High rise window cleaning became needed as skyscrapers were being built in the late 19th century in New York City. The height increased the risk to the washers. At first, window washers were used to stand on the window ledge and hold onto the frame. Later, safety belts were attached to anchor bolts before there was the invention of scaffolds.
According to the 1968 Building Code, any structure or building at least 75 feet in height is considered a high-rise building. The code was later updated to say that the measurement starts at the lowest level at which the fire department gets into the building and the end measurement is the highest occupied floor and not the highest part of the building. While there is some confusion about the building code due to updates over the years, high rise buildings need specialized equipment and personnel for window cleaning.
Find a Squeegee Squad location near you to receive a quote for high rise window cleaning.
High Rise Window Cleaning Equipment
High rise window cleaning requires a lot of specialized equipment. This equipment includes ropes, powered platforms, ladders, aerial lifts, and water fed poles. There needs to be strict adherence to safety standards and the whole process should not be taken lightly. There needs to be proper knowledge and training of personnel to ensure safety.
Building managers have a responsibility to reduce the risk and minimize liability by finding a window company, such as Squeegee Squad, that is committed to the best practices.
High Rise Window Cleaning Risks
There are some risks associated with the job of cleaning the windows of high rise buildings so it’s important to hire a professional to do the job.
Risk of Falling or Injury: Risk is an inevitable part of the job. However, deaths are rare in the business due to the fact that workers are serious about personal safety. If accidents do happen, they usually don’t have a fatal end.
Weather: Working outdoors means there is no control over the weather and it can also affect the duration and completion of the window cleaning project. High rise window cleaning during windy weather can be a challenge. The rain can make the platform slippery. Strong winds not only slow down the project but can also affect the stability of the scaffolding and the suspended platform, which will increase the risk of accidents
How Often Are High Rise Windows Cleaned?
The frequency of high rise window cleaners will depend on what is inside the building, the type of business conducted inside, the environment that surrounds the building, and other factors. It will also depend on how many customers visit it and how many people work in the building. No matter what type of business is run, windows should be cleaned according to specific environmental circumstances and building structure specifics.
Place: The level of dirtiness at a high rise will depend on where the building is located. If it’s close to a busy street with traffic 24/7 then windows should be cleaned more often than a high rise situated on a quiet side street.
Climate: Skyscraper windows suffer from the whims of weather and if the weather outside the building is rainy then the windows can get stains and smudges more often from the rain.
Landscape: The landscape of the commercial building will also be important. If the building is close to a parking lot then the windows need to be cleaned often because the car traffic makes windows dirty. If the building is close to a lot of trees then the windows can get dirty from branches or tree sap.
Business Type: There are some business types that require more frequent window cleaning than others. Office buildings don’t require cleaning as much as other types of business and offices usually have cleaning just once or twice a year. Restaurants in high rises need windows cleaned more often since grimy windows don’t make a great impression. There is a lot of grease and air-born moisture that can accumulate on the surface if the windows aren’t cleaned regularly. Windows of medical facilities in high rises may need to be cleaned once a month since a well-cleaned appearance gives the patient a sense of security. Retail stores can get a lot of foot traffic and could need their windows cleaned often.
Contact your local Squeegee Squad today to schedule your high rise window cleaning!