IllustrationPower washing
Pressure washing for facades, sidewalks and building exteriors.
Facade cleaning
Facade cleaning and soft washing
A building's facade takes years of soot, exhaust, rain streaks and bird droppings, and in New York it shows. Purple Window Cleaning cleans building facades and exterior surfaces by pressure washing or soft washing, depending on the surface, and refinishes and polishes stone on building exteriors. We work across the five boroughs, from rowhouse fronts to the upper floors of taller buildings, which we reach with rope access.
Get a free estimate. We reply within two hours.
10+years of industry experience
Fullylicensed & insured
2haverage reply to estimate requests
The surface decides the method
New York facades are built from almost everything: brownstone and other sandstone, brick, limestone, granite, terracotta, stucco, painted surfaces, metal and glass. They don't all take the same treatment.
- Soft washing uses low pressure, usually with a cleaning solution, for surfaces that high pressure could damage, such as brownstone and other soft stone, older brick, and painted or decorative surfaces.
- Pressure washing uses more force for harder, more durable surfaces.
When we assess the job, we look at the material, its condition and what's on it, and pick the method surface by surface.
What builds up on a New York facade
Every facade collects its own mix. Soot and exhaust leave a grey film on the street side. Rain washes dirt down from sills and cornices and leaves streaks below them. Ledges collect bird droppings, and shaded, damp walls can turn green. At the estimate we look at what's on the wall and agree what the cleaning will cover before work starts.
Landmarks and historic districts
Many New York buildings are individual landmarks or stand in historic districts. According to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, most work that affects the exterior of a designated building needs an LPC permit, but cleaning sidewalks, storefronts and facade elements with low-pressure water washing is maintenance that doesn't.
If your building is a landmark or in a historic district, tell us when you request the estimate. We'll plan a low-pressure approach, and if any other method is needed, you'll know to check with LPC first.
Stone refinishing and polishing
Cleaning removes dirt; stone that has gone dull needs more than that. We refinish and polish stone surfaces on building exteriors. The service is offered alongside facade, sidewalk and deck cleaning, so the stone at your entrance can be done at the same time as the rest of the front.
Facades at height
Above the lower floors, facades are cleaned with rope access, which reaches upper floors without scaffolding or sidewalk sheds and keeps disruption to the building low. See high-rise window cleaning.
Facade cleaning and Local Law 11
Buildings higher than six stories go through the City's Facade Inspection & Safety Program every five years. If your inspector wants the facade cleaned before the examination, we schedule around their dates. We don't inspect or repair facades; see LL11 / FISP inspection support.
What to expect on the day
Facade cleaning means water on the sidewalk and people passing below, so we plan the work with building management: the date, the time, access to the building and anything the building requires. The Certificate of Insurance goes to management before work begins, and our crews are trained and supervised.
IllustrationHow pricing works
Facade cleaning is quoted per building after a free estimate, based on the size of the facade, the material and its condition, the method it needs and how it's reached. You get a straightforward quote with no hidden charges.
How it works
- Step 1
Tell us about the building: the address, the number of floors, the facade material if you know it and whether the building is designated.
- Step 2
We reply within two hours. For most facades we book a free estimate visit to see the surface.
- Step 3
We agree the method, the scope and the date with you and building management.
- Step 4
Paperwork first, then the cleaning. The certificate goes to management before work begins.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will pressure washing damage brownstone?
High pressure can damage soft stone such as brownstone, which is why soft stone is usually cleaned by soft washing at low pressure. The method is chosen for each surface before work starts.
Do we need a permit to clean a landmark facade?
The Landmarks Preservation Commission doesn't require a permit for cleaning facade elements with low-pressure water washing. Most other work affecting a designated building's exterior needs one, so check with LPC before any other method.
Can you clean the facade of a tall building?
Yes, with rope access, without scaffolding or sidewalk sheds.
Do you repair masonry?
No. We clean facades and refinish and polish stone. Repointing and other masonry repairs are work for a masonry contractor.
Can you clean the facade and the windows on the same job?
Yes. Mention both in the estimate request, and we'll quote them together.
Related
Related services
Illustration
Sidewalk cleaning
Pressure washing and stain removal for sidewalks and entrances.
IllustrationHigh-rise window cleaning
High-rise access without scaffolding or sidewalk sheds.
LL11 / FISP inspection support
Support for NYC Local Law 11 / FISP facade inspection cycles.
Get a quote
Get a free estimate or call (347) 212-7719. We reply within two hours.
- Phone(347) 212-7719
- Emailhello@purplewindowcleaning.com
- Office hoursSun–Fri 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sat 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Get a free estimate
Estimate requests are answered within two hours.
Get a Free Estimate Or call (347) 212-7719