The History of Professional Window Cleaning
The history of professional window cleaning can be traced to a variety of reasons. Some of these include the evolution of the tools and techniques used to clean windows and the impact of technological advances. In addition, the history of this industry can also be traced to the role of window cleaning in various cultures.
The IWCA is happy to acknowledge The Glass Man Professional Window Washing, Inc. in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties as one of our members.
The IWCA is an international organization that promotes safety, training, and education within the window cleaning industry while working with OSHA and others to make our industry safer for all.
The Glass Man Professional Window Washing, Inc.
2457 N. Ventura Ave., Yard 2., Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 218-4660
www.TheGlassManWindowWashing.com
The origins of window cleaning as a profession
Professional window cleaning is an occupation that has been around for centuries. A history of the profession can be found as far back as 2,000 BC. It started with a simple solution of bucket and cloth. However, the industry only grew when glass panes were invented.
The modern day industry uses water fed poles to clean windows. This system feeds water through long poles that clean and rinse the windows. Using this technique ensures that windows are streak-free.
In addition to water-fed poles, there are a variety of tools used to clean windows. These include chemical solutions, a hard-surface cleaner and etching salt.
Window washing is a highly skilled job. Window washers must be trouble shooters and experts in the field. They must be able to work on high-rise projects. They also must have proper insurance coverage.
The profession has seen tremendous growth at the turn of the century. A construction boom was underway, leading to an increase in demand for professional window cleaners. To meet the growing needs, entrepreneurs developed new window cleaning methods.
Ettore Steccone, an Italian immigrant, invented the squeegee in 1936. Steccone’s squeegee revolutionized the window cleaning business. He wanted a single, wide blade that could clean the glass better.
Rod Woodward is another pioneer in the industry. He founded American Window Cleaner magazine. Despite his death in 1989, Woodward was considered a visionary and inspiration for the industry.
Another key player in the industry was Ettore Products Co. They are still the leading manufacturer of squeegees.
The history of the industry is rich with innovation. The glass pane was an important breakthrough. Buildings began to be built with huge facades that featured large windows. With this, people realized that they needed to clean the glass regularly.
Eventually, glass became a vital part of modern life. It became common to use water-fed poles to clean windows, as they were safer and kept windows clean for a longer period of time.
A window cleaning service provider must be fully licensed and insured. They must also have a set of expiry dates for the products they provide.
Evolution of tools and techniques over time
The first modern glass pane was produced around the turn of the century. Its use was not limited to the office towers of old. Indeed, its ubiquitous presence was the impetus for an industry leading a slew of new products and services. This was a boon to a plethora of entrepreneurs looking to cash in on the good times. Despite the competition, the industry was not without its shortcomings. Among them, the most notable was the cost of production. In order to compete in the triumvirate of glass sand and dirt, companies had to find ways to reduce costs and increase productivity. Among them was the invention of the squeegee. With this innovation came a host of improvements, a new breed of cleaners and more importantly, a newfound pride. Until the glass pane was reinvented, there was no one to blame the window scrubbing beast for its mishaps.
Several companies sprang to life as the need for a window scrubbing solution was realized. However, it wasn’t until the invention of the squeegee that window scrubbing became a viable industry in and of itself.
Role of window cleaning in different societies
Professional window cleaning is essential to maintaining the overall appearance and safety of a building. While it may seem like a simple job, it requires a variety of skills and tools to achieve a high-quality result.
Depending on where you live, the task of cleaning your windows can be challenging. Extreme weather, seasonal changes and seasonal changes in demand can all affect the time required to clean a high-rise building. The weather is a major factor, but window washers also need to take safety precautions.
Window cleaning is a skill that takes time to learn. It is important to choose the correct products and techniques to clean your glass, and avoid heat. A hot water solution can be extremely dangerous in cold temperatures.
Using a squeegee is an excellent way to remove dirt without damaging your glass. Many professionals use a squeegee as their primary tool to wash windows. However, it’s crucial that you use a squeegee with a rubber edge that is flat, as a sharp edge can damage the surface of your glass.
A telescopic water-fed pole allows a worker to clean windows up to 60 feet from the ground. These tools are especially useful in low-rise buildings that don’t have roof anchor systems.
High-rise window washing can be risky, and professional window cleaners are always on the lookout for possible hazards. This includes falls. Fall prevention training is a requirement for most window cleaning laws.
One of the biggest challenges to a high-rise window cleaning project is reaching the windows. Wind and heavy precipitation can make it difficult for a worker to reach the windows safely. Fortunately, the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) promotes safe practices and safety in the industry.
IWCA provides members with knowledge and resources regarding the cleaning and maintenance of windows. It also promotes education and advocacy. There are many certificate programs and hands-on training available to help members succeed. In addition, the IWCA hosts a number of contests, including a speed window cleaning competition.
Although the task of window washing is not as easy as it used to be, the job has become safer in recent years. However, the job can be challenging, and professional window cleaners must be prepared to overcome the pitfalls of this career.
Impact of technological advances on the industry
Whether you’re an owner of a commercial cleaning company or simply a homeowner who wants to clean their own windows, you’ll likely have an opinion on how the impact of technological advances on professional window cleaning has changed the industry. The fact is, the world is changing in so many different ways. There are new technologies on the horizon that could drastically change the way that we clean our windows. And with that, it’s important to prepare for the changes to come. Thankfully, there are several products that you can use to keep your windows looking great. Using NanoUltraTM Super Hydrophilic Window Pretreatment and NanoUltraTM Super Hydrophilic Treatment can help your windows stay cleaner longer than the traditional window washing method.
The new technology that’s available makes it easy to clean windows from the ground, up to a height of 60 feet. In fact, it’s possible that in a year’s time, this technology will be commonplace. Regardless of whether you’re a business owner or just a homeowner, there are several benefits to automated cleaning. Firstly, it’s possible to cut down on startup costs, which helps you recoup your investment faster. It also allows you to manage your fleet of equipment from one central dashboard, which can help you gain valuable data to improve your operations.
Another major advancement in the industry is the development of drones. Drones can be used to clean tall buildings, such as wind turbines. This technology is expected to be widely adopted in the coming year, and it will certainly shape the future of commercial window cleaning.
However, it’s also important to consider that these products do not work for buildings that are six stories or taller. If you own a building with windows that are higher than that, it’s still important to think about the safety of your workers. After all, falling off a ladder can be very dangerous. Plus, the temperature can be very hot during certain seasons. You may want to consider hiring a professional window cleaner to handle these high-risk scenarios.
Overall, technological advances in the window cleaning industry have helped create safer and more efficient jobs. These improvements have made it easier for a business to compete with other businesses on price, while offering a better service to their customers.
