Window Cleaning and Restoration Archives

10 Key Questions: What to Ask Before Hiring a Building Window Cleaning Provider

Choosing the right commercial building window cleaning provider is essential for maintaining your building’s aesthetics, safety, and tenant satisfaction. The wrong choice can lead to safety hazards, compliance risks, subpar results, and unexpected costs. Asking the right questions ensures you hire a provider that prioritizes worker and pedestrian safety, experience, and service quality. In this guide, we outline 10 essential questions to help you evaluate potential building window cleaning partners and make an informed decision.

Question 1 – What is Your Experience in Commercial Window Cleaning?

Experience is key in commercial building window cleaning. A seasoned provider understands building complexities, has deep expertise in glass care, and follows best practices to ensure safety. If a provider dodges questions, can’t name past projects, or is new to the industry without a seasoned team, consider it a red flag. The last thing you want is an inexperienced crew learning on the job — at your building’s expense.

Question 2 – Are You Licensed and Insured?

Without proper licensing and insurance, you could be on the hook for medical bills or damages. A reputable company will readily provide proof of licensing and comprehensive coverage, including general liability and workers’ compensation. Avoid companies that hesitate to show documentation including their Certificate of Insurance (COI), lack coverage for high-risk jobs, or have risky exclusions like the residential exclusion, height restrictions, rope access exclusions, and third-party property damage.

Question 3 – What Safety Measures Do You Have in Place?

When it comes to building window cleaning, safety should never be an afterthought. A trusted provider will have OSHA-compliant protocols, trained crews, a dedicated supervisor overseeing operations, and safely block off and barricade the work area to protect pedestrians. Ongoing safety training keeps workers sharp and your property secure. If a company lacks documented procedures or has a history of safety violations, it’s a red flag — don’t take chances with safety.

Question 4 – What Cleaning Techniques and Equipment Do You Use?

Asking about cleaning techniques and high-rise building window cleaning equipment ensures a safe, high-quality service, especially for glass restoration and stain removal projects. Be cautious of any vendor unwilling to do a sample spot cleaning to demonstrate the quality of their work, proper equipment, and expertise of safe, sustainable cleaning agents that don’t include abrasive chemicals that can damage building façades and windows.

Question 5 – Can You Provide References or Case Studies?

A reputable window cleaning vendor should have a proven track record and testimonials or case studies to help validate their ability to deliver quality results. Look for references from buildings similar in size and type, along with case studies showcasing problem-solving and client satisfaction. If a company dodges requests for references or has a string of bad reviews, consider it a warning sign. A reliable company should have happy clients who can vouch for their consistent and reliable work. If all you hear are excuses — or worse, silence — you might be dealing with a company that overpromises and underdelivers. Trust is earned, and a solid reputation should be easy to prove.

Question 6 – What is Included in Your Service?

Clearly understanding what’s included in your recommended window cleaning service is essential to avoid hidden costs and ensure comprehensive coverage. Look for a detailed breakdown of services, including interior versus exterior cleaning, frequency, and customization options that fit your building’s schedule to create a comprehensive building window cleaning schedule. Beware of vague pricing, unclear service scope, or unexpected fees for basic services — transparency is non-negotiable for a reliable partnership.

Question 7 – How Do You Handle Emergency Requests or Special Cleaning Needs?

Unexpected events like storm damage, graffiti, or bird droppings require immediate attention, making it essential to choose a window cleaning vendor that can respond quickly. Look for providers with clear policies on emergency and rush services, availability beyond standard hours — including weekends and nights — and dedicated resources for urgent needs. Be cautious of companies that lack flexibility, have no contingency plans, or are unable to accommodate short-notice requests.

Question 8 – How Do You Ensure Quality and Consistency in Your Service?

You hire a window cleaning provider, expecting a service with spotless glass, but streaks and missed spots keep appearing. Consistency isn’t just about looks — it’s essential for long-term building upkeep. A trustworthy provider should have routine inspections, consistent updates and communication throughout the project, and standardized checklists to ensure quality every time. If there’s no quality assurance process or frequent complaints about inconsistency, it’s a problem worth noting.

Question 9 – What Are Your Environmental and Sustainability Practices?

As sustainability becomes a priority for businesses, it’s crucial to ask about a window cleaning provider’s environmental practices. Look for vendors that follow responsible waste disposal methods.

Question 10 – Do You Offer Any Guarantees or Service Agreements?

Asking about guarantees and service agreements ensures your investment is protected and holds the cleaning provider accountable for quality. Look for companies that offer recleaning policies and clear agreements detailing scope, frequency, and costs. Beware of vague contracts or a lack of guarantees, as these can signal an unreliable company and a lack of accountability for maintaining high standards.

Clear Panes, Clear Choices

Selecting the right commercial window cleaning vendor goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about safety, quality, and long-term value. Asking the right questions ensures property managers, building owners, and engineers choose a provider with the expertise, compliance, and reliability needed to protect their investment. These 10 essential questions help you evaluate experience, safety protocols, and service offerings, preventing costly oversights.

We provide window cleaning services including pressure washing, metal cleaning, glass restoration, and more — tailored to your building’s needs. With certified safety practices and industry-leading expertise, we deliver superior results in exterior maintenance

The Property Manager’s Guide to Exterior Maintenance Cleaning: Windows, Façades, Roofs, and More

Your building’s exterior is the first thing tenants, visitors, and clients notice — making upkeep essential. Studies have shown that most consumers will avoid a business if the exterior is unappealing. From façades and metal frames to signage, sidewalks, parking garages, and rooftops, every element plays a role in aesthetics, safety, and structural integrity. Regular cleaning prevents deterioration, enhances efficiency, and reduces costly repairs. This guide breaks down how often each area should be maintained, helping you extend your property’s lifespan while preserving its value and curb appeal.

For Routine Property Maintenance, Windows Are Just the Beginning

Protecting your building goes beyond clean windows. Regularly cleaning your windows enhances curb appeal, extends glass lifespan, and prevents costly restoration. But façades, metal frames, signage, sidewalks, parking garages, and rooftops also need routine maintenance to preserve aesthetics, safety, and structural integrity — keeping your property attractive and welcoming for tenants and visitors.

Exterior Commercial Window Cleaning

Regular exterior maintenance is the difference between a well-maintained property and one that looks neglected. Your window cleaning schedule needs to include window cleaning three to four times per year (more in high-pollution, humid, or dusty areas) to prevent staining that leads to costly restoration. Clean windows don’t just look good — they boost tenant satisfaction and energy efficiency. Beyond windows, maintaining façades, metal frames, signage, sidewalks, parking garages, and rooftops protects your building’s value and longevity.

Glass Restoration and Stain Removal

Stubborn stains on your building’s glass aren’t just an eyesore — they’re a ticking time bomb. Mineral deposits from hard water can etch into the surface, leading to costly replacements. Window glass replacement costs for commercial buildings vary anywhere from $200 to $3,000 — per window without labor. Glass restoration effectively removes tough stains before they cause lasting harm. Addressing stains early keeps your glass pristine, extends its lifespan, and avoids expensive restoration down the line.

More Than Just Glass — Maintaining Your Building’s Exterior

Windows may be the eyes of your building, but the façade tells the full story. Façades, metal frames, and signage face constant exposure to weather, pollutants, and wear— leading to costly deterioration if ignored. Strategic exterior maintenance preserves structural integrity, prevents long-term damage, and upholds your building’s professional image.

Façade Cleaning

Regularly pressure washing your façade every three to five years is recommended to prevent dirt buildup, mold growth, and long-term staining that can degrade exterior surfaces. But cleaning alone isn’t enough. Applying protective sealants post-wash helps prevent water intrusion, UV damage, and premature material failure. However, improper cleaning methods can cause costly damage, from etching stone to stripping protective coatings. Professional maintenance ensures safe, effective results — safeguarding both your property’s longevity and your bottom line.

Metal Frames and Mullions

Oxidation and corrosion weaken window supports over time, creating openings for water infiltration that lead to costly structural damage. Left unchecked, this deterioration threatens both aesthetics and safety. The solution? A proactive approach to metal cleaning. Cleaning metal frames three to four times per year — alongside routine window cleaning — removes corrosive buildup before it spreads. Polishing and sealing metal surfaces not only restore their appearance but also improve durability. Exterior maintenance goes beyond aesthetics — it’s an investment in your building’s longevity.

Recommended Property Cleaning Frequency by Area

Here are five critical zones every maintenance plan should cover to protect your property and investment.

1. Signage — The Face of Your Building

Your building’s exterior speaks volumes about your brand — don’t let dirty or faded signage undermine its impact. Over time, grime, pollution, and bird droppings reduce visibility and create a neglected appearance. Regular professional cleaning, at least once per year (or more frequently in high-traffic areas), ensures a polished look that reinforces credibility. In addition, implementing bird-proofing measures minimizes buildup, reducing the frequency of necessary cleanings and long-term maintenance costs. Investing in exterior signage upkeep enhances aesthetics while upholding your brand’s reputation.

2. Sidewalks, Stairs, and Patios — High-Traffic Hazards

Mold, mildew, and salt buildup don’t just stain surfaces — they create slip hazards and weaken concrete. Annual pressure washing removes harmful contaminants, while humid climates may require monthly treatments. Proactive maintenance keeps properties safe, compliant, and looking their best year-round.

3. Parking Garages — The First Impression for Many Visitors

Parking structures accumulate oil, grime, and litter, creating slip hazards, damaging surfaces, and inviting vandalism. Regular sweeping and pressure washing — one to two times a year — removes buildup, improves safety, and reveals early signs of structural issues, preventing costly repairs. Parking garage cleaning is essential to your building’s proactive maintenance strategy.

4. Loading Docks and Trash Enclosures — Often Ignored But Critical

Grease, grime, and waste don’t just create eyesores — they invite pests, odors, and long-term damage to your property. Routine deep cleaning twice per year with professional degreasers and pressure washing removes hazardous buildup, while protective coatings help prevent stains and slick surfaces.

5. Rooftop Cleaning — Protecting Your Building from the Top Down

A dirty TPO or white roof can cost you. Dirt on white roofs means that sunlight doesn’t bounce off the roof as effectively, thus making it less energy efficient in the hotter months. Annual cleanings restore reflectivity, reduce cooling costs, prevent slip hazards, and extend your roof’s lifespan. When done right, smart maintenance pays off in the long run.

Building Window Cleaning Helps Prevent Costly Repairs

Maintaining your building’s exterior goes beyond sparkling windows — it’s essential for preventing costly damage and preserving property value. Small cracks become major repairs, dirt accelerates wear, and neglect lowers appeal. Routine maintenance protects your investment, keeps tenants happy, and extends the lifespan of your building. Prevention always costs less than repair.

Our Building Envelope Maintenance Assessment helps property managers plan and budget effectively, preventing costly repairs down the line. Protect your building with a proactive strategy designed for long-term performance. Contact us today to create a custom maintenance plan that keeps your building in top shape.

Deep Clean or Glass Restoration, Part 2: Comprehensive Guide to Professional Glass Restoration

Despite your best efforts in regular upkeep, natural wear and tear sometimes take its toll on your windows. When you notice that even the most meticulous cleaning doesn’t restore former glory, it’s time for a strategic pivot. This article will help you recognize the signs of window deterioration and introduce window restoration as a cost-effective and budget-friendly alternative to complete replacement.

Glass Restoration: Reviving Your Windows

Addressing common issues like stubborn stains and fading clarity shouldn’t cost you an entire window installation. When regular window cleaning isn’t returning your windows to pristine condition or staining, clouding, and etching won’t go away, restoration may be in order.

Removing ground-level staining, which is expected due to hard water from irrigation systems, can rejuvenate your windows and add to your building’s curb appeal. This budget-friendly project is smaller in scope than a full glass restoration and is a good addition to any preventative maintenance plan, especially for areas notorious for hard water.

Understanding the true potential of glass restoration is knowing when to intervene. This isn’t merely about reversing obvious damage; it’s about preventing the gradual, often unnoticed, deterioration that accumulates into major financial drains. The environmental onslaught of sun and storms, as well as the occasional misadventures of accidental damages, merits a comprehensive approach to window wellness.

Commercial Window Restoration Process

Revitalizing your commercial windows through restoration isn’t merely an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a strategic move that strengthens their endurance and function. Consider it a proactive measure to secure your property’s market worth and the satisfaction of its tenants. When carried out correctly, the process can return the glass very close to its original clarity, offering a far more cost-effective solution than a complete replacement.

A typical glass restoration project may consist of the following elements.

Pressure Washing & Seal Facade

This step removes dirt and grime from the building’s facade using high-pressure water jets. Depending on your building, you may want to consider sealing or re-sealing the facade to prevent future mineral leaching and staining. Sealing can also help improve energy efficiency and maintain aesthetic appeal.

Restore the Glass

Similar to buffing a car, this method efficiently removes stains without harming the glass. The process involves applying a restorative cleaning product that is carefully buffed and polished across the window’s surface.

It’s a meticulous procedure that targets surface dirt and pollutants trapped within the glass’s microscopic imperfections, effectively eliminating deposits and staining that regular cleaning can’t address. To further lengthen the lifespan of the windows, a water repellant can be added, offering extra surface protection for the glass.

Deep Clean Window Frames

Deep cleaning involves thoroughly removing dirt, debris, and any corrosive elements accumulated over time, ensuring the frames’ structural integrity and visual appeal are maintained. Specialized cleaning solutions and techniques address each frame’s unique material, whether metal, wood, or vinyl, effectively rejuvenating them to match the restored glass’s pristine condition.

While the deep cleaning process is optional, restoration is an opportune time to implement this proactive measure. This step not only improves the overall look but also contributes to the longevity of the window system.

Quality Check & Final Walkthrough

This ensures the restoration process meets quality standards. The quality check and final walkthrough verifies the restoration has successfully restored the window’s aesthetics, ensuring a seamless blend with the building’s overall appearance.

This comprehensive approach guarantees the longevity and effectiveness of the restoration work. With the windows restored to their optimal state, attention shifts to maintaining their condition and performance through post-restoration care and maintenance.

Post-Restoration Care and Maintenance

Post-restoration, the service provider should clean the windows one final time, making them appear new. A best practice is to provide the customer with an after-action report to ensure they understand the ongoing maintenance necessary for upkeep.

We recommend:

Regular Window Cleaning – Cleaning the exterior glass a minimum of 2-4 times a year removes dirt and pollutants while preserving visibility and glass quality. You can save in the long run and prolong the need for deep cleaning by staying on track with regular window cleaning, pressure washing, and sealing.
Facade Cleaning & Resealing – Pressure washing the building facade every 5-7 years and following resealing guidance will help protect against environmental damage and water intrusion.
Periodic Deep Cleaning – Deep clean exterior glass if it is affected by heavy build-up from deferred maintenance or construction debris. This more intensive cleaning addresses any buildup that regular cleanings cannot remove and checks the integrity of the frames.

While windows don’t last forever, a proactive approach to window and facade maintenance will extend their life and deliver a greater ROI on your investment.

Optimizing Your Building’s Window Longevity with Glass Restoration

Employing glass restoration and proactive care offers a strategic approach to revitalizing your commercial windows. Investing in restoration protects not just your windows but also your peace of mind, knowing that you’re preemptively mitigating risks and future expenses like window replacement.

Rest assured, with Valcourt’s expertise, you’ll be extending the life of your windows, enhancing the aesthetics of your building, and improving energy efficiency. If you suspect your windows need attention or professional cleaning, contact Valcourt today for a quote.

Deep Clean or Glass Restoration, Part 1: Comprehensive Guide to Professional Window Cleaning

Beyond merely offering clear views, regular window cleaning is an essential practice in preserving a building’s aesthetic appeal and its long-term well-being. Sparkling windows elevate a structure’s facade and signal a proactive approach to property maintenance while creating a welcoming environment. This article shines a light on the world of professional window cleaning services, emphasizing their role in extending the lifespan of various window types through preventative care.

Regular Window Cleaning: Methods and Benefits

Window cleaning techniques encompass a spectrum from traditional to advanced methodologies. Traditional methods, such as mops and squeegees, are indispensable for achieving thorough dirt and streak removal. In contrast, water-fed pole systems represent a more modern approach, utilizing purified water to deliver a spot-free finish. However, it’s important to note that water-fed poles have their limitations when cleaning from the ground; they are generally effective up to five stories.

For buildings approximately six stories and taller, which fall into the mid to high-rise category, rope descent systems (RDS) become essential for window cleaning. RDS allows for comprehensive façade cleaning, reaching areas where water-fed poles cannot. This distinction is crucial for ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of taller buildings, where specialized equipment like RDS is necessary to address the unique challenges posed by their height, architectural features, and fall protection requirements.

An imperative part of building facade maintenance, regular window cleaning is vital for maintaining the overall health and appearance of a building’s windows. However, there are circumstances where standard window cleaning may not suffice. Environmental exposure, construction work nearby, or prolonged neglect can lead to conditions where deep cleaning efforts are needed to improve the windows’ condition.

Deep Cleaning Window Services: Process and Techniques

Deep cleaning tackles the more stubborn issues that cannot be remedied by standard cleaning, including removing heavily built-up grime, construction debris, paint overspray, or adhesive residues. Deep cleaning services for commercial windows utilize specialized treatments and techniques to tackle what regular cleaning cannot remove.

Professional window cleaners carefully select methods and materials based on the window’s condition, the type of dirt or damage present, and the building’s architectural considerations. These experts employ different abrasive pads, razors, or cleaning agents to remove heavy build-up. It’s important to note that these methods require expertise as they risk permanently damaging the glass if not done correctly. This transition marks a return to the regular cadence of window maintenance, ensuring the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the building’s exterior.

Window Maintenance Cadence

Standard Window Cleaning – Clean exterior glass 2-4 times yearly to remove accumulations of dirt, grime, and pollutants that obscure visibility and degrade the glass over time. In areas prone to higher levels of dirt and dust, increasing the frequency of cleaning may be necessary to maintain the glass’s aesthetic and structural integrity.
Periodic Deep Cleaning – Deep clean exterior glass if it is affected by heavy build-up from deferred maintenance or construction debris. This more intensive cleaning addresses any build-up that regular cleanings cannot remove and checks the integrity of the frames.
Facade Cleaning & Resealing – Pressure washing your facade every 5-7 years and resealing per the manufacturer’s recommendations improves its overall health, protecting it from environmental elements. It also prevents mineral water run-off from leaching from the facade to the windows and window frames, which can eventually cause staining.
Glass Restoration Services – When regular cleaning no longer restores the original clarity due to heavy build-up, mineral deposit staining, or damage from deferred maintenance, it’s time for professional glass restoration. This service, ideal for buildings experiencing issues beyond the scope of standard cleaning, uses specialized techniques to revive the glass.

By adhering to these maintenance practices, buildings can enjoy the immediate benefits of clean and well-maintained windows and the long-term advantages of enhanced durability and reduced repair and restoration costs.

Benefits of Regular Window Cleaning

Increased Longevity: Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of harmful substances like pollutants, dirt, and hard water minerals, which can eventually cause staining, etching, or even cracking.
Cost Savings: Regular window and facade maintenance helps avoid the significant expenses associated with deep restorative cleaning or complete replacement. Clean windows maintain high thermal efficiency, reducing energy costs by maximizing natural light and heat retention.
Aesthetic and Value Enhancement: Clean windows significantly improve a building’s appearance, boosting its curb appeal and potentially increasing its market value. They also enhance the indoor environment for occupants by allowing more natural light and providing clear views.

Regular window cleaning enhances the aesthetic appeal of commercial buildings and contributes significantly to the preventative maintenance strategy and longevity, preventing the premature need for costly repairs or replacements. It’s a proactive measure that preserves the clarity and integrity of glass over time. However, when routine or deep cleaning is insufficient to address accumulated wear, neglect, or other specific issues, restoration services become essential to restore the windows to their optimal condition.

Identifying When Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough

When regular window cleaning no longer restores the original clarity and brilliance of your building’s windows, it’s a sign that deeper issues need addressing. Signs include:

Persistent stains that resist standard cleaning efforts
Visible scratches and etchings
Heavy spotting, streaking, foggy glass, or dullness
A noticeable decline in window transparency affects the building’s appearance

These conditions highlight the need for comprehensive glass restoration services. Window restoration services apply a solution coupled with abrasion to remove stains safely. Through restoration, you can significantly extend the life of your windows, enhancing the building’s overall appeal and value.

Maximizing Glass Longevity and Aesthetic Through Professional Window Cleaning

Professional window cleaning stands as a critical component in the maintenance regimen of commercial buildings, ensuring not just aesthetic brilliance but also the longevity of window systems. This guide has highlighted the significance of regular and deep cleaning to address various window conditions and building environments. Opting for professional exterior building service providers like Valcourt ensures that windows remain pristine, enhancing a building’s appeal and contributing to its overall value.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this series, where we will dive into glass restoration, including identifying the signs that your building’s windows require restoration.

Contact Valcourt for comprehensive window cleaning services tailored to your building’s specific needs.

Budgeting for Your Building: Part 2 — Window Cleaning

Clean windows reflect your property’s level of care and professionalism and contribute to its overall functionality. It’s also a proactive maintenance item that some may consider deferring in efforts to save a quick buck. However, if you neglect your property’s glass, you could be setting yourself up for unexpected expenses and operational challenges. Explore this article for our budget guide for commercial window cleaning, complete with smart budgeting tips to ensure every budget dollar is spent to help ensure your building maintains an excellent appearance and optimal functionality.

AwnClean’s Aesthetic Solutions to Maximize Your Budget

The end of the year is a great time to take on last-minute aesthetic projects that set you up for success for the following year. Aesthetics are much more than just cleaning the windows. Other often neglected services provide quick wins in the aesthetic department. More importantly, since annual property budgets are based on the previous year’s spending, we recommend the following services to avoid losing unspent budget funds.

Pressure Washing: Pressure washing is a quick way to enhance curb appeal, remove pollutants, improve safety, and make your property more attractive to potential tenants or buyers. It’s also a vital step before special events.
Glass Stain Removal: First-floor windows and entranceways are more prone to staining from pollution and hard water. Consider a glass restoration on targeted areas of your building where it matters most, and improve aesthetics without breaking the budget.
Metal Cleaning: Over time, metal surfaces can become scratched or tarnished. AwnClean’s metal maintenance services can restore the shine to window frames and mullions, extending their lifespan and saving you from costly replacements.

Focusing on these solutions will set the stage for a more visually appealing and financially stable year ahead.

Sparkle and Shine: The Value of Window Cleaning

Aesthetics are a significant motivator for clean windows. Clean windows do more than just look good — they elevate your building’s professional image and create a welcoming atmosphere for tenants and visitors. Also, when your windows are spotless, natural light floods in, brightening the interior. The benefits of natural light have proven to improve employee engagement and productivity.

We expect to see clean windows, so it makes a lasting impact when we don’t. However, there are other motivating factors for regularly cleaning windows. Glass that is routinely cleaned is less likely to degrade, which means you’ll extend the life of your windows and push back the need for expensive glass restorations or replacements.

Avoid Costly Restorations: Over time, dirt and grime can etch into the glass, causing permanent damage that requires restoration or complete replacement.
Enhance Energy Efficiency: Dirty windows reduce the amount of natural light entering the building, which can increase reliance on artificial lighting and heating, driving up energy costs. Clean windows help maintain optimal energy efficiency by maximizing sunlight.
Improve Tenant Satisfaction: Tenants notice the difference clean windows make and will complain if they are not kept in good condition. A well-maintained exterior enhances tenant satisfaction, which in turn reduces turnover rates. Happy tenants are more likely to renew leases, saving you the costs of finding new occupants. Similarly, dirty windows will deter potential new tenants.

Another advantage of regular window cleaning is having a set of eyes in the sky and areas not often frequented to spot issues like worn-out sealants. In addition to having the industry’s most comprehensive approach to risk management, our teams can provide a detailed post-job report. With this information, you can work these identified items into your budget to address problems while they are small and manageable.

Essential Elements for a Window Cleaning Budget

If you take care of your windows, they will take care of you. If cared for properly, windows should last decades and deliver a solid return on investment. Cleaning and inspecting the glass, along with components that keep moisture out, are critical to extending the lifespan of your windows.

Follow a Regular Cleaning Schedule: Depending on your building’s location and use, plan for cleanings 2-4 times per year to keep your windows in top shape and avoid the need for a more expensive deep cleaning service.
Seasonal Considerations: Winter’s grime or spring’s pollen can quickly cloud your windows. Allocate your window cleaning budget accordingly, ensuring funds are available for more frequent cleanings during peak seasons.
High-Rise Challenges: For high-rise buildings, maintaining spotless windows is a complex task that requires specialized equipment and trained personnel. To avoid costly fines and keep workers safe, budget for anchor point annual inspections and certifications every ten years and safe building facade access.
Emergency Cleanings: Unexpected messes, from graffiti to bird waste, can necessitate immediate window cleaning. Cleaning windows before holiday parties, preparing for sale, or wowing potential tenants makes a statement. That’s why it’s wise to allocate emergency funds.

Following these four steps is a great way to smooth out your annual budget and allocate the proper funds to keep your windows performing their best, looking their best, and not showing their actual age.

Secure Long-Term Value with AwnClean’s Aesthetic Expertise

As the year draws to a close, you may think it’s too late or you won’t be able to complete last-minute projects. At AwnClean, we can help you optimize your maintenance budget with your wide range of building services. This helps ensure you don’t see a budget reduction and maintain your assets for the following year. Don’t let unused funds go to waste — contact AwnClean today to secure the long-term benefits of comprehensive window cleaning and aesthetic services for your building.

The Role of Pressure Washing in Maintaining Your Building’s Exterior

Adding pressure washing to your routine building maintenance strategy is a simple yet effective way to achieve a clean and attractive facade. In spite of its simplicity, pressure washing is an often-neglected strategy for maintaining a building’s exterior thought to be reserved for the toughest of stains or addressing years of neglect.

Pressure washing revitalizes surfaces by cleaning and removing pollutants such as oils, mold, graffiti, and rust, thus making your building appear years younger. However, removing all those pollutants also contributes to your building’s structural longevity and can make walkways safer. In this article, we will walk you through the ins and outs of pressure washing, including what you should pressure wash and what you shouldn’t, along with the benefits of adding pressure washing to your routine property maintenance and spring cleaning.

The Dual Benefits of Pressure Washing: Aesthetic and Structural

In spite of its deep roots in physics, pressure washing is fairly straightforward. A water pump accelerates water creating a high-pressure stream. The water is then directed through a hose and out a spray wand. Users can tackle different levels of cleaning tasks by adjusting the pressure and changing the nozzle.

Getting the most out of your commercial property requires proper maintenance that addresses its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Pressure washing shines in this facet, as it supports both of these goals. Leveraging this type of facade maintenance will improve your curb appeal, thus adding value. In addition, pressure washing can also remove harmful pollutants capable of breaking down sealants and other vital materials designed to protect your property.

Can You Pressure Wash Your Building’s Facade?

The type of material being pressure washed, the level of pressure, and the nozzle all factor into whether or not you can pressure wash your facade. The pressure or water flow is measured by pounds per square inch (PSI) or gallons per minute (GPM). To better understand this, let’s take a look at the three levels of pressure washers.

Light-duty pressure washers – up to 1900 PSI (2 GPM) and are designed for residential requirements.
Heavy-duty pressure washers – top out at 2800 PSI (3 GPM) and can tackle most commercial requirements.
Industrial pressure washers – max out around 7000 PSI (5 GPM) and are more efficient at taking on the toughest tasks.

To put that in perspective, an automatic car wash operates at 1,000 – 1,200 PSI, while a pressure washer up to 7000 PSI can remove graffiti and paint and cut through wood. The U.S. General Services Admission (GSA) advises against pressure washing porous materials (red brick, marble, stone, etc.) due to the risk of severe damage.

The nozzle on the pressure washer determines the cleaning pressure. Without the nozzle, you would just have a motor-powered garden hose. The lower the angle of the nozzle, the more intense the spray pattern. For instance, a 0o spray pattern produces a laser-esque stream useful for tough jobs, while a 40o spray pattern is wider and softer, making it ideal for more delicate surfaces. Turbo nozzles rotate and, when combined with a 0o spray pattern, have more power and cover more ground which can speed up the cleaning process.

You must also factor in the materials you are pressure washing, as using the wrong combination of pressure and nozzle can damage them or produce poor results. Companies providing professional pressure washing services often have specialized equipment to transport pressure washing equipment to hard-to-reach spaces or where water is inaccessible.

So, the answer is “Yes”, you can pressure wash your facade if you do it correctly. This is where leaning on professional expertise can make all the difference. Professional pressure washing companies know what PSI, nozzle, and technique each job requires without damaging your property. Next, we will cover which technique works best in various situations.

Choosing the Right Technique: High PSI vs. Soft Washing

Soft washing offers a gentler approach through low-pressure water, often combined with specialized cleaning solutions. This technique effectively removes dirt, algae, moles, and other contaminants and is ideal for those porous surfaces we mentioned. High PSI pressure washing harnesses the power of high-pressure water to tackle tough stains and build-up on durable surfaces. It’s an excellent choice for areas that endure heavy use and require deep cleaning.

Ideal Applications for Each Method

High PSI Pressure Washing

Sidewalks and curbs: Removes gum, stains, moss, mold, and grime effectively.
Walkways and retaining walls: Cleans deep-seated dirt and revitalizes the appearance.
Loading docks and dumpster pads: Essential for sanitation, and removing oil, grease, and debris.

Just like doing dishes at home, hot water works best for the toughest jobs. When high PSI isn’t enough, hot-pressure washers may be required to achieve the desired results. Rusting, for instance, is extremely difficult to remove. It’s also a good sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, or that same rusting will return.

Soft Washing

Exterior facades: Protects against damage while cleaning, especially those made of materials like vinyl, wood, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), or certain types of stone and brick.
Roofs and gutters: Removes mold and mildew without risking structural damage.
Landscaped areas: Using harmful chemicals to speed up the cleaning process can easily create a costly landscaping problem. Areas above sensitive vegetation require a mix of gentle psi and the proper chemical that gets the desired result while taking avoidable damage out of play.

With the right technique, pressure washing keeps your property clean and well-maintained, preventing costly repairs.

Revitalize Your Property with Pressure Washing Services from AwnClean

Pressure washing revives your property, improves safety, and removes harmful contaminants capable of causing damage. It’s an effective way of keeping your property looking its best and a must-add for most property’s year-round upkeep. We take on pressure-washing projects of all scopes and sizes, including facades, parking garages, loading docks, and more. Here are some features that help us stand out from the crowd.

Pressure Washing Expertise: Our pressure-washing team knows precisely what technique, nozzle, and angle to use on various building surfaces.
High-Rise Pressure Washing: We understand what it takes to pressure wash the highest heights with the utmost safety precautions.
Sustainability Mindset: When jobs arise that require chemicals, we leverage our expertise to choose the appropriate chemical cleaning solution to restore your facade’s appearance without harming your facade or the environment.

At AwnClean, our pressure-washing team is ready to rejuvenate your property. Contact us today for a quote, and let our team exceed your expectations.

Prioritizing Safety of Building Façade Access and Fall Protection

Your building’s façade conveys the first impression of aesthetics and serves as your first line of defense against environmental factors. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires you, as a building owner, to mitigate risks and provide a safe working environment for those performing work on your building, including general maintenance. This article covers the essential role of safety measures in mitigating risks through safe building façade access and proper fall protection.

The Significance of Safe Building Façade Access

Building collapses are rare. The risk of that happening poses a significant threat to public safety. For this reason, many of our major cities in the U.S. have façade ordinance laws that require inspections. Here are some examples:

Chicago is home to the Willis Tower, the treasure of the Windy City skyline. Our nation’s third-tallest building, including antennas, reaches 1,750 feet. Depending on the type of building, Chicago requires façade inspections to occur between four and 12 years for buildings over 80 feet tall.
Philadelphia was home to the world’s tallest building from 1894 to 1908. Nowadays, Philly boasts nearly 60 skyscrapers. Façade inspections are required every five years for buildings exceeding six stories or with an appurtenance taller than 60 feet.

Safe building façade access facilitates inspections while allowing you to maintain and repair your façade, addressing minor issues before they become big problems. Window cleaning, pressure washing the façade, and leak repairs allow you to extend the life of your building, preserving its value while protecting the public. In addition, safe access is critical to creating the safe working environment OSHA requires, along with proper training, equipment, and protocols.

Overview of Building Façade Access Methods

Accessing the façade, especially on taller buildings, is not for the faint of heart. Workers need to feel physically and psychologically safe when performing façade work. This environment allows them to maintain their focus, keep safety at the forefront, and actively speak up about safety concerns. The equipment they use to traverse the façade has many shapes and forms.

Rope Descent Systems (RDS): Think of rappelling, but for work! Workers use ropes to descend the side of the building for window cleaning or minor repairs on high-rise buildings.

Pro: It’s quicker to set up, less bulky, and more cost-effective than scaffolding.
Cons: There’s a height limit of 300 feet by OSHA standards due to the combined risk of lengthy rope and wind.

Suspended Scaffolding: When scaffolding from the ground up isn’t enough, scaffolds can suspend from an overhead structure, allowing workers to move to the desired level.

Pro: It’s stable, can handle a lot of weight, and allows multiple workers and equipment to operate on the platform at once.
Con: It takes time to set up and take down and can be expensive and obstructive.

Lifts (Aerial Lifts and Booms): Because they offer mobility, aerial lifts provide more flexibility than ladders and scaffolding. In extreme cases, boom lifts can reach a couple hundred feet but mainly provide façade access for the first few stories of a building.

Pro: They’re fast and flexible.
Con: They can only reach some places, are costly to rent, and are limited by the ground around the building, such as uneven surfaces or space constraints.

Building Maintenance Units (BMU): These are permanent setups on the tops of the tallest skyscrapers. They’re like a little car on a track going around the roof, lowering a platform down the side.

Pros: They can cover the entire building and are reusable.
Cons: They are expensive to install and maintain and are only financially viable with tall or complex buildings.

Every method requires specific training and routine inspection to ensure safety and meet OSHA fall protection regulations.

Identifying Your Building’s Façade Access Needs

The primary goal is to create and maintain a safe working environment for anyone accessing your building façade. Begin with assessing your building’s architecture, safety incidents or concerns, and recent façade inspections.

Awnclean assesses your façade access needs with a full inspection and a customized plan to achieve compliance. You can rest easy, as our expert team takes the worry of non-compliance off your plate. Our end-to-end solutions cover design and installation, followed by post-install support for testing and certification.

Elevating Safety for Building Façade Access

Whether you are a building owner, an employer, or a worker at heights, you have a role in fall protection. Each role relies on the other to carry out its respective responsibilities to ensure safety and reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from falls.

Awnclean stands at the forefront of safety. We are ready to assist you in getting your property up to speed in terms of safety, OSHA compliance, and aesthetics. Contact Awnclean for information on examining your façade access needs and fall protection systems.

Leveraging Building Facade Maintenance to Beat the Odds in a Challenging Market

In the face of reduced office occupancy post-pandemic, increased vacancies, and a cooling residential rental market, building managers and property owners must once again prioritize their efforts to attract tenants. Strategic façade maintenance enhances aesthetic appeal, attracting tenants and buyers; improves energy efficiency, reducing operational costs; and ensures safety, mitigating costly legal and repair liabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that every dollar spent on facade maintenance not only preserves but also adds value to the property, making it a wise and fruitful investment in today’s competitive real estate market.

Current Market Challenges for Commercial Buildings

In today’s uncertain economic landscape, characterized by escalating costs and a squeeze on capital, commercial property owners face a crucial need to adapt. The commercial real estate sector is navigating a turbulent period marked by significant challenges:

Impact of High-Interest Rates: Rising interest rates have reduced commercial real estate lending activity. With fixed and floating-rate loan costs increasing, property sales are facing financial pressure. Higher interest rates have raised debt service payments and tightened underwriting criteria, impacting loan proceeds and necessitating additional financial safeguards.

Low Office Occupancy Rates: The aftermath of the pandemic has brought about a notable change in work patterns, resulting in decreased office occupancy rates. This change has directly influenced buyer perceptions, making it challenging for property owners to maintain or increase the value of their office spaces.

Navigating a Perfect Storm: High interest and low occupancy rates create a perfect storm. Experts predict an outcome that lands somewhere between manageable and plunging values worse than The Great Financial Crisis. Building managers must showcase their properties as attractive investments with tangible value.

In light of evolving market dynamics, including heightened interest rates and evolving office occupancy trends, savvy building management is more crucial than ever. Leveraging a building facade maintenance repair and inspection checklist is one proven method to stay on top of your building’s needs.

First Impressions: The Importance of Facade Maintenance

First impressions can influence long-term tenant satisfaction and retention, impacting the property’s profitability and reputation. A well-maintained façade immediately conveys a sense of quality and care, making the property more appealing to potential tenants and buyers. A building’s exterior reflects its overall value and the quality of maintenance it receives.

Building façade maintenance balances the demands of aesthetic modernization, energy efficiency, and safety. This approach is not just about preserving assets; it’s about enhancing property value, ensuring cost efficiency in an environment of rising costs, and delivering a solid first impression to potential tenants.

Financial Benefits of Façade Maintenance

The financial advantages of façade maintenance are significant and multi-faceted, directly impacting the long-term fiscal health of commercial properties.

Long-Term Cost Savings: Preventive maintenance is cost-effective, preemptively addressing minor issues before they escalate into major facade repairs. We’ve seen cases of minor facade work being put off only to result in significant repair at ten times the cost and contribute to other damage.

Enhanced Property Valuation: Consistent and thorough façade maintenance increases a property’s valuation. Property owners preserve and potentially elevate the building’s market value by conducting regular facade assessments and modernizing the exterior, contributing to a higher return on investment.

Energy Efficiency: Sealing windows and glass restoration can significantly enhance a building’s energy efficiency and deliver lower energy costs.

Mitigating Safety Hazards: By addressing safety-related issues through façade maintenance, property owners can avoid the potential legal and financial ramifications associated with accidents or hazards.

The financial aspects of façade maintenance are integral to sustaining a building’s structural integrity, energy efficiency, and overall market appeal.

Enhancing Curb Appeal Through Façade Maintenance

This first impression often goes two ways: enhancing curb appeal conveys the message that the building is well cared for while lacking curb appeal brings a heightened acuity to other issues.

Window Cleaning: Including stain removal and glass restoration, these services ensure clear, sparkling windows, enhancing the building’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Facade Cleaning: Utilizing pressure washing and other cleaning techniques, Awnclean effectively cleans various façade materials, from brick and concrete to synthetic stucco and EIFS.

Metal Cleaning: Specialized metal mullion polishing services restore and maintain the luster of metal components, contributing to the building’s visual appeal.

Retail/Lobby Storefront Cleaning: Clean and well-maintained storefronts and lobbies create welcoming environments for visitors and potential clients.

Bird Proofing: This service helps maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the façade, preventing unsightly and damaging bird-related issues.

Incorporating these services into a regular maintenance routine addresses visible wear and tear and enhances the property’s perceived value.

Strengthening Property Value through Strategic Facade Maintenance

Protecting commercial property through facade maintenance is an ideal strategy for property managers and building owners to employ in the face of commercial real estate headwinds. Prioritizing services like window cleaning, pressure washing, metal mullion polishing, and bird-proofing collectively contribute to a stronger, more attractive, and financially sound property.

With over 35 years of experience, Awnclean’s team is adept at servicing various façade types, offering tailored solutions like facade repair & restoration and emergency leak repairs. Our comprehensive services ensure that minor issues don’t escalate into major concerns. Contact Awnclean for a quote tailored to your building’s facade maintenance needs.