The Tallest Challenges: Window Cleaning for Skyscrapers and High-Rises

As cities race skyward, the demand for safer, smarter high-rise window cleaning solutions is growing just as fast. Today, there are more than 900 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters in the United States alone, with the global count of 200-meter-plus buildings doubling since 2017 to exceed 2,400. Super-tall landmarks like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Egypt’s new Iconic Tower are no longer rare outliers. In the U.S., towers such as One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower reflect the same momentum— and with 135 more 200-meter buildings expected globally in 2025, this trend is only accelerating. But with height comes complexity. Cleaning a 60-story building means working hundreds of feet above the ground, where wind speeds climb and curved façades defy traditional access methods. 

It can take weeks, even months, to fully clean a modern high-rise, sometimes requiring thousands of man-hours annually. To meet these demands, the industry is embracing innovation. This article explores three of the most advanced methods — rope access, building maintenance units, and suspended scaffold systems — reshaping commercial window cleaning for today’s skyline.

Rope Access Systems 

Rope access, often called industrial mountaineering, is an advanced high-rise window cleaning method in which highly trained technicians use harnesses, ascenders, and descenders to reach complex or high-up façade areas without the need for bulky scaffolding. 

This method significantly improves efficiency, with labor hours reduced by as much as 50-70% depending on building height and layout, and eliminates the need for costly scaffolding setup or removal. Rope access also minimizes roof clutter and equipment strain. Safety is paramount: technicians rely on double-rope systems — one working line, one backup — and must pass ongoing training due to the job’s demanding physical nature.

Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) 

BMUs are the workhorses of modern high-rise window cleaning. These permanent roof-mounted cranes run on tracks around your building’s perimeter, giving cleaning crews access to every inch of your facade.

If you’ve got a newer skyscraper, chances are a BMU makes the most sense. They’re built into the building from day one and handle regular maintenance like clockwork. Your cleaning teams get better stability, weather protection, and can haul more equipment up with them. That means faster, safer cleaning cycles and less disruption to your tenants.

The trade-off? BMUs need regular attention. Load testing every 13 months, quarterly inspections, and daily safety checks keep them running properly. Skip the maintenance, and you’ll face expensive downtime and safety headaches.

Suspended Scaffold Systems 

Suspended scaffolds are your go-to when BMUs aren’t an option. Think swing stages, davit arms, and similar setups that are temporarily rigged for cleaning jobs.

These systems shine on older buildings where adding a BMU would be costly or impossible. They’re also perfect for one-off cleaning projects or buildings with tricky architecture that BMUs can’t handle. Though not as fast as BMUs, your high-rise window cleaning teams provide the reliable, safe results your building needs.

Take Your Window Cleaning To New Heights

These three techniques represent the industry’s strongest pillars for safe, efficient, and effective high-rise building window cleaning. The data clearly shows that investing in advanced tools and trained professionals leads to reduced risks, lower long-term costs, and increased asset value. 

With decades of specialized experience and a comprehensive portfolio of building maintenance solutions, we are uniquely equipped to support your high-rise building window cleaning and façade care needs. By combining innovation with uncompromising safety standards, we help property managers and building owners maintain both the visual appeal and structural integrity of their buildings.