FAQs

State Building Services is a commercial surface restoration and maintenance company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. We specialize in the care of stone, tile, metal, wood, and concrete surfaces in commercial, retail, and industrial properties. Our technicians restore, protect, and preserve architectural surfaces so that property managers can maintain the appearance, safety, and value of their facilities without the cost and disruption of replacement. Surface care is our core business — not a side offering — which means every client benefits from the depth of expertise our specialists bring to each engagement.

State Building Services serves commercial properties throughout the Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and eastern Tennessee. Our primary markets include Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Columbia, Atlanta, Richmond, and the surrounding metro areas. We are particularly well-positioned to serve regional property portfolios spanning multiple Southeast states, offering consistent quality and a single point of contact for facility managers managing properties across the region.

We work in a wide range of commercial environments, including Class A and Class B office buildings, corporate headquarters, retail centers and shopping malls, hotels and hospitality properties, healthcare facilities and medical office buildings, financial institutions and bank branches, government and municipal buildings, educational institutions, and mixed-use developments. Our technicians are experienced working in occupied, operational buildings and adhere to safety protocols, scheduling flexibility, and low-disruption work practices that property and facility managers require.

Janitorial services address day-to-day surface cleanliness. State Building Services addresses surface condition — the structural integrity, finish quality, and long-term preservation of architectural materials. Our technicians are trained craftspeople who understand the chemistry, mineralogy, and metallurgy of the surfaces they treat. We use professional-grade equipment and proprietary processes to hone, polish, seal, refinish, and restore surfaces that general cleaning cannot address. Think of us as specialists in the same way a property might retain a separate contractor for HVAC or elevators — surface care at the level we provide requires dedicated expertise.

Yes. We offer complimentary on-site reviews and needs assessments for prospective clients. During a site visit, one of our experienced technicians will evaluate the condition of your stone, tile, metal, wood, or concrete surfaces, identify areas of concern, and provide recommendations for restoration, maintenance, or a recurring service program. This assessment is provided at no cost and with no obligation. To schedule a complimentary site review, contact us at 844-786-6312 or send us a message.

We work on virtually every natural and engineered stone and tile surface found in commercial buildings, including marble, granite, limestone, travertine, terrazzo, slate, quartzite, sandstone, porcelain tile, and ceramic tile. Common applications include lobby floors and walls, elevator interiors and surrounds, reception desks and countertops, restroom walls and floors, staircase treads and risers, exterior plaza pavers, and decorative architectural elements. If it is stone or tile and it is in a commercial building, we have almost certainly worked with it.

Our stone restoration services include grinding and honing to remove deep scratches, lippage, and surface damage; polishing to restore or enhance shine and reflectivity; crystallization and vitrification processes for high-gloss finishes on marble and limestone; crack and chip repair; grout restoration, cleaning, and recoloring; efflorescence removal; stain identification and removal; sealing and impregnating treatments to protect against water, oil, and contaminants; and slip-resistance treatments for safety compliance. For severely damaged or neglected surfaces, we offer full restoration programs that return stone to like-new condition without the cost of replacement.

Yes — this is one of our most common service requests. Marble is a calcium-based stone that is highly susceptible to etching from acidic substances (coffee, citrus, cleaning products), scratching from foot traffic and grit, and dulling from improper maintenance. Our technicians use a multi-step diamond abrasive honing and polishing process to remove surface damage and restore the clarity and reflectivity of the stone. Depending on the severity of damage, we can restore marble floors, elevator panels, wall cladding, reception counters, and other marble surfaces to a high-gloss, honed matte, or satin finish per the client’s preference.

Terrazzo is a composite surface material consisting of marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips set in cement or epoxy binder. It is common in commercial lobbies, corridors, and restrooms — particularly in institutional and mid-century buildings — because of its durability and design versatility. Over time, terrazzo can become scratched, stained, or dull, and the surface pores can open up if the original sealer wears away. Our terrazzo restoration process involves grinding or honing to level the surface and remove damage, polishing to restore the original luster, crack and divot repair, and sealing to protect against moisture and staining. Properly restored terrazzo is one of the most beautiful and durable commercial flooring surfaces available.

The appropriate maintenance frequency depends on the stone type, the volume and nature of foot traffic, and the building’s existing daily cleaning program. As a general guideline, high-traffic commercial lobbies and corridors with marble or polished granite typically benefit from professional maintenance one to four times per year. Lower-traffic areas, honed or matte finishes, and harder stones such as granite or quartzite may require less frequent service. We recommend a complimentary site assessment to evaluate your specific surfaces and propose a maintenance schedule that protects your investment and keeps surfaces looking their best year-round.

Yes. Grout restoration is a standard component of our tile and stone maintenance services. We provide deep cleaning of grout joints using professional-grade cleaning agents and mechanical scrubbing; recoloring or staining of grout to restore a uniform appearance; regrouting of joints that have cracked or deteriorated; and sealing of grout lines to prevent future staining and moisture penetration. Properly maintained grout dramatically improves the overall appearance of tiled surfaces and extends the life of the installation.

Yes. Sealing is a critical component of any stone and tile maintenance program. We apply penetrating impregnating sealers that protect stone and grout from within, repelling water, oil, and other contaminants without altering the surface appearance. We select sealers appropriate to the specific stone type, porosity, finish, and use environment — a different formulation is appropriate for a polished marble lobby floor than for a honed limestone restroom wall, for example. We can also apply topical coatings and enhancers where appropriate to deepen color or add gloss.

We work on all architectural metals commonly found in commercial buildings, including stainless steel, bronze, brass, aluminum, copper, nickel, and chrome. Typical applications include elevator doors, frames, and cab interiors; lobby and staircase railings and handrails; building entrance doors and hardware; decorative wall panels and cladding; historic statues, plaques, and architectural ornaments; escalator components; signage; and exterior metal features. We handle both interior and exterior metal surfaces and are experienced with historic and architecturally significant metalwork.

Yes — scratch and damage removal from stainless steel elevator doors, cab interiors, and surrounding panels is one of our specialty services. Stainless steel is particularly challenging because it has a directional grain pattern (the mill finish) that must be matched precisely when removing scratches. Our technicians are trained to identify the original finish specification and use abrasive and polishing techniques that restore the surface to a consistent, uniform appearance. We also address smudging, discoloration, weld marks, and vandalism damage on stainless steel surfaces.

Yes. Bronze and brass are among the most architecturally distinctive metals in commercial and institutional buildings, and they require specialized knowledge to maintain properly. We provide cleaning to remove tarnish, oxidation, and environmental soiling; polishing to restore the original luster; patina preservation or modification where architecturally appropriate; and lacquering to protect the finish from re-tarnishing. We work on interior and exterior bronze and brass railings, entry doors and hardware, nameplates and plaques, elevator cab trim, decorative panels, and historic fixtures.

Lacquering is the application of a clear protective coating to a polished or finished metal surface to prevent oxidation, tarnishing, and corrosion. It is particularly important for brass, bronze, and copper surfaces that are exposed to air and moisture, which cause these metals to tarnish or develop patina over time. A properly applied lacquer coat keeps these metals looking polished and bright for years without requiring frequent re-polishing. We use professional-grade lacquers formulated for architectural metalwork, applied after thorough cleaning and polishing to ensure proper adhesion and a uniform, clear finish.

Yes. We offer specialty escalator cleaning services designed to address the deep soiling and debris accumulation that standard janitorial programs cannot reach. Our escalator cleaning includes in-situ deep cleaning of steps and risers, entry and exit landing plates, and handrail disinfection. We use specialized equipment and detergents appropriate for escalator components and work in coordination with building management to schedule cleaning during off-hours or low-traffic periods to minimize disruption.

Yes. Vandalism and graffiti removal from metal surfaces is a service we provide. The approach depends on the metal type, the finish, and the nature of the damage or applied material. For painted or spray-painted graffiti, we use chemical removal agents and mechanical techniques appropriate to the substrate. For etched or scratched vandalism, we treat the surface as a restoration project — removing the damage through abrading and refinishing the affected area to match the surrounding surface. We have experience with vandalism repairs on stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and other architectural metals.

We maintain and restore interior wood surfaces in commercial environments, including hardwood lobby and corridor floors; boardroom and conference room tables; executive and reception desks; wood wall paneling and wainscoting; wood staircases, treads, and handrails; built-in millwork and cabinetry; and decorative wood architectural elements. We work with a wide range of wood species including oak, maple, mahogany, walnut, cherry, and teak, as well as engineered wood and composite wood products.

Yes. Commercial hardwood floor maintenance and restoration is among our wood services. We provide screening and recoating to refresh worn or dull finishes without full sanding; sanding and refinishing for floors with deep scratches, stains, or finish failure; spot repair for localized damage; and cleaning and conditioning programs for ongoing maintenance. We use commercial-grade finishes appropriate for high-traffic environments, including water-based and oil-based urethanes, hardwax oils, and other professional coatings. Our technicians are experienced working in occupied buildings and can schedule work during evenings or weekends to minimize disruption.

Wood furniture and millwork in commercial settings — boardroom tables, reception desks, wall panels, built-ins — require periodic professional care to maintain their appearance and protect the underlying finish. Our wood maintenance services include deep cleaning to remove built-up wax, polish residue, and soiling; scratch and surface damage repair; finish touch-up and restoration; and protective conditioning treatments. For heavily used or damaged pieces, we can perform more substantial refinishing work. Keeping executive and reception woodwork in excellent condition reflects directly on the professionalism and quality of the businesses and tenants your property houses.

Yes. Our technicians are experienced with low-disruption work practices in occupied commercial buildings. For routine wood floor maintenance — screening, recoating, and cleaning — we typically schedule work during evenings, weekends, or other off-hours agreed upon with building management. Dust containment, ventilation management, and rapid-cure finish products minimize odor and re-occupancy time. For more intensive restoration work involving sanding, we coordinate closely with property management to plan phased work that minimizes the impact on tenants.

Yes. We provide maintenance and restoration services for concrete floors and surfaces in commercial and industrial environments. Services include grinding and leveling; concrete polishing to achieve a high-gloss, semi-gloss, or matte finish; densifying and hardening treatments; sealing and coating application; stain and contaminant removal; and crack and joint repair. Polished concrete is increasingly popular in commercial settings for its durability, cleanability, and contemporary aesthetic — and properly maintained polished concrete can last for decades with periodic professional care.

Yes. We offer pressure and power washing services utilizing both hot and ambient water equipment, specialty detergents, and hydro scrubbers. These services are appropriate for building exteriors, parking decks, plaza pavers, loading areas, and other exterior surfaces requiring periodic deep cleaning. Our equipment and cleaning protocols are selected to be effective on the target surface without causing damage to surrounding materials or landscaping.

Yes. State Building Services provides professional interior and exterior window cleaning for commercial properties of all types and heights throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and eastern Tennessee. We clean windows on low-rise and mid-rise office buildings, corporate campuses, retail centers, healthcare facilities, and institutional properties. Our technicians are trained and equipped to safely access all window types, including ground-level storefront glass, multi-story curtain wall systems, and hard-to-reach architectural glazing. Clean, streak-free windows enhance curb appeal, allow more natural light into occupied spaces, and reflect positively on your tenants and their businesses.

The appropriate frequency depends on the property type, its surroundings, and the expectations of the building owner and tenants. As a general guideline, Class A office buildings typically benefit from exterior window cleaning two to four times per year, while properties near highways, construction zones, or heavy pollen environments may warrant more frequent service. Interior window cleaning is often performed semi-annually or annually. We work with property managers to establish a cleaning schedule that keeps windows in excellent condition year-round and fits within the facility’s maintenance budget.

We utilize a range of access methods appropriate to the building’s height, configuration, and safety requirements, including water-fed pole systems that allow technicians to clean from the ground using purified water; suspended scaffold and swing-stage equipment for mid- and high-rise exteriors; rope descent systems for buildings with certified anchor points; and aerial lift equipment where site conditions permit. All access methods are selected based on a thorough safety review of the property, and all technicians are trained in the relevant OSHA standards and manufacturer safety requirements for the equipment they use.

Yes. We provide interior window and glass cleaning in addition to exterior services. This includes interior perimeter windows, glass curtain walls viewed from the inside, interior glass partitions and conference room walls, lobby glass and entry vestibules, and atrium glazing. Interior glass cleaning is typically performed as part of a scheduled maintenance program and can be coordinated around tenant occupancy schedules to minimize disruption.

Glass restoration is the process of removing surface damage, staining, and contamination from commercial building glass that routine window cleaning cannot address. Over time, building glass can develop hard water mineral deposits (calcium and silica scale), oxidation staining from runoff off metal frames or concrete, construction contamination from cement splatter and silicone overspray, atmospheric soiling from pollution and industrial fallout, and surface scratches from improper cleaning or vandalism. Once these conditions develop, standard cleaning agents are ineffective — professional restoration using specialized compounds, pads, and polishing techniques is required to return the glass to clarity. In many cases, glass restoration eliminates the need for costly glass replacement.

Yes. Hard water staining — caused by calcium carbonate, silica, and other mineral deposits left behind when water evaporates on glass — is one of the most common glass restoration requests we receive. Irrigation overspray, HVAC condensate runoff, and improperly placed landscaping are frequent culprits on commercial properties in the Southeast. Our technicians use professional-grade chemical and mechanical restoration techniques to dissolve and abrade mineral deposits without damaging the glass surface or its coatings. We also assess whether an underlying water management issue should be addressed to prevent recurrence.

In many cases, yes. Surface scratches on commercial glass — from improper cleaning, vandalism, construction activity, or abrasive contact — can often be removed or significantly reduced through professional glass polishing and scratch removal techniques. Our technicians evaluate the depth and extent of the scratches to determine whether restoration is feasible and what the expected outcome will be. For deep or extensive damage, we provide an honest assessment so that building owners and managers can make an informed decision about restoration versus replacement. When restoration is possible, it is almost always significantly less expensive than glass replacement.

Yes. Post-construction glass cleaning and restoration is a common service request. Construction activity introduces a range of contaminants onto glass surfaces — concrete and mortar splatter, caulk and silicone overspray, paint overspray, metal oxide staining from new frames and fasteners, and protective film adhesive residue. These materials require professional removal techniques appropriate to each contaminant type and glass specification. Attempting to remove construction contamination with standard cleaning methods often causes additional damage; professional assessment and treatment is the correct approach.

High dusting refers to the cleaning of elevated surfaces within a building that are beyond the reach of standard janitorial programs — structural beams and trusses, HVAC ductwork and diffusers, overhead piping and conduit, light fixtures and pendant housings, high ledges and sills, ceiling grid systems, and other surfaces at elevation. Dust and debris accumulate on these surfaces over time and can degrade indoor air quality, trigger allergy and respiratory responses in building occupants, create fire risk in industrial environments, and violate health and safety standards in food-service or healthcare settings. Professional high dusting using appropriate equipment and containment practices removes this accumulated contamination and contributes to a healthier, code-compliant building environment.

High dusting is relevant in virtually any commercial facility with elevated surfaces, but is particularly important in warehouses and distribution centers with high bay ceilings and open structural systems; manufacturing and industrial facilities where dust accumulation poses fire or contamination risk; data centers and telecommunications facilities where dust can compromise equipment performance; healthcare and laboratory environments where air quality and contamination control are critical; large retail spaces, big-box stores, and shopping centers with high ceilings and exposed structural elements; and Class A office buildings and lobbies with atrium spaces, decorative trusses, or high architectural features. We assess each facility to identify the appropriate scope, access method, and cleaning frequency.

Yes. Post-construction cleaning is a specialized service that prepares a newly constructed or renovated commercial building for occupancy. Construction activity leaves behind a distinctive combination of fine drywall and concrete dust, construction debris, adhesive and caulk residue, paint overspray, glass and metal contamination, and soiling on all surfaces — including surfaces at elevation that standard cleaning crews will miss. Our post-construction cleaning program addresses all surfaces from ceiling to floor, including high dusting of structural and mechanical elements, cleaning of all glass and glazing, surface restoration where construction contamination has affected stone, tile, or metal finishes, and final cleaning of floors, fixtures, and millwork. We work in coordination with general contractors and property managers to meet occupancy timelines.

Yes. Parking deck and parking garage cleaning is a service we provide for commercial properties throughout the Southeast. Parking decks accumulate oil and fluid stains, tire marks, dirt, debris, and biological growth that regular sweeping does not remove. Beyond aesthetics, unaddressed soiling contributes to concrete deterioration, creates slip hazards, and generates tenant and visitor complaints. Our parking deck cleaning services include pressure washing of driving surfaces, ramps, and pedestrian areas; oil and stain treatment; surface cleaning of curbs, columns, and structural elements; and drain clearing to prevent pooling and runoff issues. We schedule parking deck cleaning during off-hours to minimize disruption to building operations.

Most commercial parking decks benefit from professional deep cleaning one to four times per year, depending on usage volume, the nature of the tenants and visitors using the structure, and the building owner’s maintenance standards. High-use decks serving office towers, medical facilities, or retail centers typically require more frequent service than lower-use ancillary parking. In addition to periodic deep cleaning, we can provide spot treatment programs for ongoing oil stain management and entry/exit area maintenance between full cleanings.

Yes. Awning cleaning and sealing is among the exterior building maintenance services we provide. Commercial awnings — whether fabric, metal, or composite — are constantly exposed to UV radiation, rain, wind-borne soiling, biological growth (algae, mildew, and moss), bird droppings, and atmospheric pollutants. Dirty or deteriorated awnings are one of the most visible signs of deferred building maintenance and create a poor first impression for tenants, visitors, and prospective clients. Our awning service includes professional cleaning to remove soiling and biological growth, fabric sealing to restore water repellency and UV protection on canvas and acrylic awnings, and minor surface restoration on metal awning frames and panels. Regular awning maintenance extends the service life of these components and avoids premature replacement.

We service a wide range of commercial awning types, including canvas and acrylic fabric awnings, aluminum and steel metal awnings, retractable awning systems, barrel and dome awnings, canopy structures and entry canopies, and solar shade systems. We also clean and maintain related exterior elements including building signage bands, exterior light fixtures, and decorative architectural canopies. Awning type affects the appropriate cleaning agents and methods, and our technicians are trained to select the right approach for each substrate to avoid damage while achieving thorough cleaning results.

Yes. Remedial caulking and joint sealant maintenance is an important component of building envelope care that we provide for commercial properties. Caulk and sealant joints around windows, curtain wall panels, expansion joints, façade penetrations, and roofline transitions degrade over time due to UV exposure, thermal cycling, and building movement. Failed or deteriorated sealants allow water infiltration that can cause interior water damage, insulation degradation, mold growth, and accelerated deterioration of surrounding materials. We identify failing sealant joints, remove deteriorated material, prepare surfaces properly, and apply commercial-grade sealants appropriate to the joint type, movement requirements, and exposure conditions. Proactive sealant maintenance is a small investment relative to the cost of water intrusion remediation.

Signs that caulk and sealant joints require attention include visible cracking, shrinkage, or separation from the substrate; discoloration or staining of the joint or adjacent material; visible gaps or voids in the sealant line; soft, tacky, or degraded sealant texture; and evidence of water infiltration on interior surfaces near windows, walls, or expansion joints. The Southeast’s climate — with its high humidity, significant rainfall, and pronounced thermal cycling — accelerates sealant degradation compared to more temperate regions. We recommend that commercial building envelopes be inspected for sealant condition on a regular basis, and we can perform this assessment as part of a broader building maintenance review.

Yes. We provide TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roof cleaning for commercial buildings. TPO is one of the most common flat roofing systems on commercial properties, and its white reflective surface is designed to reduce solar heat gain and lower cooling costs. However, biological growth — algae, mold, lichen, and moss — as well as atmospheric soiling and debris accumulation can darken the surface and significantly reduce its reflective performance. A dirty TPO roof absorbs more heat, increases HVAC load, and may void manufacturer warranties if not maintained. Our TPO cleaning service removes biological growth and soiling using appropriate low-pressure washing techniques that clean effectively without damaging the membrane, restoring the roof’s reflective properties and extending its service life.

We offer both. Many of our clients engage us initially for a restoration project — bringing a neglected or damaged surface back to excellent condition — and then transition to a recurring maintenance program to protect that investment going forward. Ongoing maintenance programs are typically more cost-effective than periodic restoration projects because they prevent the accumulation of damage that requires more intensive and expensive intervention. We work with property managers to develop customized maintenance schedules based on surface type, traffic levels, and budget, and we can integrate with your existing vendor management and work order systems.

Yes. We regularly work with property management companies, REITs, and institutional owners managing multi-property portfolios across the Southeast. Our regional footprint spanning North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and eastern Tennessee means we can serve as a consistent, accountable service partner across a portfolio rather than requiring property managers to source and manage local vendors in each market. We offer portfolio-level service agreements, standardized reporting, and a single point of contact for scheduling, billing, and quality management.

The best starting point is a complimentary on-site assessment, during which one of our experienced technicians will evaluate your surfaces, discuss your goals and priorities, and develop a tailored proposal. You can reach us by phone at 844-786-6312, by email at info@statebuildingservices.com, or through the contact form at statebuildingservices.com. We serve clients throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and eastern Tennessee and are available to schedule assessments throughout the region.

Yes. All of our technicians are trained specifically for commercial environments, which present different challenges than residential settings — higher traffic, larger surface areas, occupied buildings, stricter safety and insurance requirements, and greater scrutiny of quality and consistency. State Building Services brings more than 100 years of combined technician experience, and our specialists undergo ongoing training in surface chemistry, equipment operation, product application, and work-site safety. We carry the insurance coverage and certifications appropriate for commercial property work, and we are experienced with the vendor qualification processes that property management companies and institutional owners require.

When evaluating surface restoration vendors, property and facility managers should consider: whether surface care is the company’s core specialty or an ancillary service; the depth and tenure of the technician staff (experienced craftspeople produce consistently better results than high-turnover labor); whether the company has demonstrated experience with your specific surface types and building environment; the company’s insurance coverage and safety protocols for work in occupied commercial buildings; references from comparable commercial properties in your market; and the company’s ability to support multi-property portfolios and provide consistent regional coverage. We welcome detailed conversations about any of these criteria and are happy to provide references from property managers across the Southeast.