?
Frequency of exterior window cleaning depends on the location of the building and exposure to environmental factors like dirt, pollution and salt air. Commercial window cleaning services recommend cleaning windows 2-4 times a year for maintenance.
Can I clean high-rise windows myself?
While you can clean some windows yourself, high-rise buildings require specialized equipment and training to be safe and get good results. It’s not recommended for building owners to attempt to clean without the right tools and expertise.
How much does high-rise window cleaning cost?
High rise window cleaning cost varies depending on the height of the building, number of windows and complexity of the job. Professional services will provide free quotes to assess the needs of the building. The cost includes the use of advanced equipment, safety measures and specialized cleaning techniques to get the job done.
What safety measures are used during high-rise window cleaning?
Professionals follow strict safety protocols and use safety gear such as safety harnesses, rope access and aerial work platforms. They also do a risk assessment before the job to identify any hazards and ensure the safety of workers and building occupants.