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Residential Window Cleaning, Commercial Window Cleaning | Squeegee Squad

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Why Is Window Cleaning Important?

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Choosing the right windows can add value and style to your home but keeping windows clean can give you even more than just beautiful aesthetics.

Window Cleaning is a Part of Window Maintenance

Keeping the window sliding tracks debris-free and the hinges free of grime and dirt can help you make sure the windows are working correctly. Over time, this will also prevent window damage and you will have a fully functioning window system that is less likely to break down.

Window Cleaning Helps Protect Indoor Air Quality

The most common grime on windows is water spots and fingerprints but your windows can also be prone to a smoke film building from cooking, smoking, using the fireplace in the home, and burning candles. This buildup could also be affecting your health. A cleaner window can help the air in the home stay fresh and also prevent mold growth. A clean window screen can help keep the air flowing in cleaner too.

Window Cleaning Assists in  Allergen Reduction

All the debris and dirt you see on your windowsill is just a fraction of the allergens you have in your home. Dander, pollen, hair, and dust are gathering on the windowsill and outside the home and can make your family sick. You can greatly reduce the impact of the allergens by having windows cleaned.

Window Cleaning Helps With Spider Control

Spiders are inhabitants of windows due to the privacy and the ready meals they are able to capture when files and insects climb on the window screens. The spiders create webs in the corners and underneath the windowsills. The webs are not only unsightly but can also be a potential biting hazard when spiders are disturbed. You can keep spiders from building nests and prevent any potential bites by having windows cleaned on a regular basis.

Window Cleaning and Mold Prevention

Mold likes a dark, warm place and the condensation on the windows is the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Mold may be undetectable in the windows since it thrives between the casing on the inner part of the window and the glass. You may notice if there is mold by seeing dark brown or black stains on the windows. Mold can cause respiratory infections and make allergies worse. Using a window cleaning service can help you get rid of the mold and professionals will show you how to keep windows dry to prevent any re-infestation.

Window Cleaning Improves Window Aesthetics

The beauty you see from the outside of the home and the sights you get to see from inside the home are affected by whether or not the windows are clean. Ensuring the windows are clear will help enhance the distinctive design of the home and leave a better impression on guests.

Window Cleaning Lets in More Light

How clean a window is will determine how much light can filter into the room. If the window glass isn’t clean then less light is able to come into the room and the home appears dingy and dark. Keeping windows free of dirt particles, oxidation, hard water, and smoke film buildup helps make sure that you can let the most amount of light into the home. The natural light that comes in can impact your mood, as well as your productivity. It also makes rooms appear more inviting and spacious. The appearance of bigger and more open spaces will leave you and your guests feeling inspired and relaxed. If you are selling your home then clean windows can help increase your home’s value.

Window Cleaning Helps to Protect Efficiency of Windows

Keeping windows clean can help keep the Low-E coatings and the Low-E insulation functioning as it’s supposed to. Dirt particles can lower the home’s heating efficiency. The dirtier your windows are, the less sun can penetrate and warm the home. Oxidation and weathering that occurs around the frames can ruin the window seals and cause fogging air leaks, and condensation. This can have a negative impact on energy bills and cause mold issues. Dead bugs can also collect in the windowsills over time and prevent proper closing.

Windows are an investment and just like with any other investment, you get out of it what you put into it. Window cleaning should be on your home maintenance to-do list so that you can protect your investment and keep your windows functional for as long as possible.

Why Hire A Professional Window Cleaner?

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There is nothing like having clean windows on your home or office. They are much nicer to look through when you are on the inside. Clean windows also improve the appeal of your building from the outside. You may think that cleaning windows is a pretty simple task and something you can do yourself. There are some things you should just not do on your own, cleaning your windows might be one of those items where it is smarter to hire a professional window cleaner. Keep reading to find out the top reasons why you should hire a professional to clean your windows. 

Window Cleaning is Labor Intensive

Typically, by the time you get around to cleaning your windows, it is long overdue. You have to lug a ladder around your house and climb up and down the ladder with a bucket and a squeegee. Believe it or not, there is a skill required to clean a window without leaving streaks behind. Let the professionals do it before you end up cleaning the same window five times to get it clean.

Window Cleaning Is Time Consuming –

Climbing up and down a ladder and moving it from window to window takes a lot of time. This does not include the number of times you have to try to clean the same window. It is literally an all-day job that often ends in sub-par results if you try to DIY. 

Window Cleaning poses Inherent Risks

Did I mention the ladder? No matter how high your windows are, most likely you are going to need a ladder to reach the top. Climbing a ladder, especially with equipment, can be dangerous. The higher your windows, the more dangerous it becomes. The last thing you need is to fall off the ladder and break a bone. 

Window Cleaning Requires Specialized Equipment 

You likely do not have the right equipment to complete the job properly. You may not have the correct cleaner for your glass or a ladder that reaches high enough. You may not have access to long poles to spray your high windows. Do not guess if you are using the right items, contact a professional. A professional will bring all of the essential tools for window cleaning with them. 

Window Cleaning Specialty Glass and Unique Windows 

Special glass needs special treatment. Whether you have stained glass or glass that is tinted, colored or painted, you need professionals to clean it properly. When this type of glass is cleaned properly, it lasts longer and looks much better. If you want your specialty glass to last for as long as possible, have a profession window cleaner care for it. 

Window Cleaning May Lead to a Longer Window Life

When you have your windows cleaned, they will last longer. Screens tend to deteriorate over time and they leave deposits on your glass. These deposits can weaken the window glass and crack and chip them. When you have your windows cleaned by a professional, you are removing harmful materials that could weaken the structure of the glass.  

Window Cleaning Pros Know Not All Windows Are The Same 

You thought it would be a great idea to get special double-hung windows on your house when you bought it. You love the way they look. However, cleaning them is a bear. You have to make sure that you open them to the right way to get them completely clean. Window cleaning professionals know exactly how to clean each type of window.

Window Cleaning Calls for Special Cleaners  

If you have lead or copper windows, you must use a special non-toxic cleaner to clean the glass, but not destroy the frame. You may not even realize your windows have a special material. Another reason why you should hire a professional window cleaner to handle the job for you.  

How Much Does It Cost to Get House Windows Cleaned?

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No one wants to spend their time washing windows. If your home is two stories or taller, it can make getting to the windows even harder and dangerous. This is why it’s a good idea to hire a professional window cleaner but you may be worried about the price.

The average cost to hire a professional window cleaner is between $150 to $350. Most homeowners spend about $250 for a full house cleaning. Window prices can range from $10 to $15 per window or $4 to $8 per pane. If a window cleaner charges by the hour, the math will work out to be about the same, unless it’s a large home. If windows are on the third or fourth floor then it adds about $3 to $5 per window. Window washers charge based on the number of panes, number of windows, the size of the windows, the number of stories in the home, and the presence of any window screens. Prices can also be calculated based on the current amount of dirt and if you are signing up for a rotating service or one-time cleaning.

How to Price Window Cleaning

Count the number of windows or panes you have in the house. Each type of window has a different price and your professional at Squeegee Squad will have a price list. Larger or complex windows, such as bay windows, will cost more than other smaller windows. For any glass doors, each door is considered one piece. Add in the average cost of $10 to $15 per window and the callout fee of between $45 and $85. Calculate the price and this gives you an estimate.

The most common type of window is the sliding double pane window, which costs an average of $4 per pane of glass to clean. Some windows have many sections that are separated by trim and will cost more than a similar-sized window that doesn’t have any trim. The trim makes cleaning more difficult, making these cost more.

Extra Window Cleaning Costs

Difficult access or dangerous heights can add extra charges to the cost of cleaning.

Accessibility: If you live in a multi-story home then you may expect to pay more for anything above the first level. You may be charged by the hour since it takes more time to access the second-story windows.

Screen Cleaning: Screen cleaning is an average of $4.95 extra per screen. In hotter climates, homes that have solar screens may require specialized cleaning methods, which will take longer. These are charged at $10 per screen. If you prefer not to have your screens cleaned and want to do it yourself, you can skip this service.

Sliding Glass Doors: Sliding glass doors are priced per door or pane and cost between $2.50 and $8. A sliding glass door is meant to let in a lot of light and cleaning it will allow for even more light to come into the home. You can be surprised at the amount of light blocked by finger smudges and dust.

French Doors: French doors average $6 for half doors and $13 for a full door.

Tracks and Sills: Window tracks and sills are included in many cleaning prices but if they are not included, it can cost between $.05 and $5. The amount varies depending on how difficult they are to clean and access. If the tracks and sills are from older windows or made from wood then it generally costs more since they need special care.

Stain or Paint Removal: Stain and paint removal costs the same as the costs for that sized window. If it’s a single pane of a larger window then it is priced for that pane. If it’s a glass door or large window that has paint on the edge then it is the full price of cleaning the door or window.

Removing Mineral Deposits: Removing mineral deposits can range from $10 to $30, depending on the seriousness of the stain and the window size. Hard water stain removal can be one of the services needed.

Dust: Any dusting that needs to be done beforehand, such as wiping a window down, will be an extra $1. Cleaning the glass with solvent can be done for an additional price. 

The Difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing

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You want to clean your house and deck, but you are not sure if you need to power wash it or pressure wash it. It is easy to think they are the same thing because you often hear them used interchangeable. Power washing and pressure washing are incredibly similar, but not quite the same. They both clean a wide range of surfaces and objects. However, the way they clean them is different. While many use the terms interchangeably because they do not understand that subtle differences between the two, it is not accurate to do so.

What Is Power Washing?

Power washing is when you use hot water at a steady flow to deliver a powerful stream of water to the surface you are cleaning. The water temperature is what dictates if something is being power washed. It is the temperature and flow of the water that indicate power washing. A power washer has a thermostat on it to gauge the temperature of the water. The high pressure and high temperature combined allow you to remove items from the surface that might not otherwise come off. A good example of this is gum stuck to the sidewalk. Power washing removes mildew, mold, and moss. It may even help you kill weeds. Power washing works best when you are dealing with a large surface area or there is a large amount of stuck-on grime that you want to remove. It can literally blast away all kinds of dirt and grime. It can even remove grease stains from your driveway or garage floor. 

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing, on the other hand, only depends on the force of the water. The temperature of the water really does not matter. Pressure washers do not typically have a feature that heats the water. Pressure washing cleans decks, patios, walkways, brick, and concrete. It works best when there is no mold or mildew. It can clean quickly and efficiently as long as there is not baked on grime. 

The difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing

The major difference between the two is the temperature of the water. The water in a pressure washer is going to be the same temperature coming out as it was going in. Whatever the temperature is of the water you use, it remains that way. Power washing heats up the water you put in it so that it is a higher temperature and a lot of pressure. As a result, a power washer is better able to remove heavy-duty stains and mold. A pressure washer is not great at removing those types of stains. 

Which One Should I Choose?

It really depends on your specific needs, but for general household use, most likely all you need is a good pressure wash. It is not as harsh on surfaces, which makes it the best option for brick, concrete, and masonry. You can also pressure wash your deck to give it a quick clean up. 

When you have a bigger job, such as an extra-large driveway or patio, you might want to consider power washing. If you have a business, you also might want to consider power washing. You can finish the work quicker when you power wash because the heated water loosens up the dirt better. You have to be careful when using a power washer because the temperature is hot and it is coming out with a lot of force. You can damage softer surfaces with a power washer. When using a power washer, you should contain it to concrete or other hard surfaces. When in doubt, you should always call a professional to handle the job for you. 

What do Professional Window Cleaners Use?

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When you hire professional window cleaners, you know that you are getting a quality job on all of your windows and that they take pride in their work and won’t cut corners. It also saves you a great amount of time and expense because they bring all of their specialized tools and cleaning solutions to your location. The professionals also have the safety risks under control, so you don’t need to worry about that issue either.

Professional Window Cleaning Equipment

Professional and experienced window cleaning companies invest quite a bit of money in tools and supplies. Some of the more common items include a ladder that can reach up to the top of a two to three-story house to enable them to clean your highest windows as well as the lower windows. They generally have several other specialized window cleaning tools, such as a square bucket that the other hand equipment can easily fit it. They normally have a long extendable pole that they can adjust the length on to reach different window heights. Several items fit on the long pole, but they can also fit on a shorter handle for cleaning the lower level windows. Attachments can include scrub brushes with soft bristles that won’t scratch glass, microfiber cleaning cloths and plush T-bar window cleaning cloths that fit on ahead and screw to the handles. They may also have tools for windows with many small panes in them that are smaller and usually round in shape instead of the average rectangular shape. Professional window cleaners usually carry a supply bucket of large disposable cloths to wipe your windows dry made in a specialized cloth that doesn’t leave streaks or lint on your windows. An alternative to this is the squeegee. Some professional window cleaners will enlist the help of a water-fed pole where water runs through a long pole and exits out the center of a brush to clean tall windows.

Professional Grade Cleaning Solutions

Professional window cleaners use an assortment of concentrates for cleaning windows that usually can only be purchased by a licensed company. Some cleaners work better on different types of dirt, debris and other items on window panes including bird droppings, salt from seawater nearby and pollen as well as mold and mildew. These products are diluted with water before they use them and in some cases, they will let the solution sit on a window and soak it with any type of tough stain on it and then come back to the window in a few minutes to finish cleaning it.

What is The Process of Window Cleaning?

Professionals follow an exact process to clean your windows so that the results are clear and pristine with no streaks or smudges when they are done. They always start cleaning from the top windows to direct the dirt and debris to a lower window in the process. The first part they clean is the top of the window frame where debris may be hiding and then they move on to the glass on that particular window. Stubborn stains are soaked and in the worst of cases, they may need to carefully use a scraper or an abrasive pad to remove the entire stain with care so as not to scratch your window. Each window is scrubbed thoroughly at least twice to remove all the dirt and debris. Then the window needs to be rinsed thoroughly either with fresh water and a brush or by turning the water jets on their water fed pole on to supply fresh and clean rinse water to rinse the entire surface from top to bottom. The last step in window cleaning is to clean the window sill with a special sill brush and rinse it. If the company dries your windows, they will use the special clothes that are lint-free so as not to leave any streaks or water spots on your newly cleaned windows. If they do not use drying cloths, they will squeegee the windows dry.

Hiring a professional to clean your windows saves you a lot of time and money that you would need to spend on equipment and solutions to do the job yourself. The employees will also have safety training so you don’t need to worry about safety issues on your property.

Can You Power Wash In the Rain?

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Having set up to rent a power washer or hire a service, the day arrives and you are greeted by a sky that looks threatening. The dark, heavy clouds let you know it is going to rain at any minute. Should you cancel the power washing? The answer is both yes and no, depending on some other factors.

Power Wash Your Own Home In The Rain

If you are the one doing the power washing, you can still do it if you take a few safety precautions.

  • You will want to make sure no part of your equipment is spent in standing water. If you can actually keep the equipment engine dry during the entire process, then it is safer.
  • You will want to check out the age of your equipment. Any that have been made within the past fifteen years should have a UL sticker on it. This sticker means that the product has been tested by an international organization that makes it its duty to check on the safety of the equipment. The sticker will tell you if your particular pressure washing equipment is considered safe to use in the rain.
  • When it comes to gas versus electric, you will need to use more caution with the electric version. There is less chance of electrocution with gas models.
  • How much rain are we talking about? If it is raining lightly, with no sign of thunder or lightning, you are fairly safe. If it is pouring, you may want to consider another day. If there are thunder and lightning, definitely put the job off.
  • How familiar are you with your equipment and how it runs? For someone who has never used such equipment before, it is better to wait for a clear day because there are many safety factors you need to have in place. In this case, you may want to wait until you can hire a professional or you have an excellent weather day. If you have done this before, know the safety precautions, and know your equipment well, then a little rain doesn’t have to stop you.

Why Power Wash Professionals Prefer A Cloudy Day

Professional power washers spend months and months training for the job. Working with electrical equipment and ever-changing weather, they need to be prepared for all types of conditions. Their very lives may depend on it. That said, many professional power washers prefer a cloudy day, even one with very light rain. Here is why:

1. The detergent tends to dry very quickly on bright, sunny days. Considering that the detergent needs to be wet in order to rinse completely, this drying can be annoying and create more work. A slight sprinkle can slow down the drying process.

2. A bright sun creates conditions for glaring. When the sky is overcast, the professional can see where there needs to be more work. He can see the places that may have been initially missed or need additional attention, and he can see where more rinsing is required.

Note: Even a professional with years of experience will avoid heavy downpours and thunder and lightning. No amount of training is worth the risk in that type of weather!

Power Washing Final Thoughts

Power washing is possible in the rain. Don’t just jump into it, however. Safety precautions need to be taken, the equipment you use needs to be maintained in a certain manner and approved for use in the rain, and you need to know how to keep yourself safe throughout the process. Doing this in the rain is not recommended for those new to power washing.

Can You Power Wash a House in the Winter?

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Most people love the look of their home after it’s freshly power washed. It looks so shiny and new again! Plus, it’s pretty satisfying to watch all that dirt, grime, and build up just fall away and wash down into the street gutter. But many homeowners also wonder if we can power wash their house in the winter. Whether you’ve procrastinated the task, or were gone all summer and didn’t have time to schedule it, you can still power wash a house in the winter. However, there are some restrictions to this. Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider before you schedule your winter power washing.

Power Washing Is Different Depending Where You Live

To an extent, yes. It’s not the best idea to power wash when the outside temperature is below 40 degrees. Cold temps like this can damage our pumps, cause the water to freeze as we spray it onto your home, put our employees at risk of hypothermia, and just makes for less effective cleaning, in general. For these reasons, we typically do not power wash home in the winter if the temperatures get below 40 degrees. This means most northern climates are a no-go for a good chunk of time in the winter, typically December through March, depending on the area.

However, we have locations all across the country so warmer climates that rarely reach temperatures below 40 are typically okay to receive power washing year-round. Our locations in warm climates such as Texas and Florida stay busy keeping people’s homes looking fresh and clean no matter what time of year it is.

What are the best times to power wash?

As mentioned above, we typically can’t power wash your home if the temperature is too cold. That being said, the day may start at 20 degrees but warm up to 45 by the afternoon. In these cases, we can schedule your home’s power washing for later in the day when it’s warmer outside. As you may be able to guess, this limits the number of properties we can visit in a single day, so please be aware of this when calling to schedule your home’s power washing service.

However, if you live in a warm part of the country, we might not have as much restriction as to when we can come to visit your home for cleaning. If you prefer to have the work completed first thing in the morning, we can usually accommodate this.

Can you power wash in the rain?

In some areas, winter doesn’t mean cold and snow, but it means lots of rain. Because of this, we’re often asked if we can power wash a home, not just in the winter, but in the rain. The quick answer is yes, we can. The longer answer is that it depends on the conditions. If it’s a light sprinkle for just a few hours in the afternoon, or if it’s an all-out downpour. As you can imagine, a few sprinkles are fine but a thunderstorm will not allow us to work safely and effectively. If we wake up and expect to see rain on the day of your appointment, we’ll let you know if we plan to arrive as scheduled, postponed for later in the day when the rain has died down, or reschedule the appointment altogether. We do our best to work in all conditions but Mother Nature sometimes has different plans for us!

Depending on where you live and what time of year it is, we may be able to power wash your home in the winter. Find your nearest Squeegee Squad location and send us an email or give us a call. We’ll be able to determine if the weather will allow us to come out and power wash your house, or if we need to postpone and schedule it for the spring or summer season. We can also take care of your window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and other household tasks! Just let us know what you’re looking for and we can accommodate!