Almost every building has windows and these windows eventually become dirty and require regular cleaning. There are many ways to do this. This article will look at a few of the methods employed by commercial window cleaning companies to do their job.
The choice of equipment for any window cleaning job will depend on building height, site conditions and the amount of work required. As a rule of thumb, safer is better and easiest is best. Perhaps this will mean cleaning the windows from the interior of the building, if possible. This removes the need for equipment to access extensive heights.
The most popular method for reaching high windows in a residential job is the tried and true extension ladder. Other equipment required for this job will be a good squeegee (commercial grade), a bucket to hold water and the cleaning agent, a scrubber, a sponge and some lint free towels (micro-fiber works best). While dish soap is most often used as the cleaner, there are better options available that don’t leave behind a residue. Vinegar can also be added to the water to reduce streaks.
While ladders are a good and inexpensive method of access, they will only be appropriate for buildings containing three stories or less. Anything higher than three floors will require alternative means, of which there are several. One preferred method for reaching higher windows is rope access, using something called a ‘cradle’. There is also a rope configuration known as a ‘bosun’s chair’, which is typically used for suspending someone over the side of a ship or boat but that is also used in other jobs such as window washing.
A tool called a water fed pole (WFP) has become very popular lately for use in window washing. These telescopic poles, hooked up to a pressurized water source, can reach windows as much as 70 feet high. The use of purified water makes for a very good cleaning solution with no residue left behind. This is also a safe way of accessing high windows.
Although many governments have protective guidelines and regulations in place regarding window cleaning operations, these regulations are commonly not enforced. The window cleaning profession is considered one of the most dangerous occupations in the UK. Each year, more than a few deaths occur from accidents involving those engaged in this job.
As a rule, safer is better. Those using ropes and scaffolding should receive proper training before attempting this work. The methods employed by commercial window cleaning companies continue to improve with technological advancements, with speed, safety and ease of operation getting better all the time.
Find more details on the techniques that window cleaning London will use to make your windows sparkle! When you need commercial window cleaning, the team will be able to accommodate your needs fast and easy!