Hiring a window cleaning company seems straightforward until you start comparing options. The range of pricing, professionalism, and quality in this industry is enormous — from insured, trained crews with commercial-grade equipment to a person with a bucket and a squeegee working off a Craigslist ad. The difference matters more than most homeowners realize, because the wrong crew can scratch glass, damage frames, void window warranties, or worse, get hurt on your property. Here's what to evaluate before you hire.
Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
Any legitimate window cleaning company carries both general liability insurance and workers' compensation. General liability protects your property if something gets damaged during the job. Workers' comp protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Without these policies, you're personally exposed to potentially massive costs.
Don't just ask if a company is insured — ask to see the certificate. A real certificate of insurance (COI) names the insurance company, lists policy limits, and shows current coverage dates. Companies that hesitate to provide this information are telling you something. According to OSHA's fall protection standards, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction and maintenance industries. Window cleaning involves ladders, roofs, and elevated work — proper insurance isn't optional.
Check for Real Reviews and a Track Record
Look for companies with a consistent history of reviews across multiple platforms — Google, Facebook, Yelp. A handful of five-star reviews posted in the same week is less meaningful than dozens of reviews accumulated over several years. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews. Every business gets occasional complaints; what matters is whether they address them professionally.
Ask how long the company has been operating. New businesses aren't automatically bad, but longevity in service businesses indicates reliability. A company that's been cleaning windows in Pittsburgh for five or ten years has survived the competitive market by doing good work.
Understand What's Included
Window cleaning quotes vary because services vary. Some companies clean glass only. Others include screens, tracks, and sills. Some charge extra for hard water stain removal or construction debris cleanup. Before comparing prices, make sure you're comparing equivalent services.
Ask specifically about:
- Interior and exterior — Are both sides included, or is exterior-only the default?
- Screens — Will they remove, clean, and reinstall screens?
- Tracks and sills — Are window tracks vacuumed or wiped down?
- Hard water stain treatment — Is mineral deposit removal included or quoted separately?
- Window count and sizing — How does the company count windows? Some count each pane, others count each opening. French doors with 15 panes can be quoted very differently depending on the method.
At Beak Buster, our residential window cleaning service includes all of the above — interior, exterior, screens, tracks, and sills — as standard. We cover additional factors in our companion guide on factors to consider before hiring a window cleaning company.
Evaluate Their Equipment and Techniques
Professional window cleaning has evolved significantly beyond the bucket-and-squeegee era. While squeegees remain essential tools, modern professional companies use additional technology that delivers better results and safer operations:
- Professional-grade squeegees and tools — Ettore, Unger, and Moerman are the industry-standard brands. Companies using professional tools demonstrate investment in their craft.
- Advanced cleaning techniques — Skilled technicians use proven methods for difficult window access, including specialized techniques for upper-story windows that deliver superior streak-free results.
- Proper ladder practices — If a company does use ladders, they should follow OSHA guidelines: three-point contact, proper angle, stabilizers on gutters, and never overreaching.
For multi-story buildings, ask how they plan to access upper windows. Companies that clean high-rise and hard-to-reach windows should have specific methods — specialized equipment, rope access, or boom lifts — not just "tall ladders."
Get a Written Quote, Not a Guess
Reputable companies will provide a written estimate — ideally after seeing the property (in person or via photos). Be cautious of companies that quote a firm price over the phone without knowing the number of windows, the building height, the presence of hard water stains, or access challenges. Accurate quoting requires information.
The estimate should break down what's included, list any additional services with separate pricing, and state the total clearly. It should also include the company's cancellation and rain policy. Window cleaning is weather-dependent, and a professional company will have a clear rescheduling process.
Verify Their Reputation and Professionalism
Small details reveal a lot about how a company operates:
- Professional crews — Trained, identifiable technicians who represent their company professionally on your property.
- Marked vehicles — Company trucks or vans (not unmarked personal cars) indicate investment in the business.
- Communication — Do they return calls and emails promptly? Do they confirm appointments? Do they notify you when the crew is on the way?
- Walk-through — A good company will walk the job with you before starting, noting any pre-existing damage and confirming the scope of work.
Learn more about our team and approach on our About Us page. As a woman-owned, veteran-operated business, we hold ourselves to a standard of professionalism and accountability that our Pittsburgh customers can count on.
Ask About Guarantees
Does the company guarantee their work? A rain guarantee (free re-clean if it rains within 24–48 hours) is standard in the industry. A satisfaction guarantee (they'll return to address any spots you're not happy with) separates the professionals from the rest. Companies willing to stand behind their work are companies confident in their quality.
Red Flags to Watch For
Walk away from any company that exhibits these warning signs:
- No insurance or refuses to provide proof
- Asks for full payment before starting the job
- Can't explain how they'll access upper-story windows
- Has no reviews, no website, and no business address
- Quotes a price dramatically below every other estimate (this usually means cut corners, no insurance, or both)
- Pressures you to decide on the spot
Regular window cleaning is an investment in your home. Choosing the right company ensures that investment delivers results without risk. Take the time to evaluate your options — your windows and your home are worth it.
Ready to work with a trusted, insured, woman-owned, veteran-operated window cleaning company? View our services or contact Beak Buster for a free quote.