Washing of facades and windows: how often should it be done and what methods to choose

The cleanliness of facades and windows is not only an aesthetic aspect, but also an important factor in the durability of a building. Dirt, dust, precipitation, bird droppings, and car exhaust accumulate on surfaces over time, which can lead to damage to materials and loss of the building’s attractive appearance. Regular cleaning helps maintain the building’s appearance, extends the life of finishing materials, and reduces the risk of corrosion of metal facade elements. Timely removal of contaminants also prevents the penetration of aggressive substances into microcracks on surfaces, which can cause premature material destruction.

In addition, clean windows contribute to better illumination of the premises with natural light, which has a positive effect on the level of comfort inside the building. This is especially important in office buildings and business centers, as insufficient lighting can reduce employee productivity and create discomfort. Commercial building owners often pay attention to regular cleaning of facades, as the appearance of the building forms the first impression of customers and partners.

How often should facades and windows be cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning windows and facades depends on several factors: the location of the building, the type of material, climatic conditions, and the purpose of the building. For example, in large cities with high levels of air pollution, facades and windows should be cleaned at least 1-2 times a year. Commercial buildings, office centers, and hotels require more frequent maintenance, as their appearance directly affects the company’s image. In industrial zones and near highways, facades accumulate dust and dirt more quickly, requiring more frequent cleaning. The material of the facade also matters: glass, metal, and tiled surfaces get dirty faster than concrete or brick surfaces.

The main methods of cleaning facades and windows

Different methods are used to clean facades and windows, which are selected depending on the type of contamination, building height and surface material. The most common are:

• Mechanical cleaning – manual washing with sponges, brushes and special products. Effective for localized cleaning and small buildings.
• The water jet method is the use of high-pressure water to quickly remove dust and dirt from stone, concrete and tile facades.
• Chemical cleaning – the use of special detergents to dissolve difficult contaminants such as oil stains, rust and limescale.
• The work of industrial climbers is an ideal option for high-rise buildings that require special equipment and safe access to hard-to-reach areas.
• Robotic cleaning systems are a modern method for large glass facades that automate the process and reduce maintenance costs.

The choice of cleaning method depends on many factors, including the type of contamination, facade material, and building height. For example, for glass skyscrapers, robotic systems or the use of industrial climbers are ideal, while for historic buildings, mild chemical cleaning with minimal impact on the material is suitable. In addition, the climatic zone is taken into account: in regions with frequent precipitation, facades require additional protection after washing, such as the application of hydrophobic coatings. To achieve a high-quality result, it is worth contacting professional high-rise workers who not only have the appropriate equipment and experience with different types of facades, but also take into account all the factors that affect the durability of the result.

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