New Window Cleaning Technologies To Drive The Industry

Techniques for Cleaning Windows at Heights

The demand for professional window cleaning services has increased significantly in recent years.  And with the need for glass buildings and more natural lighting ever increasing, the demand for these services is only expected to keep rising. The rapid construction of high-rise residential and commercial buildings has only emphasized the need to develop safer and more effective technologies for cleaning windows at height.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen major developments and improvements in window cleaning technologies. While most of these have been centered around rope, pole, and cradle systems, window cleaning robots are now being introduced into the scene.

In this article, we are going to discuss the different techniques for cleaning windows at heights. Continue reading to find out more about flying robot window cleaners.

Telescopic poles

Telescopic poles are a staple of the widow cleaning industry. Their use spans multiple decades. Though they are a highly effective tool for window cleaning and have seen certain improvements over the years, they have a limited range. The majority of telescopic poles are only useful for windows up to 6-7 meters high. What’s more, you also have to be good at operating a washer and a squeegee at such heights, which can be a challenge even for experienced cleaners.

Water fed poles

Among the various improvements done to the telescopic poles is the addition of the water-fed pole. This feature improves the ease and efficiency of cleaning windows at a height by combining brush, water, and pole all in one. These are further improved with the addition of high-tech carbon fibre and the use of purified water to clean the glass.

Carbon fibre is a lightweight and incredibly strong material made of thin strands of carbon. Per unit of weight, carbon fiber is five times much stronger than steel. In addition, it has a tolerance for high temperatures and is highly resistant to chemicals. This makes carbon fiber the perfect material for tools used in the demanding task of professional window cleaning.

The use of purified water helps to ensure that the windows will dry completely clean. The problem with tap water is that it contains minerals and salts that leave behind residue and water spots on the glass when they dry. Purified water also minimizes the need for chemicals to deliver streak-free results – a positive for the environment.

Latest Window Cleaning Technologies to Drive the Industry

Abseiling

For people working in high-rise buildings, you’ve probably already gotten used to the sight of window cleaners dangling from an abseil rig. Unlike water-fed poles where the cleaners have to work from a distance, the ropes the cleaners direct access to the glass. This means that they are able to get up close to give the windows a thorough and professional clean. This also gives them the ability to maneuver more easily and get access to the hard-to-reach areas that poles may miss.

However, abseil or rope access has a number of risks as well as health and safety regulations that you need to be aware of. This is not to mention privacy concerns among clients in sensitive industries and government agencies. The last thing they want is to have strangers hanging outside their windows and potentially getting a view of confidential information on computer screens.

Cradles and platforms

Sometimes, the only way to reach windows in certain buildings is to suspend a cradle over the side of the building. Some modern buildings are conveniently fitted with integrated cradle systems to make it much easier and safer for cleaners to do their job. However, others need a specialist set up where the height of the building, the size of the windows, as well as the strength of the building are all taken into careful consideration.

For situations where a cradle system is not available or not suitable, a mounted platform may be considered. Here, an adjustable platform, usually mounted on a truck or other powerful vehicle, is used to get access to the higher windows. The adjustable hydraulic platforms are easy to control and maneuver and feature safety rigs and guardrails, the same as with the suspended cradles.

Window-cleaning robots and drones

Now, for the part you’ve been waiting for – the robots! One of the most innovative and useful pieces of technology to hit the commercial window cleaning industry are the water spraying drones. These are fed with water using a very long hose connected to the ground. The drones are able to fly, wash, and squeegee windows at height of the building.

The drones are the perfect tool for the job since they are not only faster than their human counterparts but they also help to eliminate the health and safety concerns workers operating at these extreme heights face on a daily basis. The cleaning crew handles the hose and drone controls safely on the ground, while the drone gets up there and takes care of everything. This ultimately works to eliminate the risk of injury or fatality in the job.

Water-fed drones have other potential applications, for example, putting out fires on higher floors.

The professional window cleaning industry is steadfast in finding ways to innovate and improve its technology and tools. And fortunately, the new window cleaning technologies have gone a long way in reducing safety concerns and improving efficiency and profitability. But most importantly, they have helped to ensure impeccably clean windows.