The build-up of atmospheric pollutants on the surfaces of a building is inevitable in a city. Buildings located near a highway or in an industrial zone are exposed to higher air pollution levels than others. Those near water are also exposed to higher moisture levels, which leads to mildew or algae issues.
To combat this, pressure washers can be used. Strong emissions of water come from a pump to clean windows or the facade of high rise buildings. The water can be used hot, cold, or as steam. The force causes debris and dirt to fall away from windows or the surface material.
Let’s look at some of the most common questions building owners ask.
Table of Contents
1. How Often Should a Facade Be Cleaned?
The short answer is that building facades should be cleaned annually. Sticking to an annual schedule will ensure that grime and dirt don’t cause staining, which is more difficult to remove. Leaving residue for too long can lead to damage to the façade too. Glass can be permanently stained if it’s not cleaned often enough.
There are factors that come into play that affect the cleaning schedule.
The three common questions you will be asked when a contractor is assessing the needs to clean a building are:
- Where is the building located?
- What are the atmospheric conditions it is exposed to?
- What materials is it made of?
2. What Cleaning Methods Can Be Used on a Building Facade?
Depending on the building in question, one of these methods will be recommended: chemical, a non-chemical option, abrasive or a combination of these methods.
Non-chemical water pressure is best used when you want to get dirt to loosen and wash it away. For an area with heavy stains, a cleaning agent such as detergents will be needed to remove dirt.
Pressure washing is very effective because the intensity can be adjusted to suit the needs of the job. Surfaces, like limestone, will need special chemical cleaners used with lower pressure and high heat.
3. What Apart From Pollutants Can Damage a Building?
One of the sources of damage to the façade of a building doesn’t come from the atmosphere at all. It’s right there sitting in the building itself. Minerals can come out of the stone, brick, or masonry, or the windowsills.
The salts and minerals leak out of the main substrate. They are then carried or washed onto the façade by wind or rain, leading to staining and corrosion.
Pests are also a common problem. Birds, insects, and even rodents may settle in crevices or gaps in a building façade. They can find cozy nooks and crannies to make into their home. Droppings then lead to staining and damage.
4. Why Is Rope Access Window Washing Often Recommended?
Firstly, it is the most versatile option for cleaning windows of high-rise buildings. The team can access hard to reach places by simply adjusting their setup. This includes spaces on window sills, balconies, and crevices. They don’t need scaffolding or other equipment for the job. This method also minimizes the impact on the people that live or work in the building.
5. How Much Does High-rise Window Cleaning Cost?
When you are quoted, the contractor will take the following into account to come to a figure:
- The type and height of the building
- Accessibility
- The weather
Think of it like this. They will assess how much their team will be able to clean in a day and then factor this into their rate per person per day. They will likely need a minimum of two to three crew members. Workers cannot work alone for safety reasons.
The higher the building, the more costly the rate because of the additional safety processes and work required. The weather is also a factor. Teams have to ensure safety comes first, so they assess the wind’s direction and may need to change their position accordingly, which takes time.
Your contractor will likely assess the job based on a minimum charge of two workers for three hours, billed at a lower per hour rate for any time over this. Unfortunately, they’re unable to give a fixed rate pricing for high-rise window cleaning because every building is unique.
A site inspection is always necessary before they can give you a number to work with. They will check access, anchor points (including testing and certification) and equipment.
If your building has been well maintained, or cleaned in the past six months, it will cost less than a neglected building. Sticking to a schedule of cleaning the façade or windows twice a year will minimize your expenses over time.
If you have questions about cleaning your building, it’s worth asking for recommendations from those that have similar buildings to yours. If they have found a contractor that gives them the results they want at the cost they can afford, you can benefit from their experience. Once you have the contractor’s details, ask them how your building differs and what specific factors need to be accounted for.
This is a guest post by Lara Graham