The greater Boston area is known for its historic buildings. From Cambridge to Framingham and Worcester – and the heart of Bean Town itself – we have some of the most historic and iconic buildings in the nation. Those buildings all have to be cleaned, which presents some unique challenges to commercial cleaning companies.
All Pro Cleaning Systems is proud to offer exceptional service for historic buildings. Contact us to learn more about our commercial cleaning services. In the meantime, here are eight common cleaning challenges for Boston’s historic buildings:
1. Delicate Surfaces and Materials
The original materials found in many historic buildings can be delicate. They need to be treated with exceptional care. Original wood, brick, and stone require specialized cleaning techniques that minimize the risk of damage. Classic brick is a perfect example.
Brick offers a unique character that is not accomplished with any other material. So we need to clean it in such a way as to maintain that character. Cleaning cannot lead to erosion or fading. Otherwise, the respect historic buildings require is compromised.
2. Dirt, Mold, and Stains
Accumulated dirt, mold, and stains are inevitable over time. And the older a building is, the more susceptible it is. Things are made worse in the Boston area by our harsh winters that only add to the buildup. Through many seasonal cycles, surfaces degrade and become more difficult to work with.
3. Water Damage
Commercial cleaning sometimes includes addressing water damage. And just like the three things mentioned in the previous section, water damage tends to occur over many years. Boston’s historic buildings are subject to erosion, corrosion, wood rot, and damage to masonry. As commercial cleaners, we need to be careful not to contribute to the wear and tear our historic buildings are already suffering from.
4. Access Challenges
Older buildings were not designed with cleaning access in mind. Access is not something architects started worrying about until the industrial age. The reality of cleaning historic buildings is that access is often difficult. We need to work around high ceilings, narrow staircases, irregular floor plans, and so much more.
5. Health Hazards
Historic buildings can pose health hazards to commercial cleaning crews. Thanks to materials like lead paint and asbestos, cleaning companies always need to be cognizant of the potential risks. Cleaning practices must accommodate potentially harmful materials so that workers are not unnecessarily exposed.
6. Material Faithfulness
Commercial cleaning sometimes includes minor repairs to damaged surfaces. When you are talking about a historic building, you need to remain faithful to the building’s original materials. Sourcing repair materials may not be easy. Fortunately, that’s not something commercial cleaning companies have to deal with much.
7. Harsh Northeast Weather
The harsh northeastern weather we are known for in the Boston area wreaks havoc on both interiors and exteriors. Spring and winter are especially tough for Boston’s cleaning companies. Throw in historic buildings, especially those that require extra TLC, and a cleaning company has a real job on its hands.
8. Customized Cleaning Strategies
Last but not least is the customized cleaning strategies so many historic buildings require. No two buildings are exactly alike. Therefore, cleaning a historic building is rarely simple. Cleaning crews need to be creative to get the job done.
Do you operate or lease a historic building in the greater Boston area? Contact All Pro Cleaning Systems to learn more about how we can help you clean and maintain it. Historic buildings in Cambridge, Worcester, and Framingham are not the easiest to take care of, but you can do it with the right help.