Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services in Greater Memphis and Mississippi
What You Need to Know About a Window Washing Company
Window washing companies provide cleaning services for buildings. They often use ladders and scaffolding to reach windows that are multiple stories above the ground. This type of work is highly dangerous and can result in serious injury.
Once you have your business name selected, obtain an employer identification number (EIN). An EIN is a nine-digit number that identifies your company as a legal entity within the United States. Check this out!
Safety
Professional window cleaners take safety very seriously, and it’s always at the top of their priority list. Before any work begins, they ensure that all climbing equipment and harnesses are in good working condition. They also pre-walk the route and check for any hazards that may need to be addressed.
When cleaning high-rise buildings, windy weather can be a major challenge. Not only does it affect visibility but it can also cause problems with the stability of scaffolding and suspended platforms. For this reason, it’s best to avoid such weather conditions when possible.
It’s essential for building owners/managers to ensure that any equipment brought in by the window-cleaning contractors is designed, maintained, and inspected as per industry standards. In addition, all employees should be trained on a continual predetermined schedule. This will help to reduce any accidents or injuries on site. This will help to lower liability and increase the quality of the service provided.
Equipment
The equipment used in window washing is a bit more specialized than standard janitorial tools. Windows require a different cleaning solution than other surfaces, and high windows often require ladders or scaffolding to access. The best tool for getting a streak-free finish on a window is a squeegee.
A squeegee has a plastic channel that holds the removable rubber blade. Newer models have a lower weight that can reduce fatigue and make it easier to swap out the rounded rubber for a fresh one. Professionals also use a t-bar to support the washer sleeve and scrub deposits from windows.
Other supplies include a bucket, a ladder that extends to the height of your client’s window, and a pair of work gloves. You’ll also want a large supply of microfiber cloths and surgical towels, which are cheap and won’t leave lint behind.
Insurance
All it takes is one accident to cause a huge financial problem for your business. Having the right insurance policies can help you financially recover from these accidents and mistakes that happen to every business, including window cleaning companies.
For example, let’s say your employee is washing windows high up on a ladder and drops their squeegee to the ground below. A passerby could trip over it and hurt themselves. General liability insurance can help cover medical bills, legal fees, and settlement awards for this type of claim.
Errors and omissions insurance or professional liability insurance can also be a great addition to your policy. It helps pay for legal costs and settlements if someone sues your business for making a mistake that damages their property. Additionally, commercial auto insurance is often required for any vehicles used by your business. It can help pay for damage or loss to the vehicles and cover injuries to any passengers in the event of an accident.
Communication
Window washing companies should practice effective communication with customers. This is done through a variety of methods such as email, phone, and web chat. These practices allow a company to respond immediately to any customer questions and concerns. This leads to greater customer satisfaction and retention.
Window cleaners should also use service software that can track their work orders and invoices in real time. For example, a field service management platform such as Field Promax can record information about customers, keep tabs on the number of services performed, and offer a two-way sync with QuickBooks.
When starting a window cleaning business, consider hiring a professional to teach you the ropes and help you build your client base. This will save you money on supplies and provide a better experience for your clients. You can then start marketing your business using local SEO, social media, and online advertising platforms. For example, a Google Ads campaign allows you to target specific search keywords that potential customers are likely to use when looking for a window cleaning company in your area. Next article.