How Often Should Strata Buildings Schedule Window Cleaning?

The Baseline: Semi-Annual Service

For most strata buildings in the Lower Mainland, semi-annual window cleaning — once in spring and once in fall — is the recommended minimum. This schedule addresses the two biggest seasonal challenges: winter residue (rain spots, salt, mineral deposits) in spring, and summer buildup (pollen, dust, tree sap, bird droppings) in fall. Semi-annual service prevents long-term glass degradation and maintains consistent curb appeal throughout the year.

When Quarterly Service Makes Sense

Some buildings need more frequent attention. If your strata property has any of the following characteristics, quarterly window cleaning will deliver noticeably better results than semi-annual service.

• Heavy tree coverage that deposits sap, pollen, and organic debris on glass
• Proximity to major roads or construction sites
• South or west-facing exposure that accelerates water spot formation
• Ground-floor retail units with high-visibility storefronts
• Coastal or waterfront location with salt spray exposure

Annual Service: When It Works

Annual window cleaning can be sufficient for certain building types, though it is generally the minimum we recommend. Townhome complexes, low-rise buildings in sheltered locations, and properties with minimal environmental exposure can sometimes maintain acceptable results with once-per-year service. However, buildings that go longer than a year between cleanings risk permanent glass staining from mineral deposits and contaminant etching.

Budgeting for Strata Window Cleaning

Window cleaning should be a recurring line item in your strata's operating budget, not a special levy or ad-hoc expense. When presenting the maintenance schedule to your strata council, include the frequency, estimated cost, and the long-term cost savings from preventing glass degradation. Many strata buildings find that bundling window cleaning with other services (gutter cleaning, building exterior washing) provides better value than scheduling each service separately.

Getting Started

If your strata building does not currently have a regular window cleaning program, start with a single cleaning and assess the results. This gives you a baseline to compare against and helps determine the right ongoing frequency. We provide free assessments and detailed proposals that strata councils can review and approve. Call us at 604-700-8588 to discuss your building's specific needs.