15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Window Cleaning Company

Hiring the Wrong Window Cleaning Company Can Cost More Than Dirty Glass

Most commercial property managers don’t hire window cleaning companies every day. When they do, the decision often comes down to price, scheduling, and availability. Unfortunately, those are rarely the factors that create problems.

 

The biggest issues usually involve:

• Safety violations
• Insurance claims
• Missed service dates
• Poor communication
• Unqualified crews
• Roof access concerns
• Fall protection deficiencies

Before selecting your next contractor, asking the right questions can help you avoid costly surprises and protect your property.

Why Commercial Properties Need a Different Vetting Process

Cleaning a three-story office building is very different from cleaning a high-rise, university campus, healthcare facility, or industrial property.

 

Commercial window cleaning often involves:

• Roof access
• Rope descent systems
• Certified roof anchors
• Fall protection equipment
• Occupied buildings
• Pedestrian protection zones

The contractor you hire should have experience working in environments similar to yours.

15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Window Cleaning Company

1. Are You Properly Insured?

Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance (COI).

Verify:

• General Liability Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• Umbrella Coverage (if applicable)

Never assume a contractor is insured simply because they say they are.

2. Have You Worked On Buildings Like Ours?

Experience matters.

Ask for examples of:

• Office buildings
• Universities
• Hospitals
• Manufacturing facilities
• Government buildings
• Multi-building portfolios

References from similar properties often tell you more than online reviews.

3. How Will You Access the Building?

The answer should be specific.

Potential methods include:

• Rope access
• Roof anchors
• Suspended platforms
• Aerial lifts
• Water-fed pole systems

A professional contractor should explain exactly how the work will be performed.

4. Do You Have a Written Safety Program?

Ask for documentation.

Look for:

• OSHA compliance procedures
• Fall protection policies
• Rescue procedures
• Employee training programs

Safety should be documented—not verbal.

5. Are Your Technicians Trained for Elevated Work?

Working at height requires specialized training.

Ask:

• What certifications do your technicians hold?
• How often is training updated?
• How are new employees trained?

6. Do You Use Certified Roof Anchors?

If your building requires rooftop access, this question is critical.

Ask:

• Who certifies the anchors?
• How often are they inspected?
• Are certifications available upon request?

7. What Happens If You Find Unsafe Conditions?

Experienced contractors know that not every rooftop is ready for work.

Their answer should include:

• Hazard identification
• Documentation
• Notification procedures
• Temporary work stoppage protocols

8. Can You Provide References?

Ask for references from buildings similar to yours.

Questions to ask references:

• Did they show up when scheduled?
• Was communication strong?
• Were there any safety concerns?
• Would you hire them again?

9. What Is Included in Your Proposal?

Never assume.

Clarify:

• Interior glass
• Exterior glass
• Glass restoration
• Hard water stain removal
• Screen cleaning
• Post-construction cleaning

Detailed scopes prevent disputes later.

10. How Do You Protect Pedestrians and Occupants?

Ask how the company handles:

• Sidewalk closures
• Barricades
• Safety zones
• Building occupants
• Tenant notifications

11. Do You Have Experience With Roof Anchor Systems?

Many contractors use anchors.

Far fewer understand them.

A knowledgeable contractor should understand:

• Anchor certifications
• Fall protection requirements
• Roof access safety
• Documentation requirements

12. How Do You Handle Emergency Requests?

Storms, tenant complaints, and special events happen.

Ask:

• Response times
• Emergency scheduling options
• After-hours availability

13. How Do You Ensure Quality Control?

Look for:

• Supervisor inspections
• Customer follow-ups
• Checklists
• Documentation

Consistent quality comes from systems, not luck.

14. How Long Have You Been Performing Commercial Window Cleaning?

Longevity isn’t everything, but experience matters.

Ask:

• Years in business
• Number of commercial properties serviced
• Largest project completed

15. What Other Building Services Do You Provide?

Many commercial property managers prefer vendors who understand multiple building systems.

Examples include:

• Roof anchor inspections
• Fall protection systems
• Rope access services
• Pressure washing
• Building envelope maintenance

A contractor who understands the entire building often identifies issues before they become expensive problems.

Commercial Window Cleaning Vendor Checklist

Before awarding a contract, verify:

✔ Insurance documentation received
✔ References checked
✔ Safety program reviewed
✔ Building access method explained
✔ Roof anchor requirements reviewed
✔ Scope of work confirmed
✔ Emergency procedures discussed
✔ Quality control process understood
✔ Experience verified
✔Proposal reviewed