Window washing

The cleaning of the windows is carried out by professional washers. They carry out the washing of windows, shop windows and windows both in private homes and in shops and stores, but also at high heights, on high buildings. The service ensures the cleaning of the glass surface, but also that of its framing, to offer customers an irreproachable result.

Cleaning your windows is essential for a professional, whether it is a room containing a business, offices or an industrial site. Indeed, the windows open outwards and are important in terms of visual for the customers; clean windows testify to the concern to give a good self-image and inspire more confidence. The windows are a link between the indoor environment and the outdoor environment; they allow light to penetrate the premises and contribute to well-being.

It is recommended to clean your windows at the rate of once a week on average, but professionals may be forced to request the services of a cleaning company at different intervals depending on the context. Indeed, some windows are more exposed to pollution, dust and various soiling. The glass surface washing service providers are competent to meet everyone’s needs and to provide expert advice.

Window cleaning follows a series of precise steps that aim to obtain an optimal result. The professional is equipped with suitable equipment and cleaning products and intervenes by respecting these steps: dusting, wetting, scraping and polishing.

Tile cleaners are not required to hold a specific diploma to practice their profession, because they usually receive basic training in-house. Nevertheless, some studies make it possible to facilitate a recruitment. In addition, when the professional specializes (working at height, team leader, etc.), qualifications are expected.

Window cleaning techniques

Window washing is not an improvised service. The professionals are trained to follow the different steps of the process to offer you an effective cleaning and a net result.

• The dusting of the window frames: this first step is essential to eliminate dust, dirt and pollution. It consists in dusting the contours of windows with the appropriate material (cloth, wolf’s head, sponge) to prevent these residues from settling on the glass surfaces once clean.
• The dusting of the glass: this second step serves to eliminate the main surface residues that are dust and dirt. The washing will only be more effective thanks to this pre-cleaning action.
• Scraping and degreasing: these optional actions are in addition to dusting in the case of particularly soiled windows. Fatty masses are eliminated from it, as well as soiling (bird droppings, street soiling, etc.).
• Wetting: the professional immerses his wetting device in his cleaning product and applies it to the glass from top to bottom to moisten it.
• Wiping the border of the frame: with a suitable cloth, the service provider cleans the glass surface that borders the frame over a thickness of 3 to 5 centimeters. This prevents dirty water from contaminating the woodwork.
• Scraping: the squeegee is then positioned horizontally, starting from the top right side of the glass. It is dried between each passage with another clean cloth. The different passage strips must be superimposed to avoid traces and make sure to remove all dirty water.
• The finishes: the glass strip that borders the bottom of the glass is wiped again with the help of the cloth to avoid traces and drips. The woodwork can be optionally cleaned if necessary.
• Polishing: some professionals finish by polishing the glass with a suitable cloth. This action makes it possible to eliminate any remaining traces and to obtain a perfect result.

Each step is repeated indoors and outdoors. The professional will always start with the inner side, usually less dirty.

The materials and products

► Cleaning products

To carry out an effective cleaning of the windows, professionals use adapted products capable of making the dirt soluble in order to better peel them off and eliminate them. These products are also degreasing, washing and shiny, all without leaving traces.

There is a whole range of professional cleaning products, some of which are environmentally friendly. Generally, these products for professionals dry quickly to avoid unsightly traces and they do not form drips. Several types of diffusion are possible: in aerosols, in sprays, in cans or in wipes in order to meet all needs and all constraints.

► Cleaning materials

Professionals are also equipped with suitable equipment that leaves no traces or scratches.

→ For dusting frames and windows: rags, sponges and a wolf’s head.

→ For cleaning: a glass scraper makes it possible to remove stuck soiling and difficult stains.

→ For wetting the windows: clean wetting agents, clean sponges and one or more buckets.

→ The material for scraping: soft or rigid squeegees according to the needs (soft squeegees are made for work at low temperature and on a non-regular surface while rigid squeegees are suitable for work at high temperature and on a smooth surface) and absorbent cloths.

→ The material for the finishes: microfiber cloths and chamois skins make it possible to polish and shine the windows for a perfect rendering.

→ The extra equipment: for working at height, telescopic poles are ideal, some models allow you to reach a distance of 9 meters!

Window washing at height

Window washing at height is a particular context of intervention, but nevertheless frequent. It concerns services on high buildings such as the buildings of certain condominiums. To exercise their profession, service providers must be equipped with adequate and adapted cleaning equipment.

They can intervene on a scaffold, a gondola, an elevator platform, sometimes a ladder and even more rarely in abseiling. Their tools are all adapted and can be hung at height to facilitate their work. They also have telescopic poles capable of reaching a distance of up to 9 meters if necessary. The agents can be equipped with protective and safety equipment: the suit, the mask, the helmet, the gloves or even the harness if a belay rappelling is necessary.

The frequency of washing and the ideal time of intervention

Window cleaning is recommended on average once a week. Nevertheless, the necessary frequency is related to several factors. Indeed, it all depends on the situation of your business premises, because some places are dirtier than others (busy roadsides, etc.), as well as the use of your premises, because some need to be constantly clean for the reception of their customers.

In addition, it may be that your windows get dirty faster for different reasons (bird droppings, nearby work, bad weather, etc.). When to intervene for window cleaning? There are indeed auspicious moments and especially moments to avoid.

Of course, it is not recommended to have your windows cleaned when it rains, because traces of raindrops will be inevitable and compromise the quality of the intervention. But it is also recommended to avoid entrusting the cleaning of your windows to a professional during periods of heat. When the sun heats the windows, it does not allow effective cleaning, because the product dries on the glass surface even before it is removed, which leaves unsightly traces.

The difficulties encountered

Window cleaning is not always easy. Professionals can indeed face several difficulties. Most of them naturally entail an additional cost. Here are the main ones :

• Poorly maintained windows: Some glass surfaces are not properly maintained. Over time, they become covered with pollution, dust, residues, fats or dirt (droppings, etc.). Their cleaning is then made more complex, because the professional will be forced to ensure a long preparatory stage of dusting and de-dusting.
• Working at height: it is common for the windows to be located at a height or high height. The professional must therefore intervene with suitable equipment, such as a scaffold, a ladder and / or a telescopic pole, among others.
• Risky work: certain work contexts are dangerous for window washing professionals. Indeed, some are forced to work close to the void, in cramped or unprotected spaces and in many other precarious situations.

These difficulties are the main ones, but others can make the daily work of the professionals involved complex: the need to adapt to the users of the premises, the weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, thunderstorm, etc.), the surrounding noise, road traffic, etc.

The profession of window cleaner

The window cleaner intervenes on the maintenance of windows, showcases and mirrors of all types of buildings, from the windows of individuals and commercial showcases to skyscrapers. Those who specialize in working at height are called rope workers or nacellists.

Studies and training

To become a window cleaner, there is no specific training in Usa. It is quite possible to practice this profession without a diploma, especially since the employer usually trains his staff in basic cleaning techniques. Nevertheless, certain training courses can facilitate recruitment, such as the APH CAP (Cleanliness and Hygiene Officer) and the pro HPS Bac (Hygiene, cleanliness and sterilization).

The Bac pro makes it easier to specialize and qualify for a team leader position. For personnel working at height, the CACES (certificate of aptitude for safe driving) is mandatory for intervention on a mobile platform. On scaffolding, a training certificate is required.

Salary and career development

At the beginning of his career, a tile cleaner usually receives the minimum wage. Nevertheless, bonuses are frequent in the case of work at height. The main career development consists of training in working at height, especially on high-rise buildings by becoming a rope worker.

What is the price for an intervention?

If you are considering contacting a professional for cleaning your windows, be aware that the price may vary considerably from one service provider to another, from one region to another, but also depending on your needs, your requirements, the duration of the assignment or the work context (at height, in places difficult to access or at risk, etc.).

It is therefore advisable to compare the prices of cleaning companies to find out the true cost of an intervention. However, here are some data that can give you more precise indications :

• A one-off assignment is charged more expensive than an annual maintenance package.
• The basic hourly cost is set according to the minimum wage. It can then increase according to the skills of the professional.
• Travel costs are not always provided for in the price, so remember to inquire.
• Other increases are possible if the working conditions are difficult, risky or at night.

In general, count between 20 and 40 euros excluding VAT per hour of work.

The cleaning of facades

The facade of your company plays an important role, because it is the first element that your customers and visitors see when entering your premises. It is therefore essential to take care of its cleanliness, because it thus reflects a positive image of your company.

Opting for a professional facade cleaning is the ideal solution to maintain the exterior of your premises and rid them of dirt caused by pollution, vegetation, human hands, animal droppings and climatic conditions.

The different types of facade cleaning

There are different types of facade cleaning, to be carried out according to the state of dirt of it, the materials that compose it, its surface and the budget that you are willing to spend. Indeed, the price range is very extensive, since it takes from 5 to 50 euros per square meter depending on the type of service chosen.

• Scrubbing: this technique makes it possible to clean a facade without water or abrasion by means of a material projection. It allows you to remove dirt from brick, stone, wood and concrete. It is recommended for porous walls and not very thick facades. To do this, alumina, glass beads, crushed calcite or crushed fruit kernels are sprayed by compressed air.
• Hydrogumming: this gentle process allows the cleaning of fragile surfaces by spraying a mixture of water and powder. It thus cleans graffiti, whitewashes, rust, fire residues, paints and dirt due to pollution on wood, brick, concrete and stone. The mixture consists of 80% glass, stone or calcite powder and 20% water.
• Sandblasting: sandblasting is another technique for spraying material, in particular sand or an abrasive powder, without adding water. This technique makes it possible to eliminate stubborn paints and soiling, but proves to be very aggressive for surfaces, which is why it is less and less used. The pressure exerted must be adapted to the material composing the surface to avoid degrading it.
• Sanding: Sanding cleans the facade dry, but it leads to a relatively aggressive removal of the material. Consequently, it is advisable to reserve this technique for surfaces that support it and therefore are not very fragile. It is useful for removing paint, varnish, stain residues and crusts on marble, concrete, hard stones and some woods.
• The peeling: the peeling cleans the surfaces by dry means, but without removal of material. There is therefore no risk of reaction, in particular chemical reaction since this process is purely mechanical. On the other hand, if this method is gentle, it is very expensive and is most often reserved for listed or sensitive buildings.
• Nebulization: this technique by trickling water makes it possible to clean the facades of buildings by wet means and without spraying material. It is used to remove dust, dirt and crusts on stone, concrete and brick. On the other hand, it is recommended to intervene on a well-insulated facade and to caulk the openings to prevent any infiltration of moisture.
• High-pressure cleaning: this process makes it possible to clean the facades by spraying water at high pressure. However, there are comparative techniques at low or low pressure, which are more gentle. This type of cleaning makes it possible to eliminate dust, dirt and paint residues on wood, stone, brick and concrete. On the other hand, avoid asking for this type of cleaning in winter, as the use of hot water can cause a damaging thermal shock.
• Chemical cleaning: this technique consists of cleaning the facade by treating it with chemicals. It makes it possible to eliminate dirt, crusts and paints on the surfaces. This type of washing requires a lot of care so as not to damage the material.

Cleaning graffiti

The discovery of a graffiti or a tag on a facade wall is always an unpleasant surprise. Unfortunately, this phenomenon occurs regularly on public, professional and private buildings, and sometimes even on ancient and protected monuments.

The graffiti cleaning specialists have studied various techniques as well as the use of various products. The particularities related to the types of surfaces have also been taken into account. There are therefore several effective techniques so that these unwanted tags are no longer just a bad memory.

What cleaning techniques are used to erase graffiti?

Some techniques have been used in graffiti cleaning for many years. These are relatively radical processes – such as the use of paint strippers or sandblasting – which have proven their effectiveness. However, they are less suitable for fragile surfaces and protected facades and for some, their negative impact on the environment makes them less popular.

That is why new, more gentle techniques have been developed in recent years such as aerogumming, hydrogumming or cryogenics.

⇒ High pressure sandblasting

The technique of facade sandblasting consists of sending sand at high pressure on the surface to be cleaned. This has the effect of “sanding” the outer layer of the wall and makes it possible to effectively remove graffiti. Sandblasting is a traditional technique, also used to clean and revive the aesthetics of a facade. It has proven itself for a long time but, due to its power, it is unsuitable for fragile materials or protected monuments.

⇒ The application of solvent or stripping products

There are many products intended for the erasure of graffiti. The variety of these solutions is extensive but the intended principle remains the same: dissolve the paint used. This solubilization technique is more or less efficient depending on the selected products. The most powerful substances are also, unfortunately, the most polluting.

⇒ The steam projection

The use of steam in cleaning is particularly appreciated because steam combines efficiency and an ecological approach. The same applies to the removal of graffiti. The technique consists in spraying hot steam at high pressure on the surfaces to be cleaned. However, the steam may lack power for erasing certain types of paintings or for graffiti that has been embedded for a long time.

⇒ Aerogommage or hydrogommage

Here are two more recent processes that have been designed according to current concerns about ecology. These are sandblasting techniques that have been refined. In the technique of air-blasting, air is sprayed and an abrasive material is used at low pressure on the graffiti to be removed.

Hydrogumming is an equivalent process, except that water is added to it, a way in particular to avoid dust. Aerogamming and hydrogamming are very fashionable today since they are both effective, environmentally friendly and suitable for cleaning more delicate surfaces.

⇒ The cryogenic scrub

Here is another emerging cleaning technique: cryogenics. It is a question, here, of sending, always at low pressure, a mixture of dry ice and abrasive on the wall concerned. An ecological process and compatible, too, with the maintenance of protected buildings or fragile materials.

The traditional products used

Common household products can be used to erase graffiti. We can overcome some of them thanks to white spirit, bleach, burning alcohol or, even better, baking soda which has the advantage of being natural and non-polluting.

→ Solvents and strippers

More powerful chemicals that can be found in DIY stores, represent effective solutions to remove more resistant graffiti. It is possible to use acetone, solvents containing chlorine or even paint stripping products.

→ Abrasive

In the techniques of aerogamming, hydrogamming and cryogenics, an abrasive material is invariably used. Most often it is rubble. But, depending on the characteristics of the surface to be treated, it can also be baking soda or even walnut shells.

Who to ask to erase graffiti?

♦ Do it yourself: do it yourself

Depending on the size and location of the graffiti to be erased, you can try to do it yourself. React as quickly as possible because a “fresh” graffiti is easier to clean than a paint embedded in the wall for a long time. If you choose to use chemicals, remember to protect yourself with glasses, gloves and a mask.

♦ The intervention of the town hall

Another option may be to contact the town hall of your municipality. Indeed, under certain conditions, the municipal services intervene free of charge. However, it is imperative to file a complaint with the police beforehand, and to prepare for possible intervention delays.

♦ Contact professionals

A company made up of professionals trained in different techniques and using specific products will allow you to delegate this often tedious task. Teams are at your disposal to advise you and help you choose the best option. So do not hesitate to request a free comparative quote for a quick intervention.

Roof cleaning and defoaming: techniques, prices and period

The maintenance of the roof is essential to increase its longevity. This maintenance involves cleaning and defoaming. The presence of dirt and foam weakens the resistance of the roof and ends up causing sealing problems, the tiles becoming porous.

► Scrub

A hard brush offers the possibility of removing encrusted lichens and mosses. Then a rinsing is done starting from the top of the roof, making sure that the residues do not clog the gutters.

► The high-pressure cleaner

The high-pressure cleaner easily removes stains and mold. But, it must be used with great caution especially on the most fragile roofs, such as those made of tile or slate.

Complementary preventive treatments

Several preventive treatments can be applied to prevent the appearance of foams :

⇒ The laying of copper wire

The copper wires will oxidize naturally in contact with the rain and the oxidation will prevent the growth of moss, lichen, algae. The copper wires can be left in place for about 5 years. But, they are incompatible with a copper roof.

⇒ The anti-foam product

Depending on the brand, the product preventing the appearance of foams will be applied with or without rinsing. Manufacturers now offer organic antifoams, fungicides and algicides, natural products that are more respectful of health and the environment.

⇒ The installation of a water-repellent product

In addition to preventing the rapid reappearance of foams, a treatment can make the roof more waterproof, the water repellent product. In order to saturate the surface well, 2 passes are necessary.

The price of maintaining a roof

The price of a roof cleaning is generally fixed per m2. It depends on the material and the technique used but also on the difficulties of access to the construction site and the geographical location of the house. The more the roof is exposed to the weather, the more it needs to be cleaned. The average rates observed range from 6 to 15 € per m2, for cleaning without water repellency and from 12 to 25 € per m2 with.

The ideal time of year to clean and defrost your roof

The ideal period to maintain your roof is the beginning of spring, before the onset of hot weather. Cleaning can also be done in the fall but it is then better to wait until the leaves of the trees have finished falling.

Ventilation of workspaces

For good hygiene of workspaces, ventilation is a key element, especially with regard to compliance with the minimum air flow. Pollutants are much more easily concentrated in enclosed spaces. To do this, it is essential to make every effort to facilitate air circulation so that it is of good quality. In the event that the offices do not have an opening to the outside, it is possible to opt for mechanical ventilation in order to have good ventilation.

In any case, it is essential that everyone at their level does it so that the working environment perfectly respects all the rules of hygiene. Employers will have to put in place policies aimed at encouraging awareness of the importance of perfect hygiene in the company. In addition, as part of the recruitment of maintenance professionals who must take care of it, it will be necessary to be quite picky, because the well-being and health of the staff greatly depend on it.