Cliffhangers has been New England’s choice for window cleaning for over 20 years, working on some of Boston’s most notable projects. BLDUP recently sat down with Maria West, Vice President at Cliffhangers, to discuss the importance of high-quality window cleaning completed with superior safety standards. Whether dealing with one of Boston’s historic properties or a contemporary glass tower, Cliffhangers’ suite of services can enhance a range of asset types.

BLDUP: Can you tell us about the services Cliffhangers provides and what areas & types of projects you serve?

Maria West: Cliffhangers is a leading provider of window cleaning and maintenance services in New England. We cater to a wide range of clients, including commercial buildings, industrial facilities, condominium properties, and apartment buildings. Our services cover everything from designing and installing rooftop fall protection solutions to glass restoration, waterproofing, caulking, power washing, garage cleaning, post construction window cleaning, and standard window cleaning.

We truly value the significance of upholding the visual appeal of a building’s exterior and take great pride in our ability to go above and beyond our customers’ expectations. Our services are tailored to cater to the unique needs of each individual project, whether it be a post-construction cleanup, standard window cleaning maintenance, or pressure washing for an entire condominium complex.

BLDUP: What sets Cliffhangers apart from other firms that may provide similar services? 

Maria West: For more than two decades, Cliffhangers has been the go-to window cleaning company in New England. Our staff is devoted to providing top-notch customer service and using advanced methods with proper equipment that guarantees spotless results.

Taking illegal and dangerous shortcuts in the pursuit of a bigger bottom line is a common practice in our industry. Cliffhangers is committed to never putting our clients or workers in jeopardy by taking such ill-advised shortcuts.

We are fully insured and carry a $10 million insurance policy, which exceeds industry standards and allows us to work without height limitations, ensuring that we can tackle even the most challenging high-rise cleaning projects while protecting both our workers and clients.

BLDUP: Discuss the importance of employee safety and what steps your firm takes to keep it a top priority.

Maria West: Cliffhangers has an outstanding safety record, prioritizing the well-being of our employees and customers. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of safety within our company. They prioritize the implementation of rigorous safety protocols and regularly assess and update these measures to keep up with industry standards. Employees undergo comprehensive safety training under the supervision of a dedicated safety manager. This training covers a wide range of topics, including proper equipment usage, hazard identification and mitigation, emergency response procedures, and best practices for maintaining a safe work environment. The safety manager closely monitors the training process to ensure that employees are properly educated and prepared to handle any potential safety risks that may arise during their work. In addition to supervising safety training, the safety manager also conducts random inspections to ensure ongoing safety compliance within the workplace.   We provide ongoing training to address any gaps in knowledge or changes in safety regulations. The combination of random inspections and ongoing training helps to maintain a high level of safety awareness and compliance among our company.

BLDUP: The windows in a building play a critical role in its overall appearance, how can Cliffhangers services (cleaning, glass restoration) ensure a great impression with residents/visitors?

Maria West: At Cliffhangers, we understand the importance of making a great impression with building owners, property managers, residents, and visitors.

Impeccable cleaning techniques: We use the latest and most effective cleaning techniques to ensure that windows are spotless and streak free. We take pride in our attention to detail, leaving no smudges or dirt behind. In addition to regular cleaning, we also specialize in glass restoration. Over time, exposure to elements such as acid rain, sprinkler system, UV-rays, and precast runoff can leave stains on glass that cannot be removed with standard window cleaning methods. We conduct a thorough evaluation and, if necessary, perform a glass test to determine the best product/method to remove the stains. Our Glass Restoration services are designed to restore the windows to their original, like-new quality.

BLDUP: Given the age of many buildings in Boston, how can Cliffhangers help property owners & managers handle maintenance, and repairs to the facades of these aging properties?

Maria West: 

• Assessment and Consultation: Our team can conduct a thorough assessment of the building facades to identify any areas that require maintenance and repairs. We can provide valuable insights and suggestions on the best approaches to address specific issues.

• Window Cleaning: Regular window cleaning is essential for preserving the appearance and longevity of windows, ensuring that windows remain sparkling clean and free from any environmental damage.

• Restoration Services: For older buildings with facades showing signs of wear and tear, we can provide restoration services. This could involve removing dirt, grime, and stains from surfaces, repairing cracks or damaged areas, and applying protective coatings to enhance durability.

BLDUP: Tell us about an exciting project(s) you’ve just completed/are working on.

Maria West: One of our more exciting projects is One Dalton Street. One Dalton Street is a 61-story skyscraper located in Boston. It is the tallest residential building in New England and has the most valuable real estate in the city. The building is maintained with the utmost care and attention to detail. In 2019, Cliffhangers was awarded the Post Construction Window Cleaning contract and currently performs routine window cleaning for the entire building. The window cleaning is performed via the building’s Building Maintenance Unit (BMU), which is a powered platform that requires extensive training to operate. A building with this high of status takes a lot of coordination, adherence to deadlines, strict safety protocols, and strong communication skills between us and the building’s management team to ensure that the building’s maintenance remains in top condition.