Facade and window cleaning is entering a new era as drones begin to replace scaffolding and chemical solutions. This innovative method promises to cut costs by nearly half, improve safety, and minimize environmental impact. Early adopters are emerging even in the Czech Republic, including in heritage zones, where drones have been deployed to clean commercial buildings owned by Českomoravská Nemovitostní (ČMN), such as Churchill Square and Mezi Vodami.
How does drone facade cleaning work?
The drones use jets of demineralized water heated to 70°C, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. This gentle approach protects both the environment and the facades themselves—especially in heritage areas, where chemical use could damage historic plasterwork.
“We’re always looking for new ways to improve our services,” says Petra Vondrová, Senior Property Manager at Churchill. “When we heard about drone cleaning, we wanted to try it. Churchill, with its large surface area, was the ideal place to test this technology at scale. I must say, we were pleasantly surprised—tenants were happy, and passersby stopped to watch the drones in action.”
The drones use jets of demineralized water heated to 70°C, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. This gentle approach protects both the environment and the facades themselves—especially in heritage areas, where chemical use could damage historic plasterwork.
“We’re always looking for new ways to improve our services,” says Petra Vondrová, Senior Property Manager at Churchill. “When we heard about drone cleaning, we wanted to try it. Churchill, with its large surface area, was the ideal place to test this technology at scale. I must say, we were pleasantly surprised—tenants were happy, and passersby stopped to watch the drones in action.”
Key benefits of the new technology
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Cost savings
Drone-based facade cleaning delivers significant cost reductions. With fewer staff required and faster execution, this method proves more efficient than traditional approaches.
“We were a bit skeptical at first, but after seeing the initial results, it was clear. It’s not only faster, but also more affordable. Plus, it allows us to reinvest in other innovations,” adds Dita Lawn, Senior Property Manager at Mezi Vodami.
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Enhanced safety
Another strong advantage is improved safety. Traditional facade cleaning using rope access involves significant risk for workers at height. Drone operations are handled by a two-person team—a pilot and a safety technician—further lowering staffing needs and risks.
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Environmental responsibility
Heritage zones pose a unique challenge for facade cleaning—not only due to the impracticality of scaffolding but also because of the delicate nature of historic buildings. Harsh chemicals can damage lime-based plaster or deeper facade layers, compromising structural integrity. Especially in historic city areas, where a sensitive approach is crucial, drones excel.
Is the future drone-powered?
Positive experiences with drone cleaning have prompted its expansion to other buildings. “The response to the pilot was so positive that we’re planning to use it on more ČMN properties. CBRE also took part in the pilot and is now rolling out the technology across some of their buildings,” Vondrová concludes.
While drone facade cleaning isn’t yet a common standard, companies like ČMN adopting this method are helping it gain traction. The combination of environmental care, lower costs, and increased safety may well redefine how we maintain buildings in the future.
