In-house janitorial vs professional exterior cleaning
Many businesses assume exterior cleaning can be handled by in-house staff or janitorial crews. Sometimes that works — often it creates safety risks, liability exposure, and inconsistent results. This page explains the real differences so you can choose the right approach for your property.
In-house or janitorial crews
Best for interior maintenance and light touch-ups.
- Already on payroll
- Limited exterior tools
- Not trained for ladders or roof access
- Higher liability exposure
- Inconsistent exterior results
- Often “good enough” until it’s not
Professional exterior service
Built specifically for glass, facades, flatwork, and exterior surfaces.
- Licensed & insured for exterior work
- Proper equipment for height and access
- Documented scope and frequency
- Surface-specific methods
- Predictable results across locations
- Clear accountability
Where in-house cleaning usually breaks down
Exterior work introduces variables that janitorial crews aren’t equipped for: ladders, roof access, uneven surfaces, traffic exposure, and weather timing.
The biggest issue isn’t effort — it’s liability. Falls, broken glass, damaged facades, and inconsistent results all land back on the business owner.
- Ladder and fall risk
- No insurance coverage for exterior damage
- Skipped areas due to access issues
- No documentation of scope or completion
When professional exterior cleaning makes sense
Professional service becomes the smarter option when consistency, safety, and brand appearance matter — especially for storefronts, multi-tenant properties, and customer-facing businesses.
Exterior maintenance works best as a recurring system, not a reactive task.
So which should you choose?
In-house crews are great for interiors. For exterior glass, flatwork, and facades, professional service reduces risk, improves consistency, and protects your property long-term.