Frequently Asked Questions
The questions building owners and cleaning contractors ask us most, answered plainly. If yours isn't here, ask us directly.
Drone Cleaning Basics
What drone cleaning is, how it works, and where it fits.
What is drone cleaning?
Drone cleaning uses a remotely operated aircraft to clean commercial building exteriors from the air. Instead of relying on rope access, boom lifts, or scaffolding, the aircraft delivers pressurized water while the operator remains safely on the ground.
How does drone cleaning work?
The aircraft is connected to a lightweight hose that supplies pressurized water from the ground. The operator flies the drone alongside the building while adjusting water flow and cleaning distance to safely remove dirt and debris.
Can a drone actually clean windows?
Yes. Drone cleaning has proven highly effective for routine maintenance cleaning of commercial windows. The appropriate cleaning method depends on the level of contamination and the building itself.
Can a drone clean building facades?
Yes. Stratos can clean many common commercial facade materials, including glass, metal panels, EIFS, concrete, and other exterior finishes when paired with the appropriate cleaning process.
What surfaces can drone cleaning be used on?
Common applications include windows, curtain wall systems, metal panels, concrete, EIFS, solar panels, parking structures, and other commercial exterior surfaces.
Is drone cleaning safe?
Drone cleaning significantly reduces the need for workers to operate at height. While every project requires proper planning and risk assessment, keeping operators on the ground can reduce many of the hazards associated with traditional access methods.
Does drone cleaning damage windows?
When performed correctly using the proper pressure, nozzle selection, and technique, drone cleaning is designed to safely clean commercial windows without causing damage.
How is drone cleaning different from boom lifts?
Boom lifts require heavy equipment, setup time, traffic management, and operators working at height. Drone cleaning eliminates much of that equipment while allowing operators to remain safely on the ground.
How is drone cleaning different from rope access?
Rope access requires highly trained technicians suspended from the building. Drone cleaning removes the need for personnel to work at height on many routine exterior cleaning projects.
Can drones clean high-rise buildings?
Yes. Drone cleaning is particularly well suited for mid-rise and high-rise commercial buildings where traditional access methods become expensive and time consuming.
Can drone cleaning work around balconies and architectural features?
Yes. Skilled operators can navigate around many common architectural features while maintaining safe stand-off distances.
How does the drone stay stable near buildings?
Stratos was engineered specifically for GPS-denied urban environments. Rather than relying solely on satellite positioning, it uses multiple positioning technologies designed for stable flight near large structures.
Can drone cleaning be performed in windy conditions?
Weather always plays a role in flight operations. Acceptable conditions depend on wind speed, building geometry, and the specific cleaning task. Safety always comes first.
Does drone cleaning use chemicals?
Many cleaning projects can be completed using water alone, while others may require specialized cleaning solutions depending on the contaminants and surface being cleaned.
Is drone cleaning environmentally friendly?
Drone cleaning can reduce equipment requirements and often uses less water than traditional methods because operators can precisely control where water is applied.
Commercial Cleaning Services
For building owners, property managers, and facilities teams.
What types of buildings do you clean?
We clean a wide variety of commercial properties, including office buildings, apartment complexes, hospitals, schools, hotels, parking structures, stadiums, industrial facilities, and more.
What areas do you serve?
Our commercial cleaning services are currently available throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. Contact us if your project is outside our primary service region.
How much does drone cleaning cost?
Every project is different. Pricing depends on building size, accessibility, surface type, contamination level, and project scope. Contact us for a custom quote.
How long does a project take?
Project timelines vary based on the size and complexity of the building. Many projects can be completed significantly faster than traditional cleaning methods.
Do you carry insurance?
Yes. We maintain commercial insurance appropriate for our operations.
Are your pilots certified?
Yes. Commercial drone operations are conducted by qualified FAA-certified remote pilots.
Can businesses stay open during cleaning?
In many cases, yes. Drone cleaning often creates less disruption than traditional access methods, allowing normal business operations to continue.
Do you offer recurring cleaning programs?
Yes. Many clients schedule recurring cleanings to maintain the appearance of their buildings throughout the year.
Can you clean solar panels?
Yes. Solar panel cleaning is one of the many commercial applications supported by our systems.
Can you clean parking garages?
Yes. We can clean a variety of parking structures depending on the project requirements.
Do you reclaim any water used?
Yes, we have designed a water reclamation system to recycle the water we use providing an end to end eco-friendly solution.
Stratos Aircraft
The aircraft itself — what it is, what it costs, and what it takes to run one.
What is Stratos?
Stratos is our purpose-built commercial drone platform designed specifically for exterior building cleaning in demanding real-world environments.
What comes with Stratos?
Each system configuration varies, but every Stratos package includes the aircraft and the components required for commercial operation. Contact us for a complete equipment list.
How much does Stratos cost?
Pricing depends on the selected configuration and optional equipment. Contact us to receive a customized quote.
Can Stratos operate without GPS?
Yes. Stratos was specifically engineered to perform in GPS-denied environments commonly found around dense commercial buildings.
Can Stratos carry other payloads?
The platform was designed primarily for commercial cleaning, but its modular architecture supports future payload options and applications.
Is Stratos manufactured in the United States?
Yes, Stratos is manufactured in the US. Contact us for NDAA or blue requirements.
Do I need training?
Yes. Proper operator training is an essential part of safely operating any commercial cleaning drone system.
Do I need an FAA Part 107 license?
Commercial drone operations in the United States generally require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
How many people are needed to operate Stratos?
Crew size depends on the project, but commercial operations are typically conducted by a small trained team.
What maintenance does Stratos require?
Routine inspections, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and replacement of wear components help ensure safe and reliable operation.
Can I schedule a demonstration?
Absolutely. Contact us to schedule a live demonstration or product walkthrough.
Do you offer financing?
Contact us to learn about current financing options and purchasing programs.
ADS Wash Kit
The ground-based system that feeds the aircraft.
What is the ADS Wash Kit?
The ADS Wash Kit is the ground-based system that supplies water pressure, cleaning agents, and power to the Stratos aircraft.
What supplies the water pressure?
The Wash Kit contains a 22HP gas engine to deliver the high-pressure required for commercial cleaning operations.
Does the Wash Kit include a water tank?
Yes. The system is designed around an integrated water supply suitable for commercial operations.
Does the water need to be treated?
Depending on the application, de-ionized water is required to improve cleaning performance and reduce spotting. All ADS Wash Kits include a de-ionized and RO filtration system.
Does the Wash Kit have to be trailer mounted?
No. Multiple configurations are possible depending on your operational requirements.
Can the Wash Kit be customized?
Yes. Available options can be tailored to different business needs and operating environments.
Can I purchase the Wash Kit separately?
Yes. The Wash Kit is available as its own product.
Do you offer financing?
Contact us to learn about current financing options and purchasing programs.
Complete Systems
For contractors standing up a drone cleaning operation.
Do I need the Wash Kit to operate Stratos?
Stratos requires a reliable source of high-pressure water and supporting equipment. The ADS Wash Kit was designed specifically to match the aircraft, although existing commercial pressure washing systems may be compatible.
Can I buy Stratos and the Wash Kit together?
Yes. Many customers purchase a complete turnkey system so they have everything needed to begin commercial operations.
What else do I need to start a drone cleaning business?
In addition to equipment, you’ll need operator training, FAA certification where required, insurance, transportation, and a plan for acquiring customers.
Can you help me start a drone cleaning business?
Yes. We work with customers who are launching new drone cleaning operations and can help them select the right equipment and training.
Do you offer financing?
Contact us to learn about current financing options and purchasing programs.
Do you provide technical support after purchase?
Yes. We continue supporting customers after delivery with technical assistance and product support.
Can I expand my system later?
Yes. Our platforms are designed with future growth in mind, making it easier to expand your capabilities as your business grows.
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