High rise buildings are beautiful and common in cities but their facades are prone to dust, pollution, dirt, stains, marks, mold and even harsh weather conditions. It is not just a matter of appearance however; it is also a question of preserving the material, avoiding long term damage and creating a good image for building owners and occupants. However, the facade cleaning of high rise buildings is not as easy as it sounds. It has its own set of challenges which demand the use of certain approaches, tools and experts to tackle the problem safely.
From accessibility to safety, the complexities of cleaning skyscrapers demand an approach. In this guide, we will discuss the different issues that are associated with facade cleaning and how innovative approaches can be used to make sure that these buildings are easy to clean and maintain.
Challenges in High-Rise Facade Cleaning
1. Accessibility Issues
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2. Weather Conditions
The weather is one of the major factors that determine when and how the facade cleaning can be done. The wind may be the most dangerous threat to workers who are suspended at high altitudes. A sudden gust of wind can move equipment around and increase the chance of an accident.
The surfaces also become slippery and unclean during rain while at very low or very high temperatures the cleaning products may not be effective. One more level of complexity that has to be considered and addressed to ensure that the safety of the cleaning process can be increased with that of colder climates bringing about ice formation on the facade as one more issue that has to be dealt with.
3. Type of Facade Material
Not all facade materials can be cleaned with the same methods. The modern skyscrapers have glass facades that need streak free cleaning solutions and methods that avoid scratching. The pressure washing or other treatments are required to remove the dirt and algae that build up over time on concrete and stone surfaces. Metal cladding however is prone to oxidation and has a gentle cleaning method to maintain its finish. The wrong cleaning technique can cause permanent damage so it is crucial to approach it according to the material type.
4. Safety Risks & Compliance
Working at height is dangerous and hence safety is the number one concern in high rise facade cleaning. There are risks such as falling from a great height, equipment failure, and contact with cleaning chemicals that are potential risks that need to be managed through strict safety measures.
Rope access technique, fall protection and equipment handling are areas that facade cleaning professionals must be trained and certified in, according to safety standards set by various regulatory bodies. Both contractors and building owners must comply with local regulations, including Work Health & Safety (WHS) laws.
5. Pollution & Environmental Factors
Urbane pollution drastically impacts high rise buildings particularly in cities with traffic and industrial pollution. Yuck! Dust, carbon deposits and chemical residues can be found in the air, and they stick to the facades of the buildings and make them look dull and stained. It is worse when the building ‘s exterior is covered with bird droppings, mold and algae growth. These elements can cause long term structural damage if not removed by a professional and thus facade cleaning is a critical part of building maintenance.
Read Also – Ultimate Guide to Commercial Facade Cleaning
Solutions for Effective High-Rise Facade Cleaning
1. Rope Access Cleaning
Rope access is currently the most common and effective way of cleaning high rise facades. It is a technique in which trained technicians use harnesses and ropes to descend the exterior of a building, and they can access difficult areas of the building because they are trained. Rope access cleaning is also cost effective and also has minimal to no disturbance to occupants of the building because it does not require the use of large pieces of equipment or scaffolding. A team of professionals ensures that the property is cleaned to the best extent and all the safety measures are met through the use of this approach.
2. Water-Fed Pole Systems
For routine cleaning of mid-rise buildings or parts of high-rise facades, water-fed pole systems are an eco-friendly way to do it. These pole extenders use purified water to clean glass and other smooth surfaces, without the need of chemical detergents. The water is mineral and impurity free and therefore when dried, does not leave any streaks which makes it suitable for use on glass facades. This method is very useful for scheduling routine cleaning and to maintain the building’s pristine appearance between deep cleaning sessions.
3. BMU (Building Maintenance Units) & Suspended Platforms
Many high rise buildings have permanent Building Maintenance Units or BMUs that aid in exterior cleaning and maintenance. These motorized platforms help workers to reach different parts of the facade without putting them in danger. Some buildings that don’t have a built in BMU system can use temporary suspended platforms to give cleaning crews a stable working surface. It is perfect for buildings with mostly uniform facades and lots of space that require regular cleaning.
4. High-Pressure & Soft-Wash Cleaning
Depending on the facade material, the choice is high pressure or soft wash cleaning. The ability to clean tough surfaces like concrete and stone of stubborn grime, algae and pollutants is excellent with high pressure cleaning. Sandstone or a delicate material or a painted surface cannot withstand high pressure and therefore needs a delicate approach. Soft washing is a water based low pressure cleaning method that uses cleaning solutions to pinpoint dirt and organic growth, without damaging the surface.
5. Drone Cleaning Technology
Due to the development of technology; drones are gradually becoming a new and innovative way of cleaning facades. Some of the drones are equipped with sprayers through which cleaning solutions can be applied on high rise buildings exteriors without having human beings to work at very dangerous heights. Drone cleaning is still a new technology, however it is appearing to be a possible way of cleaning up limited access and unique shapes of buildings.
Safety Measures & Compliance
Safety is a high priority in high-rise facade cleaning and definite rules have to be followed in order to prevent certain risks. Rope access cleaning workers should be IRATA or SPRAT certified to prove they know how to work at height safely. Helmets, harnesses and fall arrest systems must be worn at all times, this is PPE. Moreover, liability insurance is a must for facade cleaning companies to have in order to cover any unforeseen incidents and only then buildings can comply with local safety regulations.
Choosing the Right Facade Cleaning Service
Choosing the right professional facade cleaning service is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Experience and reputation should be major criteria for selecting the decision. Search for companies that have a strong history of service in high rise cleaning and have the necessary licensing and insurance to perform the work. Eco friendly cleaning solutions should also be high on the list, to reduce the impact on the environment. Price transparency and a satisfaction guarantee are other signs of a good service provider.
Conclusion
The management of high rise buildings is not complete without facade cleaning to make the building look good and healthy to the environment, something that is important in the current world. However, the process of cleaning skyscrapers is rather difficult, and this has been facilitated by the use of rope access, BMUs, water-fed poles, and drone technology.
To this end, it is also advisable to have regular inspections and to hire professional workers to make sure that the facade of the building is properly maintained. Here, at Rope Access Australia we have expertise in high rise building upkeep with methods, for exceptional outcomes. Get in touch with us now for a building facade cleaning plan designed to meet your company’s requirements.
