Skylight and greenhouse cleaning in NYC
Restore natural light to skylights, glass roofs, sunrooms, and greenhouses - safely cleaned inside and out.
No-Step Protocol we clean safely without putting weight on fragile glass
Biological Extraction safe removal of sun-baked bird droppings and urban soot
Seal & Drain Care we clean frames and clear weep holes to help prevent leaks
$11M Coverage strong liability coverage for complex roof access
The mechanics of
overhead glass deterioration
Your skylights and greenhouse windows aren't just dirty - they’re blocking natural light. Overhead glazing traps grime differently than vertical windows, and the wrong cleaning method can make things worse.
THE ROOFTOP DUST ACCUMULATION
Rooftop positioning means your glass collects airborne particles from HVAC exhaust, construction dust from neighboring projects, and fine soot from building heating systems. Unlike rain-washed vertical windows, horizontal and angled skylights trap debris as each raindrop evaporates.
NYC’s 2,574 annual sunshine hours bake this mixture into a hard mineral film that can block 40–60% of natural light within 12–18 months.
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF WAITING:
Compromised Thermal Performance:
Grime layers disrupt the designed solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), throwing off your building’s thermal calculations. Your HVAC system compensates by working harder, wasting energy.
Permanent Surface Damage:
Dry-wiping baked-on debris creates micro-scratches that permanently haze acrylic domes. Using ammonia-based cleaners on Low-E coatings can damage the metallic oxide layer. Scraping with metal tools gouges tempered glass. This damage is irreversible — you can end up replacing $2,000–$8,000 skylight units because someone used the wrong technique.
Missed Structural Issues:
Professional greenhouse window cleaning and skylight cleaning can expose these issues before they cause interior water damage. We’ve caught $15,000 leak problems during routine cleaning that could have cost $50,000+ if discovered after ceiling damage occurred.
THE BIG APPLE overhead glazzing protocol
Every skylight cleaning project starts with safe access planning and surface identification.
Schedule a site visit
Pre-service surface assessment
Before touching glass, we identify the material: tempered glass, laminated glass, acrylic dome, polycarbonate panel, or film-coated glazing. Each requires different chemistry and tools. Ammonia can damage acrylic during glass roof cleaning. Metal blades can permanently cloud acrylic. We photograph existing conditions, document scratches or damage, and select surface-safe methods. For greenhouse window cleaning, we also assess interior access requirements and plant protection needs.
Rooftop access & safety protocols
Flat roofs require edge protection barriers. Sloped roofs require anchor points and fall arrest systems. We arrive with OSHA-compliant equipment: harnesses rated for 5,000 lb, anchor straps inspected monthly, and non-slip footwear for various roof surfaces. For high-rise buildings, we coordinate with property management for roof access, elevator reservations, and certificate of insurance (COI) delivery. Safety isn't improvisation — it's documented.
Interior protection & cleaning
We lay absorbent drop cloths, position catch basins at drip points, and use controlled moisture to prevent water damage to ceilings, floors, and furnishings. For sunroom window and greenhouse interior cleaning, we protect plants with plastic sheeting, control humidity during service, and time the work to avoid temperature stress on vegetation. Interior surfaces are hand-wiped using streak-free microfiber — no dripping, no spraying that can damage electronics or fabrics below.Big Apple Window Company at work
More than 2 decades of experience in property maintenance.
Light restored
The difference between dim and clear. We transformed this Brooklyn greenhouse from 40% light transmission to 95% in 4 hours.
BEFORE
AFTER
Engineering specifications & guarantees
Skylight cleaning requires specialized accountability. Here's what professional overhead glazing work includes.
Surface-safe chemistry
Non-abrasive, material-matched solutions. Glass gets pH-neutral cleaners. Acrylic gets ammonia-free formulas. Film-coated panels use gentle surfactants only.
Equipment standards
Soft microfiber tools, deionized water rinse systems, and plastic scrapers – never metal. OSHA fall protection gear for all rooftop skylight cleaning operations.
Crew certification
Rooftop safety-trained, OSHA fall protection certified. Surface identification expertise – we know what damages acrylic, films, and Low-E coatings.
Risk management
$11 million liability coverage includes surface damage protection. Full fall protection compliance. You’re covered during roof access work.
EXPERIENCE THE NEW STANDARD
Join 10,000+ NYC property owners who trust us with their skylights, glass roofs, and greenhouses. From single residential skylights to 50-panel commercial installations.
While we’re on-site
Our skylight cleaning crews spot structural issues during routine glass service - catching problems before they cause expensive interior damage.
