There are hundreds of window cleaning companies in the GTA — from one-person operations to national franchises. Most are decent. Some are excellent. A few will damage your property, ghost you after payment, or show up with no insurance. Here's how to tell the difference before you book.
7 Green Flags ✅
Insured — and offers proof
Minimum $2M general liability insurance. A good company offers their Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you ask. If someone gets hurt on your property or your window gets broken, their insurance covers it — not yours.
All-inclusive written quote
Windows, screens, tracks, sills — all included in one price. Written quote (email or text) before service day. No "oh, screens are extra" surprises. If the quote has add-ons and asterisks, the final bill will be higher.
Before/after photos
Sends photos after service. This means they're confident in their work and want you to see the comparison. It also creates documentation in case of any dispute.
Satisfaction guarantee
"If you're not happy, we'll redo it." Companies that offer this almost never need to use it — because they do it right the first time. The guarantee signals quality, not cost.
Real Google reviews
Not just 5-star reviews — read the 3-star ones. That's where honest feedback lives. Look for: review responses from the company (shows they care), reviews mentioning specific employees or services (real customers), and reviews from your neighbourhood.
Clear communication
Responds within a few hours. Confirms appointment. Shows up within the time window. Explains what they'll do before starting. Walks you through results after. Communication quality predicts service quality.
Asks questions before quoting
How many windows? How many storeys? Any access issues? Special concerns? A company that quotes without asking questions is either padding (too high) or guessing (too low).
7 Red Flags 🚩
No insurance or won't show proof
If they break a window or get hurt on your property, YOU could be liable. Always ask: "Can you send your Certificate of Insurance?" If they can't or won't — walk away. No exceptions.
Won't give a written quote
"We'll see when we get there" = price surprise. Always get a written quote (email, text, or invoice) before service day. Verbal quotes are unenforceable and commonly inflated on arrival.
Quotes without seeing the home
Sight-unseen quotes are either padded high (to cover unknowns) or bait-and-switched low (to get in the door, then add charges). Reputable companies ask for photos, Google Street View, or a quick visit before quoting.
Cash only — no receipt
Cash-only operators often don't report income (tax issue) and provide no paper trail (your issue). If something goes wrong, you have no proof of payment, no contract, and no recourse.
No online presence
No website, no Google Business Profile, no reviews. You can't verify their insurance, their history, or their reputation. In 2026, a legitimate business has an online presence.
Lowest price by 40%+
If one quote is $120 and three others are $200-$250, the $120 company is cutting corners: skipping screens, rushing windows, using untrained helpers, or running without insurance. You get what you pay for.
Pressures you to book immediately
"This price is only good today" or "We have one slot left this week" from a company you just contacted. Legitimate companies are comfortable with you getting 2-3 quotes. High-pressure tactics signal desperation.
The Pre-Booking Checklist
📋 Ask These Before You Book
- Are you insured? Can you send your COI?
- Is the quote all-inclusive (windows, screens, tracks, sills)?
- Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
- What products/water do you use?
- How long will it take?
- Do you send before/after photos?
- What happens if it rains on service day?
- Do you clean screens and tracks?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Can you provide references or reviews?
MANTLE Checks Every Green Flag
$2M insured. All-inclusive. Redo-or-free guarantee. Before/after photos. ClearCoat™ purified water.
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