Vandalism & Urban Art

 Vandalism & urban art etching: Graffiti tagging, acid etching, and abrasive tools used in urban art can cut directly into the glass surface. Razor tips, carbide scribes, and acid‑based markers leave deep, permanent gouges that can’t be cleaned away. Even “light” tagging often creates micro‑abrasions that spread under reflected light, making the damage highly visible on commercial façades. 

During Maintenance

 Improper techniques & tool selection: During routine maintenance—or especially after long gaps between cleanings—technicians may scrub harder, apply extra pressure, or use worn squeegees and mop covers loaded with debris. When grit, mineral deposits, or metal edges get trapped in those tools, they act like cutting agents, creating linear scratches, swirl marks, or deeper abrasion that permanently damages the glass. 

During Post Construction Cleaning

 Post‑construction cleaning & razor blade misuse: On construction sites, technicians often rely on long razor blades to remove mortar, stucco, paint, or other hardened materials. But longer blades flex, lose edge integrity, and make it harder to apply even pressure. Once the edge chips or catches debris, it drags metal fragments across the glass—creating deep linear scratches, swirl marks, or gouges that permanently damage the surface. 

Water Fed Cleaning Systems at Heights

 Long poles & water‑fed brush misuse: Extended‑reach poles are harder to control, especially with heavier brush heads or rinse bars. When the pole flexes or the brush rolls over, the bristles can trap grit, construction dust, or mineral debris. That trapped material gets dragged or slapped against the glass, and uncontrolled impacts from the brush head can create scratches, arcs, or abrasion patterns—especially on high windows where precision is harder to maintain.

• Specifically, when accessory tools like debris removal tips are used at heights, this can be a recipe for disaster.

• Drone style cleaning equipment - a design for the lack of trained staff for access and cleaning process. 
• Weather patterns are different at height which can make controlling motorized equipment leading to contact with building, falling components and other catastrophic failures leading to liability