When the time is right to clean the exterior surfaces of commercial business high-rises, there are two very valuable services that continue to come to mind again and again: commercial window cleaning and facade cleaning. Even though with first glance the two are synonymous services, yes, they are distinct from one another in the objective and comparative experience and knowledge. Knowing the distinction between the two and why you require both can help you in keeping your building in good shape and standing tall.
Understanding Commercial Window Cleaning
Commercial window cleaning would naturally focus most of its energy on the glass face of a building. Folks would naturally notice the windows first, and they actually make a building attractive from the sidewalk. Windows would accumulate dust, dirt, smudges, and streaks after a while that would detract from the look of your business or property.
The primary purpose of commercial window cleaning is to:
- Enhance looks: Natural light will stream through clean windows, and your home will be cozy and inviting and the interior brighter and more open.
- Enhance efficiency: Dust, dirt, and smudges will keep natural light out and have you depend more on light bulbs. Clean windows enhance efficiency by allowing more sunlight.
- Preserve property value: Windows properly cleaned maintain the surface free of harmful impurities such as hard water spots, salt, and debris that eventually filter into the glass in the long term.
- Enhance health and safety: Clear sight enhances visibility, especially in busy areas. This promotes the establishment of a healthier environment, preventing accidents caused by fuzzy or foggy sight.
Methods applied in commercial window washing are:
- Conventional techniques: Use of squeegees, water, and cleaning agents with streak-free finish.
- Rope access: In high-rise buildings, technicians climb ropes and harnesses to reach inaccessible windows safely.
- Water-fed pole systems: In comparatively tall buildings, poles are extended outside so that scaffolding is avoided and windows are reached.
Facade cleaning is, therefore, more than window cleaning and involves cleaning the whole outer building surface. Facade cleaning is specifically targeted at the facade of a building, which may include windows but also walls, cladding, metal, brick, or stone facades.
The main purpose of facade cleaning is to:
- Keep the building envelope: Facades deteriorate from deposits of pollutant that build up over time and cause mold and mildew, which will ultimately lead to material degradation. Cleaning the facade would be stopping issues from advancing into costly repairs or material degradation.
- Increase the aesthetic value: Just like windows, a general facade appearance is required in order to make a solid first impression with clients, occupants, and visitors. A clean facade creates curb appeal.
- Maintain long-term integrity: Well-maintained facade can prolong building material life, avoiding premature aging or degradation. Routine maintenance cleaning will avoid costly repair in the future.
- Maintain health and safety: Dirt, contaminants, and algae have a tendency to build up on facades and cause the surfaces to become slippery and unsafe too. Routine cleaning will render the building exterior safe for occupants, visitors, and pedestrians.
Methods applied during washing the facade are:
- Pressure washing: It involves spraying high-pressure water jets with the cleaning of surfaces by washing away dirt, grime, and dust. It is best for solid surfaces such as concrete and brick.
- Chemical cleaning: Chemicals are also applied in others in an attempt to dissolve difficult stains such as soot or algae that cannot be removed through the use of one pressure of normal water.
- Steam cleaning: Steam cleaning is a straightforward method of dirt and grime removal from sensitive surfaces without their negative effect.
- Scaffolding or rope access: Where there are spots in the buildings that cannot be reached, facade cleaning of complete facade sides in a safe manner is carried out by scaffolding or rope access systems.
Although both services endeavor to display the improved outward facades and steadiness of a building, they are very different:
Scope of Cleaning:
Cleaning windows is dealt with the glass elements of a building.
Facade cleaning deals with the outer surface as a whole, i.e., walls, cladding, and the rest but the glass.
Equipment and Methods:
Window cleaning deals with equipment such as squeegees, water-fed poles, and ropes for windows in high-rise structures.
Facade cleaning employs techniques such as pressure washing, chemical cleaning, or steam cleaning depending on facade materials.
Service Frequency:
More frequent (i.e., monthly, quarterly) window cleaning is performed because windows will tend to exhibit dirtiness, smudges, and streaks relatively more often.
Less frequent facade cleaning is performed, often once a year or every two years, depending on the environment one lives in and exposure to pollutants.
Why Commercial Window Washing and Facade Washing are Necessary
Both commercial window washing and facade washing are necessary as far as the overall look, security, and worth of your building are concerned. The following are the reasons why you need both:
Improved Curb Appeal:
A clean façade and windowed building presents a professional and welcoming face to customers, employees, and visitors. Your first impression is your only impression, and your building’s exterior being tidy says a lot about your business.
Prevention of Damage:
Your outside facades, walls, and windows will weather the elements and over time collect dirt, grime, pollution, and contaminents. They will ultimately deteriorate by corroding, darkening, or in extreme cases collapse.
Health and Safety
Clear windows offer improved sight visibility and a healthier cleaner workspace for employees to work and pedestrians to walk. Facade washing prevents slipping hazard elements like moss, algae, or mold from being washed away that have a tendency to form at areas where there are falls.
Meeting Legislative Requirements
Local bylaws of building and customary building regulations require windows and facades to be maintained and kept clean from time to time as a gesture towards security, strength, and physicality. Noncompliance with such bylaws may subject one to fines or offenses of safety.
Cost-Effectiveness
Regular window and facade washing avoids the expense of repair or replacement. Prevention is being served here, because by preventin’ small problems from becoming a complex issue, you will keep future maintenance costs at bay.
Both facade and window cleaning both play very crucial roles to make your building healthy, safe, and clean. Both being used for other tasks, both are also equally helpful to make your building pleasant and let it live longer. Long, long ago, having your windows and facade professionally cleaned is that you are making a good impression on everyone who sees it and investing in long-term health for your building.If you require commercial facade washing and window washing, ensure that you hire a certified and trained window cleaner who understands the special needs of commercial buildings. Your safest and best way of having your windows and facade washed is through Rope Access Australia.