A Brief History of Drone Window Cleaning

While drones have been used for maintenance tasks for over a decade, drone-assisted window cleaning only became practical within the last five to seven years. The early prototypes faced challenges with weight limits, unstable flight, and lacked specialized cleaning features.

The breakthrough came with drones designed specifically for the facility maintenance and cleaning industry — like the Sherpa. This innovative system, first developed in Europe before expanding to North America, marked a significant advance in aerial cleaning technology.

Canada's window cleaning industry embraced drones around 2020 when pilot programs demonstrated their safety advantages and practical benefits. The technology quickly progressed from an innovative idea to a viable, certified, and increasingly adopted solution for cleaning tall buildings.

Reliable watched this evolution closely. We explored drone cleaning technology at ISSA industry expos and through industry publications. Our research led us to Lucid Bots, the creators of the Sherpa system. After visiting their South Carolina headquarters, we formed a direct partnership, confident that Sherpa was ideal for our business and clients.

Today, only a select few companies hold certification to operate cleaning drones — and even fewer use the Sherpa system. Reliable seized this opportunity early, introducing Sherpa technology to Northern Ontario.

Sherpa Drone Features & Capabilities

The Sherpa drone, developed by Lucid Bots, is purpose-built for professional exterior cleaning and inspection. It’s equipped with advanced technology that makes it a powerful, safe, and flexible alternative to traditional access equipment.

Whether it's glass, siding, solar panels or architectural detailing, the Sherpa offers unmatched reach and flexibility — all while keeping your feet on the ground.

Certified & Trained: Meet Our Drone Pilot, John

Operating the Sherpa isn’t like flying a toy drone. It requires specialized training and certification, similar to that of a commercial pilot license. Operators must understand airspace regulations, restricted flight zones, weather conditions, and require special permission to fly near sensitive areas like hospitals or airports.

At Reliable, our drone pilot John brings more than a decade of experience in leading our window cleaning division. Known for his technical expertise and drive to innovate, John has always been ahead of the curve — continually identifying ways to improve service, enhance safety, and grow client satisfaction the Reliable way.

Earlier this year, John was interviewed by CBC and featured in a televised segment showcasing our drone operations — a major milestone in bringing this technology to public attention in Northern Ontario.

Watch the CBC feature here: This drone in Sudbury, Ont., washes windows | CBC.ca

John’s hands-on leadership and passion for new technology make him the ideal person to head up our drone cleaning services. He’s not just operating the drone — he’s driving the future of our window cleaning division.

Why It Matters: Safety, Innovation & Peace of Mind

Using drones drastically reduces workplace risk and improves job-site efficiency — especially when working at height. But the benefits extend far beyond that. Here's why drone window cleaning matters:

• Safety First: No ladders, scissor lifts, or bosun chairs required — removing significant risk and liability for building owners.
• Accessible to All: While ideal for multi-story buildings, any facility — from schools to hospitals — can request this service.
• Cost Savings: Eliminates the need for expensive rooftop anchor inspections and reduces overall access-related labor costs.
• High Visibility & Engagement: Drone cleaning turns heads. At Health Sciences North (HSN) and Collège Boréal, our drone services sparked interest and excitement. Students filmed it, CBC came out to cover it — it's a great promotional moment for your property.
• Peace of Mind: Staff and tenants feel more secure knowing the job is getting done without anyone being suspended from the roof.

That said, drone operations still require thoughtful execution. We don’t fly in high winds or poor weather conditions. Every site is piloned off for public safety, and each drone pilot is accompanied by a dedicated spotter to ensure safe operations.

Drone cleaning provides access where traditional methods fall short — and does so more safely, affordably, and impressively.

The Honest Trade-Off: Slightly Lower Quality – But We Solved That

Like all technologies, drone cleaning has limitations — and this is a common industry drawback. One of the biggest challenges is achieving the same streak-free clarity and deep clean that traditional squeegees can offer, especially when dealing with stubborn debris, cobwebs, and spider webs, which are all too common on buildings in Northern Ontario.

However, the Sherpa drone system provides more than just standard water flow — it supports high-pressure capabilities equivalent to a pressure washer, allowing us to clean not only windows but also walls, siding, solar panels and cladding with forceful water jets. This expands its functionality beyond windows to more general exterior surface cleaning.

Still, when we first tested the Sherpa for windows, we felt the quality wasn’t up to our Reliable standards. That’s why we took it a step further and developed our own solution— introducing Sky Shine.

Sky Shine is a specialty cleaning product designed specifically for drone-assisted applications.

It clings to glass, breaks down hardened grime, and rinses clean with pure water — dramatically improving drone performance and leaving windows with a better-than-expected finish.

Exclusively created and manufactured by our Reliable Maintenance Products division, Sky Shine is not only used by our field team — it's also available for retail purchase on our website:

👉 www.reliablemaintenance.ca

Sky Shine is just one more way Reliable is leading through innovation, solving challenges, and setting new standards in the window cleaning industry. In addition to improving drone cleaning performance, Sky Shine also leaves a protective film on the glass, helping prevent dirt, debris, and pollutants from reattaching — keeping windows cleaner for longer.

Who Benefits from Drone Window Cleaning?

Drone window cleaning is ideal for:

• Multi-Story & High-Rise Buildings – Clean hard-to-reach windows on office towers, condos, and apartments.
• Large Residential Properties – A safer, faster way to clean upper-level glass without ladders.
• Schools, Hospitals & Institutions – No rooftop anchors required, making it a great solution for older buildings.
• Industrial & Commercial Sites – Siding, signage, and windows cleaned with high-pressure reach.
• Those Looking to Innovate or Promote – Drone cleaning catches attention and demonstrates modern, forward-thinking facility care.
• Fast Turnaround Needs – Ideal for quick site preps, events, or seasonal refreshes.
• Cost-Conscious Property Managers – Reduce labor and equipment costs with less time and no access gear required.

Whether you're solving for safety, time, access, or cost — drone cleaning is a smart, modern solution.

If it’s high up, hard to reach, or sensitive to disruption — drone cleaning is the solution.

Innovation Meets Legacy

Window cleaning has been our legacy since 1952. Founded as a residential window cleaning business, we steadily expanded into commercial properties and high-rise buildings. For over 70 years, we've proudly maintained some of Northern Ontario's most prominent buildings. Our techniques, safety standards, and client-first approach have been shaped through decades of hands-on experience — and that legacy continues today.

While our tools have evolved, our commitment to excellence remains unchanged. Embracing drone technology doesn't replace our roots — it reinforces them, helping us deliver faster, safer, and more efficient results in even the most challenging environments.

We see drone cleaning not as a departure from tradition, but as its natural evolution — proof that innovation builds upon legacy. With proprietary tools like Sky Shine, expertly trained pilots, and an unwavering focus on safety and quality, we continue to lead the way in exterior maintenance.

If your building needs attention — even if others consider it "uncleanable" — we have the tools, technology, and legacy to get it done.

Get a Demo or a Quote Today

Curious about what drone-assisted window cleaning could do for your property?

Give us a call at 705-222-3450 or email us at rcs@reliableclean.com. Our drone expert John is available to answer your questions and provide quick, accurate estimates right over the phone.

Whether you're looking to clean windows on a commercial tower, an industrial site, or a large home — we’re here to help you find the right solution.

Let’s bring back the shine — safely, efficiently, and the Reliable way.