Leverage High Tech Window Cleaning for Additional Profits in Your Cleaning Business
Looking for ways to maximize your contracts? With the right high tech window cleaning tools, BSCs can offer window cleaning as an add-on service—without subcontracting the work and taking only a low margin. Keeping the specialty work in-house can help boost the bottom line.
Many BSCs still view window washing as something too skilled for their employees to tackle. The very thought of window cleaning makes them think of lifts and squeegees, insurance and injuries. They'd rather hire it out and lose out on income than take on the perceived liability.
The truth is, however, manufacturers now offer a variety of tools to help janitors safely clean windows. New technology allows workers to clean windows up to 60 feet without ever taking their feet off the ground.
Big Changes in Window Washing Safety
About 15 years ago, the United Kingdom revamped its safety laws to make it basically impossible for workers to be on ladders. This forced manufacturers to rethink window cleaning. The US is beginning to follow Europe's lead. OSHA updated its fall protection regulations (Rule 1910) this year to include stringent safety requirements for ladders.
The solution to the new laws? Manufacturers created water-fed pole systems that don't require a ladder, squeegee, or cleaning solution. A worker stands on the ground and guides an extension pole up the side of a building. Pure water is pumped through the wand to an attached cleaning brush or squeegee, which agitates and scrubs away dirt. Windows are left to dry naturally.
These systems range can be quite small or large truck-mounted versions, and can reach anywhere from one to six stories. The poles are made of durable and lightweight carbon fiber, which makes them even easier to handle and less likely to cause injury than older models made from aluminum.
The goal of the new technology was to get window washers off ladders and rigs. But there was an added benefit. These systems, which require very little training, allowed BSCs without years of training and experience to clean windows.
The first waterfed pole systems were expensive, at $8,000 or more for a 30-foot pole. That same system today costs $1,000 or less. Lower startup costs also make it easier for more BSCs to offer window cleaning as an add-on service, and to quickly recoup their investment in window-cleaning equipment.
Reach New Heights With Your Window Washing Service
Waterfed pole systems can help BSCs tackle most window-cleaning contracts, but they don't work for buildings over six stories. Taller buildings would still need to be subcontracted to a professional window cleaner with rigs and safety devices.
That is, unless a BSC invests in a high-tech, remote-controlled machine that climbs the sides of buildings like Spiderman. These new machines spray, brush, and rinse the windows as they go, and are available in 7-foot- to 17-foot-wide sizes. They can clean the windows of any high-rise building.
The technology is still expensive and comes with a steeper learning curve (it requires a rig and must meet OSHA requirements). It's certainly not for everyone, and probably best suited to a BSC that's been cleaning windows for a while.
Inside Job: High Tech Window Cleaning Doesn't Have to Be Messy
Technology has also improved for interior window cleaning. In the past, cleaning windows meant hauling buckets full of water, towels and squeegees around offices or hospital beds. And using ladders to get to higher glass or to reach over furniture. It was a messy and unsafe operation, and one many facility managers frowned upon or even banned.
Thankfully, manufacturers have addressed these issues with newer interior window cleaning tools. There are extension poles with up to a 36-foot reach, microfiber pads, and pure water systems. All of this adds up to quick and safe cleaning.
Investing in this type of equipment can allow a BSC to quickly train employees on window cleaning and offer this service to clients.
Interior cleaning systems have dropped from about $700 when they were first introduced to less than half that today.
Get Help and Training for Your Window Washing Service
Love the sound of offering window cleaning, but aren't quite sure how to get started? It may be smart to invest in some training. Spending a few hours in a classroom can alleviate your anxiety and eliminate the learning curve.
You can find classes or certifications through the International Window Cleaning Association or request help from the distributor who sells you window-cleaning tools.
You may also want to expand your staff to include someone who has experience with window cleaning. They can oversee your expansion, from selling the service to training employees.
Why Add Window Cleaning?
Window cleaning is a specialty service that typically comes with a premium price tag. The typical office building needs window washing about three or four times per year to maintain cleanliness. With multiple clients, that could represent a big boost in revenues.
If you're currently subcontracting the work out, you're making only a small percentage of the total profits. Keeping the work in-house, on the other hand, allows you to hold on to every penny.
Window cleaning can also serve as an entry point into new clients or markets. Landing a window contract first can allow a BSC to show his value and then later sell the same client on janitorial services.
Plus, adding additional services is important for BSCs that care about customer service. It allows you to be a one-stop shop, which is important to building owners and facility managers who love streamlined accounting. Doing the work yourself, rather than hiring it out, also allows you to control results and manage the client relationship.
Window services are a clever way to stand out in a crowded marketplace. When a building owner or manager sends out an RFP, they may be more likely to choose the provider who can handle all of his cleaning needs.
As the window cleaning technology continues to mature and become more refined, it will only get easier for BSCs to bring window cleaning services in-house. This is a great opportunity to increase customer satisfaction while also maximizing the bottom line.
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