Not every building is suitable for drone cleaning. Suitability depends on height, geometry, surface materials, surrounding environment, and airspace classification. This guide covers the most common building types and their general suitability. Every building requires a site-specific assessment before a definitive recommendation can be made.
Building Type Suitability Matrix
| Building / Surface Type | Generally Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Office Buildings | Generally Yes | Glass curtain walls, concrete facades, metal cladding — well suited |
| Hotels & Resorts | Generally Yes | Exterior facades, glass, balconies — well suited for mid-rise |
| HOA Communities | Generally Yes | Roofs, driveways, common area surfaces |
| Solar Panel Arrays | Generally Yes | Rooftop and ground-mounted commercial arrays |
| Water Towers | Generally Yes | Cylindrical elevated structures |
| Warehouses & Distribution Centers | Generally Yes | Large flat roofs, metal siding |
| Retail Centers | Generally Yes | Facades, awnings, signage surrounds |
| Hospitals & Medical Facilities | Generally Yes | Exterior facades, windows, rooftop equipment areas |
| Schools & Universities | Generally Yes | Roofs, facades, athletic facilities |
| Historic Buildings with Delicate Ornamentation | Requires Assessment | Requires specialist assessment; drone may not be appropriate |
| High-Access Structures | Requires Assessment | Requires project-specific review of access, site conditions, aircraft configuration and surface suitability |
| Buildings with Significant Protrusions | Requires Assessment | Requires assessment; geometry may limit drone access |
Surface Material Guide
Glass & Windows
Pressure: Low (DI water)
Deionized water, streak-free results
Concrete & Masonry
Pressure: Medium to High
Pressure matched to stain type and condition
EIFS / Synthetic Stucco
Pressure: Low to Medium
Sensitive to high pressure; test area required
Metal Cladding
Pressure: Low to Medium
Check for existing coatings before cleaning
Painted Surfaces
Pressure: Low
High pressure can remove paint; always test first
Solar Panels
Pressure: Low (DI water)
Deionized water only; no detergents
The Best Way to Determine Suitability
The most reliable way to determine whether aerial cleaning is appropriate is a site-specific review. Aeronex evaluates building height, surface materials, access constraints, airspace, surrounding conditions and project requirements before recommending an approach. Traditional or ground-based methods may be more suitable for some properties.