Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Exterior Cleaning for Commercial Properties

Written by Red Rock | Jul 11, 2023 4:10:58 PM

Commercial Window Cleaning + Power Washing + Sweeping + Porter: The Ultimate Guide to Exterior Cleaning for Commercial Properties

Whether you’re a business owner, property manager, or facility manager, you understand the importance of maintaining a clean and inviting exterior for your employees, tenants, customers, and visitors. A well-maintained exterior not only enhances the overall appearance of your property but also creates a positive first impression, and can even promote a healthier environment overall. 

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about exterior cleaning for your commercial property including professional commercial window cleaning, power washing, parking lot and parking garage sweeping, and day porter services. We’ll discuss the benefits of each service, when and how often to schedule, and what to look for in a professional exterior cleaning company. But more importantly, we’ll show you how to pair these services together for an ultimate clean that takes your properties to the next level. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of how to keep your commercial property looking its best year-round and how to choose the right exterior cleaning services to meet your specific needs. So, let’s get started!

In This Guide: 

  1. Commercial Window Cleaning
  2. High Rise Window Cleaning
  3. Power Washing Services
  4. Parking Lot and Parking Garage Sweeping
  5. Day Porter Services
  6. The importance of recurring cleaning schedules
  7. The Benefits of Pairing Commercial Property Services Together for an Ultimate Clean.

 

 

Commercial Window Cleaning

The Benefits of Professional Window Cleaning

Keeping your commercial property clean is important, and one area that should never be overlooked is the cleanliness of your windows. Regular window cleaning can enhance curb appeal, improve natural lighting, and even prolong the life of the windows, saving you money in the long run. 

Not only does commercial window cleaning help your building look its best, but it also promotes a healthy environment for tenants, employees, and visitors. Additional benefits include: 

  • Regular window cleaning can prevent damage such as scratches from dirt and debris left on the glass for extended periods of time. 
  • Regular window cleaning can also help boost the efficiency of your HVAC system.
  • Professional window cleaners have the right equipment to safely and efficiently clean windows. With water poles, lifts, and harnesses, they can efficiently clean windows at any height without risking injury to anyone.
  • Outsourcing window cleaning to professionals can also save you time and money by freeing up your employees to focus on what’s really important: their work.
  • A clean and well-maintained workspace or living space can also have a positive impact on morale. For offices, this could mean higher productivity and morale among employees. For condo and apartment buildings, this could mean higher purchase, rental, and retention rates. 

 

Safety Standards for Multi-Story and High-Rise Window Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning commercial property windows, services are typically broken down into three categories by project height, including single-story (often storefronts), multi-story buildings typically ranging from two to seven stories, and high-rises consisting of buildings over seven stories high. 

 

The biggest challenge with multi-story buildings and high-rises, and the most important thing to look for in a professional window cleaning service is safety. You want to make sure that the provider you work with is a team of highly trained technicians who adhere to all OSHA industry safety standards and maintain the highest high-rise window cleaning safety training certifications. 

 

Proper Equipment and Techniques for Effective Window Cleaning

Professional window cleaners use a variety of tools and solutions to clean windows, depending on the type of windows and the extent of the dirt or grime buildup. Generally, professional window cleaners will use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for glass and does not leave streaks or residue. They may also use a squeegee to remove the cleaning solution and any dirt or grime from the glass. 

 

In addition to these basic tools, professional window cleaners may also use specialized equipment such as rope access, powered platforms, aerial lifts, ladders, water-fed poles, or even pressure washers to safely and efficiently clean windows that are in hard-to-reach places or that have significant build-up, skylights, atriums, and more. Ultimately, the tools and solutions used will depend on the specific needs of the job and the professional judgment of the window cleaner.

What Does Commercial Window Cleaning Service Include?

Commercial window cleaning services vary from one provider to the next but often include:

  • Interior and exterior window washing
  • Squeegee cleaning and detailing of the frames and sills
  • Glass polishing and scratch removal
  • Cleaning and maintenance of window screens
  • Removal of hard water stains, paint, and adhesive residue.

How Long Should a Window Cleaning Take?

The length of time it takes to clean windows will depend on the size and number of windows, the level of dirt buildup, and the tools and techniques needed to clean them. In general, basic window cleaning for retail shops and single panes can be done in minutes, single-story and smaller multi-story buildings such as office buildings can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, whereas high-rise window washing jobs can take two or three days to complete, depending on the size of the structure and number of windows. 

However, if your windows require more extensive cleaning or if there are hard-to-reach areas that need to be cleaned, the process can take longer. A professional window cleaning service can work with you to assess the needs of your property and provide you with a realistic time frame for the cleaning process so you can plan accordingly and ensure minimal disruption to your business operations.

How do I Know if my Commercial Windows Need to be Cleaned?

Some key signs your windows need cleaning include: 

  • Visible dirt, smudges, or streaks on the glass
  • Accumulation of dust, pollen, or other debris on the windows
  • Faded or dull appearance of windows
  • Noticeable scratches or damage to the glass

 

 

How Often Should I Schedule Professional Window Cleaning for a Commercial Property in Las Vegas?

The frequency of cleaning your commercial windows will depend on a variety of factors including the location of your property, the type of business, and the level of foot traffic or environmental factors that may contribute to dirt buildup on windows. In general, it’s a good idea to have your windows serviced at least twice a year to maintain the appearance of your property and protect the lifespan of your windows. 

Red Rock Property Services provides window cleaning to commercial properties in the Las Vegas area, and we recommend the following guidelines: 

  • Commercial buildings in general require window cleaning at least twice a year. 
  • Office buildings need their lobby windows cleaned every two months. 
  • Retail stores with high foot traffic should have their windows cleaned every one to two months
  • Healthcare facilities require monthly commercial window cleaning.
  • Entryway windows should be cleaned daily or weekly to maintain a professional image. 

 

Pressure Washing for Commercial Properties: Building Facades, Sidewalks, and More

The Benefits of Pressure Washing

When people come to your property, the first thing they will see are the exterior surfaces. Pressure washing your building facades, sidewalks, and even parking lots can help make a great first impression and save you costs down the road.

The accumulation of grime, dirt, and bird droppings not only diminishes the visual appeal of your building’s facades, sidewalks, and parking lots but can also cause damage to your building’s structure. By regularly pressure washing, you can remove elements that can lead to rot and wear and preserve the integrity of your property. 

Regular pressure washing also helps maintain a clean and hygienic environment. The accumulation of grime and dirt inside your building can compromise the safety of walking surfaces and degrade air quality. Power washing can effectively remove dirt, grime, algae, mold, gum, oil stains, tire marks, animal droppings, and other stains as well. By incorporating pressure washing into your cleaning routine, you can ensure good air quality, promote hygiene, and create a safe environment for both your visitors and staff. 

Additionally, including routine pressure washing as part of your overall exterior cleaning and maintenance plan not only boosts your property’s curb appeal and overall image but also creates a positive first impression for visitors even before they step inside. 

Surfaces That Can Be Pressure Washed

Pressure washing is a versatile cleaning method that can be applied to various surfaces on commercial properties. Common surfaces that can be effectively pressure washed include:

  • Building exterior surfaces including brick, stucco, concrete, vinyl siding, and metal surfaces. 
  • Parking lots and driveways including concrete and asphalt
  • Sidewalks and walkways
  • Outdoor furniture made of plastic, metal, or wood
  • Dumpster areas
  • Signage and Awnings made of metal, plastic, or even fabric. 

It is important to note that different surfaces may require varying levels of pressure and appropriate cleaning agents. Hiring a professional pressure washing service ensures that the correct techniques and equipment are used for each specific surface, maximizing the effectiveness and safety of the cleaning process.

How Often Should I Schedule Professional Pressure Washing for Commercial Properties?

Like most cleaning services, how often you should schedule professional pressure washing for your property will vary depending on factors such as the type of property, level of foot traffic, and other factors. However, in general, it is recommended that an office building should have its exterior, entrances, sidewalks, parking lots, and dumpster areas power washed at least four times a year, ideally seasonally, to limit the buildup of dirt, grease, and seasonal debris and allergens. 

A more tailored and frequent power washing schedule may be needed for properties that experience higher amounts of vehicle and/or foot traffic, such as restaurants, retail stores, hotels, casinos, or medical buildings. Additionally, external factors such as nearby construction or large storms may warrant additional cleanings due to additional dust and debris in the area.

Parking Lot Sweeping and Parking Garage Sweeping

Commercial parking lot sweeping is a service offered by companies that specialize in cleaning and maintaining parking lots for commercial properties. This service typically involves the use of specialized equipment, such as street sweepers or vacuum trucks, to remove dirt, debris, and other waste from the surface of the parking lot.

In addition to regular sweeping, some commercial parking lot sweeping companies may also offer additional services, such as pressure washing, striping, and crack sealing, to help maintain the appearance and functionality of the parking lot.

Overall, commercial parking lot sweeping is an important service for businesses that want to maintain a clean, safe, and attractive parking lot for their customers and employees.

The Benefits of Parking Lot Sweeping

Regular sweeping services offer several benefits to your property, including:

  • Improving its overall appearance and creating a safer environment for visitors, tenants, and employees. 
  • Removing debris can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries such as slips, trips, and falls. 
  • A clean parking lot can contribute to an enhanced curb appeal. 

How Often Should I Schedule Parking Lot Sweeping for Commercial Properties?

The frequency of commercial parking lot sweeping may vary depending on the specific needs of the property, but it is typically recommended that parking lots be swept regularly to keep them clean and free of debris and to help prevent damage to the pavement by removing abrasive materials that can wear down the surface over time.

There is no set or recommended schedule for parking lot sweeping because each business and location is different and often has its own policies regarding the frequency of power sweeping its parking lots. Typically an office building’s parking lot will be swept twice a week, but in the case of businesses that receive a large number of visitors on a daily basis, such as casinos, malls, and healthcare facilities, we recommend a more frequent schedule of sweeping the parking lots at least every other day. 

 

Day Porter Services

What Does a Day Porter Do?

A porter cleaner is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and overall appearance of a commercial property. Porter duties often include removing trash and debris from common areas, monitoring trash enclosures to ensure they are sanitary and compliant, cleaning common areas, cleaning exterior cigarette disposal bins, cleaning cigarette butts, loose trash, and debris from planters, and more. 

The Benefits of Day Porter Services

Hiring day porter services can save you valuable time and resources by allowing your service provider to handle the outdoor cleanliness of your property, freeing up your staff to focus on maintaining your interior spaces and services. Additionally, as with most cleaning services, day porters create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment that encourages maximum efficiency for your facility. 

How Often Should I Schedule Professional Day Porter Services for Commercial Properties?

Maintaining a clean and polished image is crucial for businesses that receive regular foot traffic. Hiring a day porter on a regular schedule is the most convenient and effective way to ensure that your business stays clean and organized. For properties that receive a large number of visitors on a daily basis such as casinos, hotels, malls, and medical facilities, we recommend having a porter service at least twice a week. However, every business has different needs, and you may want to consider customizing your porter services to adjust the frequency to fit your specific requirements, whether you need daily, weekly, or monthly porter services.

The Benefits of Maintaining a Recurring Schedule of Commercial Property Services

Whether you’re having your windows washed, surfaces pressure washed, parking lots swept, utilizing day porter services, or employing a combination of these services, maintaining a recurring schedule of exterior cleaning services offers numerous benefits. 

If you’ve read this far, you are already aware of the various benefits offered by these exterior cleaning services such as the ability to boost curb appeal, extend the lifespan of your property, promote safety and hygiene, and more. 

When you schedule commercial property cleaning services on a regular, recurring schedule, you get the added bonuses of saving time, money and avoiding undue stress by eliminating the need to schedule services each time they are needed, and by allowing your provider to become familiar with your property and expectations, boosting efficiency and building a trusting working relationship with your service provider. 

Stack Commercial Property Cleaning Services Together for an Ultimate Clean with Las Vegas’s Red Rock Property Services

Pairing commercial property cleaning services together offers a range of benefits, providing businesses like yours with an ultimate clean and hassle-free experience. With Red Rock Property Services, you can access a comprehensive one-stop-shop solution that addresses all your exterior cleaning needs in a single, customized package tailored to your specific business requirements. 

By bundling services like window cleaning, power washing, parking lot sweeping, and porter services, you can enjoy a cohesive and synchronized approach to maintaining the exterior of your property. This integrated strategy ensures that all aspects of your property are consistently and thoroughly cleaned, leaving it looking pristine and well-maintained. 

One of the most significant advantages of opting for a bundled package is the convenience of dealing with a single vendor. With Red Rock Property Services, you only need to communicate and coordinate with one point of contact for all your exterior property service needs. This streamlines the process, saving you valuable time and allowing you to focus on your core business activities. 

Furthermore, by consolidating your services, you can often benefit from cost savings and efficiencies. Red Rock Property Services can design a customized package that maximizes the value of your investment, ensuring you receive high-quality services at competitive rates. This eliminates the need to search for multiple service providers, negotiate separate contracts, and manage different schedules and invoices, once again saving you tons of time and probably a lot of headaches, too. 

For more information about our services or to speak to one of our knowledgeable specialists about stacking your services, reach out to us today for a quote.