Cleaning the exterior of a large warehouse, industrial building or wind turbine can traditionally involve scaffolding, Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), rope access and teams working at height. However, advances in drone technology are creating new opportunities to make these projects more efficient, safer and less disruptive.
At Hydrafly, we are using specialist high-pressure drone technology to clean difficult-to-access areas from the ground, helping businesses rethink how they approach high-level external cleaning. On suitable applications, this approach can potentially reduce project times by up to half compared with traditional access methods.
Founded by Phill Rowark and Michael Kirby, Hydrafly officially launched in 2024 after the founders travelled to France to research and test the technology and complete manufacturer training. Since then, the company has been demonstrating how drone cleaning can provide a practical alternative for a range of commercial and industrial applications.
How drone technology is changing external cleaning
One of the main challenges of high-level external cleaning is accessing elevated surfaces safely and efficiently. Traditional methods can require significant preparation, including installing scaffolding or positioning access platforms before cleaning can begin.
Hydrafly’s specialist cleaning drones allow trained pilots to operate from the ground, reaching difficult areas without the same reliance on traditional access equipment. This can reduce preparation time, limit the number of people required to work at height and help minimise disruption to site operations.
The technology can operate at heights of up to 100 metres and in wind gusts of up to 31mph, opening up potential applications across commercial buildings, industrial facilities and infrastructure, including wind turbines.
Real results: Cleaning two large logistics warehouses in four days
One recent Hydrafly project involved cleaning two logistics warehouses measuring approximately 3,500m² and 2,500m². The objective was to remove dirt, algae and environmental build-up from high-level façade cladding ahead of a site audit.
Hydrafly completed the work in just four operational days. The company estimates that the same project could have taken between one and two weeks using traditional access methods, depending on the equipment required, team size and site conditions.
The difference is not simply the speed of cleaning. Without the need to install scaffolding or repeatedly reposition access platforms, Hydrafly can mobilise quickly and complete suitable projects with fewer people needing to work at height.
A different approach to traditional cleaning methods
Drone technology is not intended to replace every traditional cleaning method. Different buildings, surfaces and environments require different approaches, and conventional access solutions remain necessary for certain applications.
However, there are many situations where using a drone can offer a more practical and efficient option.
As Phill Rowark, Co-Owner and UAV Pilot at Hydrafly, explains:
“If a drone can do the job from the ground, why put people at height or spend days installing access equipment? Our aim is to make cleaning more accurate, more efficient and safer, while reducing disruption for the customer.”
Since launching Hydrafly, they have continued to demonstrate the practical applications of the technology across large commercial sites.
As Michael Kirby, Co-Owner and UAV Pilot at Hydrafly, explains:
“What has really convinced us is seeing the results on large commercial sites. The technology can change the whole approach to a job — from how quickly you can mobilise to how much equipment and manpower you need.”
As the technology continues to develop, drone cleaning is creating new possibilities for high-level external maintenance. For businesses looking to reduce working-at-height requirements, minimise operational disruption and improve cleaning efficiency, it is an approach worth considering.
Interested in finding out whether drone cleaning is suitable for your building or facility? Contact Hydrafly to discuss your requirements and explore how its specialist cleaning services could help.