When it comes to educational facilities, maintaining a bright, clean environment is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a matter of student well-being and building longevity. However, high-access architectural features like glazed atriums and skylights present a significant maintenance challenge. Because these surfaces are often out of reach for traditional methods and too delicate for heavy machinery, facility managers frequently ask: how do you clean high-access glass roofs safely?
The answer lies in advanced technology that balances effectiveness with strict health and safety compliance. We recently had the opportunity to demonstrate this on a large-scale project on behalf of CWG ROOFING LTD. The task involved the professional cleaning of glazed roof panels on a school building, utilising our state-of-the-art reach and wash purified hot water system.
The Challenges of School Roof Cleaning
School buildings often feature large areas of glass to maximise natural light, which is proven to enhance concentration and mood in the classroom. However, these glazed panels are prone to rapid accumulation of organic growth, bird droppings, and atmospheric soot.
Cleaning these specific surfaces at a school involves several unique hurdles:
- Height and Access: Many school atriums are several storeys high, making them inaccessible from standard ladders.
- Safety Constraints: In a school environment, the use of heavy scaffolding or hydraulic lifts (MEWPs) can be disruptive, expensive, and present additional safety risks to students and staff.
- Surface Sensitivity: Roof glazing is often treated with special coatings. Using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools can strip these layers, leading to permanent damage.
- Water Management: Standard tap water contains minerals (calcium and magnesium) that leave unsightly white spots and streaks on glass as they dry, especially in the sun.
The Solution: Reach and Wash Purified Hot Water System
To address the requirements of CWG ROOFING LTD, Token Cleaning deployed our reach and wash purified hot water system. This technology is widely considered the safest and most efficient method for high-level glass maintenance in the UK.
What is Purified Water?
Unlike the water that comes out of a standard garden hose, our system uses water that has undergone a multi-stage filtration process, including reverse osmosis and deionisation. This removes 100% of the dissolved solids and minerals. Because the water is “pure,” it acts like a magnet, actively seeking out and absorbing dirt from the glass surface.
Why Use Hot Water?
While many window cleaners use cold-water reach and wash systems, Token Cleaning utilises heated purified water. Just as hot water is more effective at cleaning greasy dishes, heated water breaks down stubborn organic matter, bird lime, and greasy atmospheric films much faster than cold water. This allows us to achieve a superior finish without the need for aggressive chemicals.
Case Study: School Glazing Project for CWG ROOFING LTD
Working on behalf of the specialists at CWG ROOFING LTD, our team was tasked with restoring the clarity of a complex glazed roof system at a prominent school. The project required a meticulous approach to ensure the structural integrity of the roofing was respected while achieving a streak-free finish.
1. Site Assessment and RAMS
Before any water was turned on, our team conducted a thorough site survey. In partnership with CWG ROOFING LTD, we developed a comprehensive Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS). In a school setting, managing the work area is paramount to ensure that student movement is never compromised.
2. The Cleaning Process
Using carbon-fibre telescopic poles, our technicians were able to reach the highest glazed panels from the safety of the ground or stable flat-roof sections.
- Agitation: Specialist soft-bristle brushes, designed specifically for architectural glass, were used to gently agitate the dirt.
- Hot Water Application: The heated purified water was pumped through the poles directly to the brush head. The heat softened years of baked-on grime and environmental pollution.
- The Final Rinse: After the dirt was loosened and washed away, a final rinse of pure water was applied.
3. The Result: A Streak-Free Finish
Because the water is deionised, it evaporates naturally without leaving any residue. The result was a crystal-clear finish that allowed maximum light back into the school’s interior spaces. By avoiding the use of detergents, we also ensured that no “sticky” residue was left behind, which actually helps the glass stay cleaner for longer as it doesn’t attract new dust as quickly.
Why Facilities Managers Prefer Reach and Wash
For schools and commercial buildings, the benefits of this system go far beyond just clean glass:
- Safety First: The primary advantage is that our technicians work mostly from ground level. This drastically reduces the risk of falls and eliminates the need for expensive high-access equipment.
- Environmental Protection: Because purified water is so effective on its own, we rarely need to use detergents. This makes the process eco-friendly and safe for the school’s drainage systems and surrounding landscaping.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Without the hire costs of scaffolding or “cherry pickers,” the overall project cost is significantly lower for the client.
- Privacy and Minimal Disruption: Since we don’t need to place ladders against windows or have people climbing outside classroom windows, student privacy is maintained, and classes can continue without distraction.
Beyond the Roof: Comprehensive School Exterior Maintenance
While the cleaning of glazed roof panels was the primary focus of this case study, a comprehensive maintenance plan for a school often requires a multi-service approach. At Token Cleaning, we support roofing contractors like CWG ROOFING LTD by offering:
- Gutter Clearing: Ensuring that the water running off those clean glass roofs has somewhere to go, preventing damp issues in the building fabric.
- Pressure Washing: Cleaning the pathways and playgrounds to remove slippery moss and algae, keeping pupils safe during break times.
- Graffiti Removal: Providing a rapid-response service to keep the school looking professional and welcoming.
- Steam Cleaning: Sanitising external high-touch areas or bin stores to maintain a high level of hygiene.
Why Choose Token Cleaning?
When you are responsible for a sensitive environment like a school, you need a contractor you can trust. Our partnership with CWG ROOFING LTD on this project highlights our ability to work as part of a specialist team to deliver high-quality results.
- Fully Insured: We carry comprehensive public and employers’ liability insurance.
- Trained Technicians: Our staff are experts in high-access cleaning and the operation of purified water systems.
- Proven Track Record: From small primary schools to large secondary academies and universities, we have the experience to handle any scale of glazed roof cleaning.
Conclusion
If you are currently asking, “how do you clean high-access glass roofs safely?” the answer is clear. By using a reach and wash purified hot water system, you can achieve professional, streak-free results without the risks and costs associated with traditional high-access methods.
Our recent collaboration with CWG ROOFING LTD is a testament to the effectiveness of this technology in the educational sector. We didn’t just clean windows; we restored the natural light to a learning environment, all while adhering to the highest safety standards in the industry.
Is your school’s atrium or glass roof looking dull? Contact Token Cleaning Services today for a free site survey. Let us show you how our heated purified water technology can revitalise your glazed surfaces safely and efficiently.
Would you like us to provide a bespoke maintenance schedule for your school’s exterior to ensure your building stays in top condition year-round?
