We all know the importance of clean windows. They can make an impact on how the building looks and how much sunlight those inside can enjoy. But, what if your property is a skyscraper? Should you always prioritize high rise window cleaning despite how hard it can be? Let’s find out why high rise window cleaning is important.
What is High Rise Window Cleaning?
High-rise window cleaning is exactly as it sounds. It’s the process of cleaning high windows on high buildings and skyscrapers. It became necessary as more high rise buildings were erected toward the end of the 19th century. However, as high-rise windows can be tough to reach, they also pose a risk to the cleaners who do the work. After a while, high-rise window cleaners began to use safety belts before scaffolding was invented.
The 1968 Building Code states that any building at least 75 feet high is counted as a high-rise building. Subsequent updates to the code indicated that measurements begin at the lowest level where fire department personnel get into the building. Meanwhile, the end measurement is the highest floor occupied — not the building’s highest point. All high-rise buildings need special equipment and personnel to clean the windows.
The Importance of High Rise Window Cleaning
Window washing high rise buildings may not seem as important as other maintenance activities and cleaning services. However, it is crucial for a variety of reasons. For one, it’s one of the biggest defining factors in how a building appears from the outside. It plays a significant role in the building’s first impression and how it is perceived.
In addition, high rise window cleaning helps keep the environment healthy and clean. A professional skyscraper window cleaner can remove all the impurities and contaminants that have built up over time. This can enhance the building’s indoor air quality and keep the building in good condition. All of these can help prevent the spread of illness and disease.
How Often Should You Clean High-Rise Windows?
Should window cleaning high rise buildings be a routine? How often should property owners have them professionally cleaned? The answer could be as infrequent as two times a year or as often as once a month. As a general rule of thumb, property owners should schedule more frequent cleanings for lower floors. Meanwhile, higher floors might require less frequent attention.
Nevertheless, the answer can vary depending on the circumstances. It depends on several factors, including the following:
1. Window Location
Not all windows need frequent cleaning. After all, skyscrapers have incredibly high windows at the top floor and much lower windows near the ground floor. Windows lower to the ground are more exposed to pollution and dust.
Thus, they get dirtier faster and need frequent cleaning. Property owners should have them cleaned at least once a month — or more often, depending on traffic and other factors.
Meanwhile, windows higher up don’t need as much maintenance. They’re pretty far from street pollution, so they can stay cleaner longer. Property owners can have them cleaned less frequently than windows lower to the ground.
2. Building Location
Where is the property located? Is it in a bustling street or a quiet neighborhood? Does the city have more air pollution compared to other cities? All of these things can impact how often you should clean the windows. If the building is in a city with a lot of air pollution, dust, smog, grit, dirt, and vehicle exhaust, then more frequent cleaning is warranted. On the other hand, buildings in a quieter area with less traffic might not need as much cleaning.
Climate also plays a part. If the state or city gets a lot of rain, the windows will get smudgy more often. There will also be a lot more mineral deposits. Plus, a windy environment can toss more muck into the air and onto the windows.
3. Resident Expectations
Whether commercial or residential, high-rise windows tend to get a lot of tenants. This is important because, unlike those walking in the streets, tenants can more visibly see the grime and window spots on high-rise windows. They can be picky, especially if the skyscraper is touted as one of the area’s prime locations. Tenants also pay more attention to window cleanliness if they meet many clients on the premises.
Property owners need to pay attention to tenants’ demands. If tenants often complain about the windows every few months, it may be worthwhile to invest in more regular window cleaning. Otherwise, the property owner may eventually lose their tenants.
4. Business Type
Does the skyscraper have many restaurants inside? Is it a luxury hotel? If this is the case, then property owners should have the high-rise windows cleaned regularly. After all, grimy windows don’t make for a good first impression. They can significantly impact how customers feel about being inside the premises—and whether they’ll come back.
However, if the high-rise is an office building with businesses that don’t cater to clients inside, the property owner may get away with more infrequent cleaning. They might even be able to schedule cleanings only once or twice a year.
Risks of High-Rise Window Cleaning
Skyscraper window cleaning poses many risks. Because the windows are incredibly high, there’s a risk of falling or injury. However, considering the process’s entails, it’s an inevitable part of the process. These days, though, deaths are pretty few and far between. Workers take good care of their safety and take lots of preventive measures before doing the work. Thus, accidents are often non-fatal.
However, one of the biggest things to consider is the weather. The weather can significantly impact how well and fast the cleaners can clean. Window cleaning may take longer in the rain or snow. Rain can also make the platforms slippery, making workers more prone to accidents. Strong winds, on the other hand, can slow down the project and destabilize the platform or scaffolding.
A Necessary Job
High-rise window cleaning is a risky but necessary job. It can make or break a customer’s first impression and determine whether or not they’ll come again. Nevertheless, how often you need to clean the windows will depend on several factors.
Maintenance Specialists Inc. provides all kinds of commercial property maintenance services. Call us now at 704.405.6000 or contact us online for more details!
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