Whether you are in an office building, an industrial facility, or a school, your windows are your eyes to the outside world. When properly maintained, they can provide a natural ambiance that enhances the atmosphere within any internal space. However, when poorly maintained they are a magnet for dirt, grime, smudge marks, and streaks. Dirty windows can significantly degrade the atmosphere within an otherwise well-maintained facility. Understanding the benefits of clean windows as well as some basic cleaning guidelines will allow you to adopt a window-cleaning program that is right for your facility.
The Benefits
Maintaining clean and healthy windows is well worth the effort. A couple of those benefits would include:
- Longer Life-Span: Simply put, clean windows last longer than dirty windows. Regular cleaning of your windows will keep harmful contaminate from gaining a foothold, thereby helping extend the life of your window investment. The cost of proper window maintenance can potentially be offset by this increased lifespan.
- Higher Efficiency: Clean windows are more efficient that dirty windows. Clean windows allow more light and warmth into your facility. Dirty windows can block sunlight and make your facility less energy efficient (especially during the winter months). In addition, poorly maintained windows are much more prone to contamination-induced seal damage and air leakage, leading to heat and cooling loss throughout the year.
- Pleasant Atmosphere: Few things can create a more positive atmosphere than clean, sparking, windows. Regular window cleaning will create a positive environment for your visitors as well as your occupants.
Window Cleaning Frequency
How often should your windows be cleaned? There is no definitive answer to that question. There are several factors that can impact a window cleaning schedule. A few things to consider:
- Weather Conditions: Prolonged periods of foul weather (rain, high-winds, etc.) can result in abnormal build-up of dirt and debris on your windows. This could result in the need for more frequent cleaning.
- Proximity to Landscaping: Windows that are adjacent to exterior landscaping may be more prone to periodic accumulation of plant-generated pollen, dirt, and debris.
- Type of Windows: Does your facility have inset/recessed windows? If so, they may require more frequent cleaning due to the fact that they are more prone to collection and of dirt and debris.
- Type of Facility: The condition of your windows can leave a positive or negative impression on your visitors. For commercial buildings frequent window cleaning may be more important—from an impression perspective— than would be the case in an industrial facility.
An adequate cleaning schedule for your windows will depend on your unique combination of the above factors. You may find that bi-weekly cleaning is necessary, or, you may find that monthly or quarterly cleaning is satisfactory. Just remember that it is usually better to clean too often rather than not often enough.
Proper window maintenance will pay dividends in terms of efficiency, extended window life, internal environment, and overall building appearance.
How often are your windows being cleaned? Let us know in the section for comments below.
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