As someone who’s spent over twenty years scaling buildings all over the UK, it’s fair to say I know a thing or two about commercial window cleaning!
And whilst methods and technologies have changed (which we’ll explore throughout this guide), one thing has remained the same.
Reputation.
A clean building has an enormous impact on how a company, brand or establishment is perceived, which is why a cleaning service plan isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
So, if you own or manage a commercial building, this guide brings together my years of experience to help you:
A) understand what’s involved in a commercial window clean.
And
B) How you can get the most out of your service plan.
Read on to find out more…
Your Building Type & Layout Will Dictate The Window Cleaning Service
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to commercial window cleaning. Building height, layout and even location will dictate the type of service we recommend. So, your window cleaning contractor should communicate closely with you to assess your unique requirements prior to work beginning. This will involve an initial site visit.
Things that will dictate the type of commercial window cleaning service
Two common examples are:
Busy, high-traffic environments may disrupt operatives working at ground level.
Older buildings may not have the appropriate anchor points or other accessible components to allow us to work safely at height.
If we come across any obstacles like those outlined above, we’ll liaise with the Local Authority and the Council to work out appropriate alternatives, so the quality of service is not affected.
And, of course, we’ll outline the service most suited to your building during our initial consultation.
For now, here’s a brief overview of the methods most commercial window cleaning contractors deploy as part of their service offering…
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Abseil Window Commercial Window Cleaning
You may be familiar with the term, ‘rope access window cleaning.’
As you can see from the image below, our guys descend the façade of your building using industrial-strength ropes – a method that requires a high level of competency.
Abseil window cleaning tends to be the ‘go to’ method for inner-city, high-rise commercial and residential properties as it is cost-effective, efficient and less disruptive to the general public.
That’s why it’s such a popular window cleaning method – and one which we regularly implement for developments all over the UK, including Rendall & Rittner’s Chelsea Bridge Wharf development. You can read our case study here.
And I’m sure you’ll agree – Abseil looks cool too.
Waterfed Pole Window Cleaning for Commercial Buildings
Otherwise known as ‘reach and wash’, water-fed pole window cleaning is for buildings up to 80 metres in height.
Operatives work from the ground, so careful consideration must be placed on the amount of traffic your building (and surrounding area) experiences. As such, we may need to visit your building at set times during the day to ensure minimal disruption.
You will have no doubt seen this method being used to clean all manner of buildings – from commercial to residential, making it a versatile (and cost-effective) window cleaning option.
But close consideration needs to be placed on the quality of equipment and cleaning methods used to carry out this task. We recommend working with a company that utilises Gardiner Pole Systems. Cheaper alternatives tend not to disperse water effectively, and the bristles of the brush tend to get damaged easily. Gardiner Pole systems are widely regarded as the ‘go to’ product for water fed pole cleaning, delivering great results, every time.
Water temperature is also key here. Many companies tend to use cold water during a water-fed pole clean, yet, as with any type of cleaning (be it your bathroom or your car), you’ll know that heat will remove dirt and grime far more effectively.
Filtered, pure water is also more effective and long-lasting than the use of detergents – which do have a tendency to leave streaks behind.
Cherrypicker Window Cleaning for Commercial Premises
A cherry picker is a hydraulic, mobile device that has a basket mounted on the end of a mechanical arm, giving the operative the flexibility to raise the carrier to all necessary heights, ensuring a thorough clean.
Cherry pickers are great for when ground-level access is limited or if your building is not equipped with a Building Maintenance Unit (BMU). Also, if your building façade is predominantly made up of structural glass, cherry picker cleaning allows operatives to clean large surface areas at once.
It also provides a reach of up to 200 feet, so height isn’t an issue!
Health and safety is of utmost importance where cherry picker window cleaning is concerned. As a building owner or manager, you should request proof that operatives are International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) trained and are familiar with relevant health and safety protocols.
Cradle Window Cleaning for Commercial Buildings
If your building has a well-maintained, fully accessible Building Maintenance Unit (BMU), cradle window cleaning is a convenient option, which allows operatives from all disciplines to carry out maintenance works with relative ease.
Yet, whilst a clean façade is important, so too is the maintenance of your BMU. Selecting a window cleaning contractor that provides an additional assessment of your BMU can bring great added value. This may require assessing your service, LOLER and insurance certificates and communicating with those responsible for the maintenance of your cradle to ensure safe practices are carried out.
Don’t Just Consider the Windows of your Commercial Building
Windows make up just one element of the building’s overall façade. A reputable commercial window cleaning service should recommend and outline additional services that may be needed as part of your clean.
Transparency is important here. If you’re going to be paying extra for your frames and sills, your cleaning contractor should inform you of this before works are carried out.
Here will outline other building elements that should be considered during a clean.
Commercial Gutter Cleaning
An annual or biannual gutter cleanse will avoid the major problems caused by blockages, including damp spots and water damage. Include this in your service plan if you haven’t already.
Windows Frames & Sills
As mentioned before, cleaning frames and sills may be an added cost and won’t always be a given on your commercial window clean. Get clarity on this before works start.
Exterior Structure & Walkways
Not all buildings are heavily comprised of glass. For this reason, power washing may be recommended to clean your building’s exterior structure – whether it is brickwork, stone, render or concrete. And let’s not forget the flooring and walkway areas of your building, too.
Work with a contractor that provides a combination of services in one package.
Balconies & Balustrades
Balconies and balustrades play a huge role in the overall aesthetic of your building and while not as common on commercial buildings, it’s worth noting., so ensuring these are incorporated into your cleaning package is also crucial.
You Should Have a Clear Cleaning Schedule
Different elements of your building will need to be cleaned at different points throughout the year and this may also vary depending on the location of your building.
Gutters, cladding and window frames/surrounds typically require a clean every six months, whilst windows, sills and balconies may require up to four cleans per year.
If your window cleaning partner doesn’t factor this into their cleaning schedule, you may find yourself spending more money than you need to.
Selecting a Window Cleaning Service Provider
It’s not uncommon for building managers and owners to stick with their existing window cleaning contract, without fully understanding what they’re paying for and if they’re getting value for money.
This leads me to my final point…
Effective Communication With Your Window Cleaning Contractor
Effective communication. It’s at the heart of any successful partnership between you and your cleaning service provider. This is particularly important if you own or manage multiple buildings. Your window cleaning contractor should keep you well-informed on the progress of your planned activity, so you have one less thing to worry about. After all, clean windows probably aren’t high on your list of priorities, I’d imagine.
Online portals, like Aquamark’s In-Touch Live Status Checker, is a great way to keep on top of your cleaning contract. Click here to find out more.
Conclusion
As we mentioned in the intro, commercial buildings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and uses, so you need to rely on your cleaning contractor to advise on the best package for your needs and budget.
Bear in mind that a window is just one component of your façade, and other elements of your outside structure will also need consideration.
And finally, we can’t stress enough the importance of communication. But this doesn’t mean someone pestering you every week to tell you they’re cleaning your windows. Effective communication serves up the information you need when you need it – so do make sure you check out our In-Touch Live Status checker. It helps keep you informed, without the stress on your part.
That’s all from me. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss your window cleaning contract. Thanks, Brad (MD, Aquamark Cleaning)
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About Aquamark
Aquamark recognises the diversity of issues that come with managing large residential and commercial properties. That’s why they’ve designed a unique approach to commercial window and glass cleaning that creates valuable customer experiences for all.
With their unique In-Touch Live Status Checker, you are kept updated with what has already been cleaned, what is currently being cleaned and what’s still left to clean, in just a few clicks.
This gives you full transparency-allowing you to focus on work priorities, whilst they focus on implementing the most effective window cleaning programme for the building.
They are not only recognised as a highly credible commercial window cleaning company in London but nationwide across the UK. This is down to their extended commercial window cleaning offering which includes: abseiling window cleaning, cradle window cleaning, water-fed pole window cleaning, cherry picker, construction cleans, building cleans and commercial gutter cleans.
When you’re looking at renewing your contract for window cleaning for a reliable, high-quality clean with professional window cleaners, or you want to explore which solution is most suited to the building you manage, contact the team at Aquamark.
You can book your slot for a free site assessment here, or if you’d prefer to chat, pick a time that best suits you.