The commercial drone market was estimated at $19.89 billion in 2022, with the industry increasing since then. One of the greatest uses of a commercial drone is for drone window cleaning.
But what makes drone window cleaning better than traditional window cleaning services? With so many people switching to drone window cleaning, understanding the pros and cons is critical for your commercial enterprise.
If you’re curious about maintaining your windows with drones, we’re here to offer our guidance. Read on to learn more about the cost comparison between traditional and drone cleaning methods for your commercial endeavor.
Traditional Window Cleaning Services
We generally think of traditional window cleaning services when we consider window cleaning. This often includes one window cleaner or a team of window cleaners.
Window cleaners will use a variety of materials to handle dirty windows. Most often, this method includes several types of sponges and brushes to remove dirt and spread soapy water.
These services become more expensive the more windows you have. Many window cleaning services will charge by the window, making some commercial designs more difficult to finance.
Additionally, some companies may charge by the square foot. As such, windows that are larger will cost more than a flat, by-window cost.
Methods
One method to consider is how a traditional window cleaning service will handle high or tall windows. These windows often require additional equipment, such as ladders or temporary scaffolding.
A lift is necessary in extreme cases (or commercial buildings with multiple floors). If a building is too high for a lift, the cleaner will need to rappel up and down the windows to clean them.
In these situations, you can expect your cleaning service to increase in cost. Such measures require specialist equipment and, in some cases, compensation for the hazard the painters are undergoing. Consider what method is necessary for your commercial building.
Costs
Placing the cost of traditional window cleaning is difficult for several reasons. One large reason is that companies will charge different amounts or specialize in different things.
Additionally, the cost changes depending on the commercial building you need cleaning. The general rule is that a larger building will cost more. Primarily, this is because larger buildings have more windows or larger windows.
You also should anticipate paying by the pane of glass rather than a window. Extra large “windows” such as a wall made up of window panes are charged by the pane rather than as one individual window.
A decent range is to expect about $300-$500 for an average building’s windows. Maintaining your windows between cleanings can lower the cost.
Drone Window Cleaning Services
Drones are a safer, simpler method of cleaning commercial windows. Companies have begun embracing this technique as a way to keep their workers safe while still delivering their service.
Drone window cleaning services make use of a commercial drone. These are robotic cleaners that a cleaner will operate, often through remote control.
These drones are able to reach much higher and, in many cases, can work quicker. There are few drawbacks to using drones, which has made this a popular choice for both cleaning companies and commercial enterprises.
Benefits
The main benefit of drones is that they’re safer than traditional services. Primarily, this is the case for tall windows.
They’re also more efficient, as there’s less movement required from workers. If workers are manually cleaning windows, they’ll need to stop to reposition ladders or lifts occasionally. With drones, an operator doesn’t need to bother with this hassle.
Additionally, cleaning companies can use less manpower with a drone. As such, it’s less expensive for them to operate when using drones for cleaning. For some companies, this can result in a cheaper bill for you when having your windows maintained.
Drones are also able to access areas that are harder to reach. Along with heights, this also includes overhangs and copses that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Finally, drones are also faster than traditional window cleaning services. If you’re operating a business, it’s better to have the cleaning drone done in an hour than a traditional service taking several hours.
Costs
The cost of using drones for window cleaning is difficult to measure. Not every window cleaning service will offer this option.
Additionally, it may prove more expensive in other areas. However, there are some ways that this lowers the price in comparison to traditional services.
For example, traditional services may charge more if windows are too high or too tall. For drones, there’s no such thing, meaning that this cost increase likely won’t exist.
The same is true for hazard pay. The drone may have insurance, and the operator may not want to use it in precarious situations, but you won’t have to worry about a drone getting “hurt.
How to Choose Your Commercial Window Cleaning Method
With everything decided, how can you pick your commercial window cleaning method? Here are the main factors to consider for your decision.
Costs
A traditional window service is often cheaper if it’s a smaller building. If the building doesn’t have as many windows, the same is true.
For a tall building, drones may end up cheaper. However, the costs will vary depending on your location and the company.
Size of Job
The size of the job can also affect your decision. If you have dozens of tall windows, you may need cleaners outside for hours on end.
You may not prefer this, as some don’t want work crews outside during business hours. Drones are faster and more efficient, as well as less noticeable.
Maintaining Your Windows
Drone window cleaning is an efficient and cost-effective way to maintain your windows. With drone window cleaning services, you can handle dirty windows without risking any cleaners in precarious situations. You’ll also enjoy having the cleaning done quicker than in traditional methods.
At Property Manager Insider, we excel at placing you in contact with the contractors and services you need. Our management systems are perfect for handling any requirements your commercial enterprise has. Contact us at Property Manager Insider to see how we can help you today.
Get A Free Commercial Window Cleaning Estimate
Need a quote to clean the windows at your property or facility? Fill out the form below and the BidSource team at Property Manager Insider will connect you with a qualified commercial window cleaning contractor in your area.