Short answer: high-rise window cleaning is priced per building rather than per window. The biggest factors are the number of drops (vertical runs from the roof), the height, the type of glazing, how the roof is accessed, whether the anchors are certified, and how often the building is cleaned. That's why any reliable quote starts with the address and, often, a look at the roof.
What decides the price
1. Number of drops
A drop is one vertical run from roof to ground. Technicians clean a strip of facade on each drop, then move across. A wide building with four elevations will have far more drops than a narrow one.
2. Height
Taller buildings take longer per drop, and may need longer ropes and more technicians on site.
3. Glazing and facade type
Flat curtain walling is quickest. Fins, louvres, balconies, recessed windows and mixed materials all slow the work down.
4. Roof access and anchors
Simple roof access with certified anchors in the right places keeps costs down. If anchors need inspecting first, or are poorly placed, that adds time.
5. Condition and frequency
A first clean after years of build-up takes longer than maintenance cleaning. Regular contracts usually cost less per visit.
6. Site requirements
Out-of-hours working, permits, exclusion zones over entrances, concierge sign-in and parking all affect planning.
Per drop, per hour or per visit: how quotes are structured
Rope access contractors don't price in a standard way. You may see quotes per drop, per technician-day, per hour or as a fixed price per visit. None of these is wrong, but they make side-by-side comparison difficult. Published prices online vary widely and are often based on very different buildings, so treat them with caution. Your quote should be based on your own building.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Check that every quote covers the same elevations, surfaces (glass only, or frames and sills too) and number of visits
- Ask whether anchor testing is included or needs to be done separately
- Ask for RAMS, rope access qualifications and insurance certificates. If they can't be provided, the price isn't comparable
- Check what happens if weather stops work on the day
See our commercial and residential window cleaning pages, or request a quote for your building.