Why High Rise Window Cleaning Is Dangerous to Do on Your Own

When it comes to high rise window cleaning, a mistake doesn’t mean a smudge—it can mean serious injury, thousands in property damage, or worse. Yet every year, businesses and building owners across Winnipeg try to cut corners by hiring inexperienced crews or attempting risky DIY setups.

At Insight Service Solutions, we know better. With thousands of windows cleaned safely across Manitoba—from bustling downtown towers to luxury condos on Wellington Crescent—we're trusted by major brands because we treat every project like lives depend on it.

Because they do.

Here’s why high rise window cleaning is never a DIY job—and why professional expertise isn’t optional, it’s essential.

 

 

1. The Height Isn’t the Problem. The Risk Is.

 

It’s easy to look at a 15-story building and think, "That's not so bad." But the danger isn’t just the distance to the ground. It's the complexity of working in high-risk environments where even minor mistakes are magnified.

Common risks include:

• Wind shear at elevation
• Equipment malfunction
• Rope entanglement
• Platform instability
• Shifting building architecture (e.g., ledges, setbacks)

At 100 feet up, a gentle Winnipeg breeze on the ground can be a 50 km/h gust that destabilizes a rope access technician. Without proper anchoring, inspections, and backup systems, a "simple clean" can turn into a tragedy.

That’s why Insight’s crews are trained beyond basic safety—we’re COR certified, undergo annual high access re-certifications, and follow strict rope work protocols.

 Learn more about our COR-certified safety commitment!

 

 

2. Consumer-Grade Equipment Isn’t Built for Towers

 

Hardware store squeegees and hobby-grade harnesses won’t cut it when you're working at height.

Professional high rise cleaning requires:

• Certified anchor systems
  
• Bosun’s chairs and swing stages
  
• Commercial-grade water-fed poles
  
• Industrial deionization systems for streak-free finishes
  
• Backup fall arrest systems

At Insight, our setups are engineered for extreme environments, whether it's the 20th floor of an office tower in downtown Winnipeg or the upper glass panels of a hospital atrium.

DIY or amateur equipment isn’t just inefficient—it’s a liability waiting to happen.

See how we’re equipped for Winnipeg’s toughest towers.

 

 

3. Weather Can Change Fast—And It Matters at 20 Stories

 

A clear, calm morning at street level can turn into a dangerous situation by midday at height.

In Winnipeg’s climate, sudden weather changes like:

• High winds
• Snow squalls
• Thunderstorms
• Rapid temperature drops

...aren’t just inconvenient. They can cause rope oscillations, frozen surfaces, and serious hazards mid-clean.

Insight’s project managers monitor weather in real-time, applying stop-work protocols if conditions breach safety thresholds. That’s why commercial managers—from Portage & Main skyscrapers to Polo Park retail centers—trust us to prioritize safety without compromise.

 Learn how we adjust for Winnipeg’s unpredictable weather.

 

 

4. Insurance and Liability Protection: Most DIY Jobs Are NOT Covered

 

Here's a harsh truth: most general liability policies won't cover damage or accidents caused by unauthorized high-rise work.

If you hire an uncertified or uninsured crew—or worse, attempt a DIY setup—you could be personally liable for:

• Medical bills
• Worker’s compensation claims
• Lawsuits for third-party injuries (e.g., falling tools hitting pedestrians)

Insight Service Solutions protects our clients with:

• $5 million in commercial liability insurance
• Full WCB coverage
• Site-specific hazard assessments
• Certified rope access technicians
• Pre- and post-job safety documentation
  

 Protect your business with certified, insured experts!

 

 

5. Streaky, Damaged Windows Hurt Your Brand—and Your Budget

 

Window cleaning isn't just about removing fingerprints. It’s about:

• Protecting architectural glass coatings
  
• Preventing mineral and salt deposits (common in Winnipeg winters)
  
• Enhancing energy efficiency through unobstructed light
  
• Maintaining your building’s professional image

Poor technique can permanently damage glass, corrode frames, and shorten the lifespan of expensive building materials.

At Insight, we use pure deionized water systems and meticulous cleaning techniques that protect your property investment—and your public reputation.

Trusted by:

• Manitoba Hydro
  
• Chartier Property Management
  
• Wawanesa Insurance
  
• The Government of Canada
  
• Multiple residential and commercial high rises across Winnipeg

Keep your windows crystal clear and protected.

 

 

Why Winnipeg Businesses Trust Insight for High Rise Window Cleaning

 

We’re not just window washers. We’re:

• Rope Access Professionals
• COR-Certified Safety Specialists
• Building Envelope Care Experts
• Commercial Cleaning Partners to Manitoba’s Most Recognized Brands

Our clients stay with us because:

• We prioritize worker and public safety
• We show up on time, fully prepared
• We use the right equipment for the right building type
• We communicate transparently at every stage
• We leave no streaks, no mess, and no safety hazards behind

Whether it’s a medical facility in St. Boniface, a hotel in The Forks, or an office tower in downtown Winnipeg, Insight Service Solutions delivers spotless results without the risks.

High rise window cleaning isn’t a DIY project. It’s a serious technical operation that demands professional training, certified equipment, and zero compromises on safety.

Trust the Winnipeg team that businesses—and insurance companies—trust to get it done right.

 Request a professional high rise window cleaning estimate now.