Month: April 2020

Spring Clean Like A Pro With My Window Washing

Spring is the time of year when many of us begin to clean out our closets, organize the garage, and generally freshen up our homes. But spring cleaning should not be limited to our home’s interiors, this season, add the exterior of your home to your spring cleaning list. 

The exterior of our homes and other structures on our property can take quite a beating over the long cold winter months. Exposure to snow, ice, and wind can begin to degrade our homes roofing, siding, windows, and decking materials. 

Grime, Molds, And Debris Build Up

The damp and dark conditions can encourage mold and mildew growth that is not only unsightly but possibly harmful to our health. Wind will whip up debris and particles of decaying matter into the cracks and crevices of our windows and siding, increasing the chances of wood rot and damage. 

The Importance Of Spring Cleaning

In order to keep up our home’s curb appeal and make sure it remains structurally sound, we must thoroughly clean the roofing, siding, windows, and other outdoor structures around our home. A good deep cleaning is necessary so that we can easily maintain our home’s exterior throughout the year. 

Start At The Top

Working from the top down is the best way to begin, you don’t want to spend time washing your windows just to have grime from the roofing ruin your work. What you need to use to clean your roof will depend on the materials it is made of. Metal roofing can be power washed, while traditional shingles will need a softer touch. 

Cleaning your roof can be a tricky and dangerous endeavor, which is why it is a good idea to bring in a professional service such as My Window Washing to tackle the job. Professional cleaners have the right tools for the job and the experience necessary to clean your roofing in a safe and efficient manner. 

Power Wash Away All The Buildup

My Window Washing can also take care of any power washing that you may need to clean the exterior of your home. Siding can begin to grow molds and mildews that are unsightly and detrimental to your exterior surfaces. Power washing the exterior of your home, including walkways, driveways, and any decking you may have, is a fast and efficient way to get rid of debris and molds. 

Last But Not Least, Windows

Once the roofing and siding of your home are clean, windows can be washed to bring back their clarity. Pollen, mildew, and grime all build up on the glass of the windows, making them dingey and blocking the natural light. My Window Washing can clean your windows inside and out, making them sparkling and streak-free.

Let The Pro’s Tackle The Job

Don’t let the sunny days ahead shed light on all the dirt and molds your home has gathered over the winter months. Let My Window Washing tackle the exterior of your home so that you will be ready to enjoy the warm months ahead in your clean and comfortable home. 

When Should You Consider a Professional Glass Cleaning Service?

There are more than 2.7 million people living in and around Chicago. Each one of them has a home, which provides shelter and comfort all year round. 

However, to really enjoy your home you need to keep it in good shape. Often people think about home maintenance being about plumbing or roofing repairs. But your windows are equally important.

Keeping them clean and checking them regularly ensures that your home stays light and secure. This is why, when it comes to window and glass cleaning, it is a good idea to consider using a professional service. Want to know more? 

Then you’re in the right place! Read on to find out how a professional cleaning team can help and when you should consider using one to clean your windows. 

When You Need to Save Time on Glass Cleaning

Cleaning your windows thoroughly is an important part of maintaining your home’s exterior. However, this can take a long time, which is not a luxury everyone has.

Rather than spending most of your weekend scrubbing away, a professional team will find it easy to clean windows in less time. This is because they have experience working efficiently and all the right kit. This leads us to our next point.

When You Don’t Have the Right Kit

If you don’t have the right kit for cleaning your windows then you could end up doing more harm than good.

To thoroughly clean your windows and the exterior of your property you really need to use a pressure washer. Without this, you won’t get into all the nooks and crannies of your windows. The job will also take a lot longer.

As well as asking “what is glass cleaner made of?” you also need to ask “what are my windows made of?” This is because using the wrong cleaning agents on your windows could lead to damage.

If you have leaded glass or stained glass in your windows then using a window cleaner with an ammonia base can cause irreversible damage. This can result in clouding which means your home will get less light than before. 

Safety when cleaning windows is also key. Ground floor windows are easy to reach but once your home has more than one floor it’s important that you use the proper equipment to stay safe. For example, secure ladders or window washers on telescope poles can be used to reach high up windows.

Getting kitted out with all of the right equipment to clean your windows can be an expensive business. Fortunately, a professional team will have all of their own kits so you can save a lot of money and make sure your windows get a proper clean.

When You Need to Identify a Problem

Cleaning your windows is only one part of the job that a professional cleaner will carry out for you. They will also be able to spot any specific problems with your windows that need addressing.

This does not just involve giving you glass cleaning tips. Other problems that can occur with your windows include: 

  • Sashes that have been painted shut 
  • Window screens that do not fit properly
  • Rotting window sills
  • Clogged window channels

The sooner you identify these problems, the quicker it will be to fix them. This could save you a lot of money on future repairs. 

However, money isn’t the only thing it could save. In an emergency such as a fire, your windows are a vital way for you to get out of your home. If they were jammed shut or not working properly this could become a serious problem very quickly.

A professional window cleaner will also be able to identify the specific cause of a problem. This means that they can treat it so that it doesn’t happen again.

For example, if your windows are fitted using a cheap mulch, they can be prone to something called shotgun fungus. This creates black spores and can lead to spots on your windows. Rather than just cleaning up the spores, a professional cleaner will be able to replace your mulch to stop the problem from coming back.

When You Want to Extend the Life of Your Windows

Your windows see a lot of wear and tear during their time. Most windows should last between 15 and 20 years. However, with proper maintenance, your window could last well beyond the 20-year mark. 

Cleaning your windows isn’t the only thing you need to do to maintain them properly. You also need to check for chips or cracks.

These can occur with time or as a result of something hitting a window. If you leave aluminum screens over your windows for long periods of time this can also lead to a build-up of deposits on them. These make a crack much more likely. 

Luckily a crack or a chip is not impossible to repair and you don’t have to replace the whole window. A professional will be able to treat the window with muriatic acid to store the class.

This means that your windows will stand the test of time. It also means that you won’t lose heat from your house through your windows and it’s a lot cheaper than a full window replacement. In the long run, this could save you thousands of dollars!

Get Help Today! 

If you want to make maintaining your windows easy or have a specific problem, a professional glass cleaning company is exactly what you need. They will do everything to ensure that your windows stay secure and stand the test of time.

To book your appointment with a professional window cleaner, get in touch today. We’re here to help!

7 Important Benefits of House Pressure Washing (And the Ugly Consequences If You Don’t)

A mold-covered, mildewy home is far less likely to sell than a pristine, freshly-painted one. Yet, climbing onto a ladder to scrub hard-to-reach places is no homeowner’s idea of a relaxing weekend. Fortunately, the extended reach and spray of a pressure washer can blast away dirt and grime. This leaves you with a squeaky-clean home that’s bound to impress potential buyers.

House pressure washing isn’t a complicated process. And, it’s one of the most environmentally-conscious ways of cleaning a home’s exterior. Residents can enjoy improved health after pressure washing their homes. They can also enjoy increased property values. Keep reading to discover some of the most astounding benefits of an outside house cleaning.

Benefits of House Pressure Washing

There are several reasons why homeowners should consider pressure washing their home. A lack of experience or confidence with pressure washing is no excuse to not try it. A professional pressure washing service can offer expert advice. They can also offer help to get the job done.

1. Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetic appeal, also known as curb appeal, refers to the first impression a property makes on potential buyers. A modern, well-maintained home can struggle to compete in the market if it does not look appealing from the outside. Most potential buyers have a well-formed judgment of a property before even touring the place.

So, looks do matter when it comes to real estate. A home covered in moss, dirt, mold, and vegetation isn’t going to appeal to the majority of buyers. Yet, it can be difficult for homeowners to spruce up their property without professional help. This is especially true of elderly residents and those who live in multi-story dwellings.

That’s why a professional pressure washing service may be the key to charming new potential tenants. It can remove all traces of gunk from sidings, brickwork, gutters, and rooftops.

2. Increased Property Value

A gorgeous, well-maintained property is bound to enjoy a sizeable valuation. Prospective sellers should familiarize themselves with things appraisers look for. The very first thing an appraiser will take note of when visiting a property is the curb appeal.

While there are several other factors to consider, curb appeal does tend to hold a massive amount of sway when attracting buyers. And the more in-demand a property is, the higher its market value. A thorough pressure washing could help a home to sell immediately. It is amazing how much a quick exterior cleaning can increase a home’s value.

3. Preventative Maintenance

The cost of pressure washing a house is far less than the costs associated with not pressure washing. Poor exterior maintenance can lead to significant structural issues. It can also lead to dangerous health complications and pricey home repairs. 

The average cost for house pressure washing is about $200 to $400. Compare this to the $12,000 some homeowners spend to repair foundational damage caused by years of neglect. Preventative maintenance starts with regular professional pressure washing. And it ends with a beautiful, safe, and high-valued home.

4. A Real Time-Saver

Climbing up and down a ladder is not only dangerous, but it can also be exhausting. When attempting to tackle the entire exterior of your home, a bucket of soapy suds and a sponge isn’t going to be the quickest method. A pressure washer, on the other hand, can make short work of stubborn grime, dirt, and stains.

Time is a precious commodity, and hardly any homeowner enjoys spending their free time scrubbing the siding of their house. Fortunately, an experienced pressure washer service can clean most homes a matter of a few short hours.

5. Improved Household Health

Mold and mildew are unsightly nuisances, but they can also pose significant health risks. Black mold, in particular, is known to cause respiratory illness and distress, asthma, lethargy, depression, and confusion. Residents with pre-existing conditions are most prone to developing severe side-effects after prolonged exposure to household mold.

By pressure washing the outside of your home, you can provide a healthier, safer place for you and your family. A clean, well-maintained yard and exterior is a fantastic way of reducing household allergens and persistent sinus issues.

6. An Eco-Friendly Option

Rather than resorting to strong chemicals and powerful poisons, pressure washing only involves water. There’s no harmful run-off created by pressure washing a home’s siding, roof, or entryway, making it one of the most eco-friendly cleaning options available.

Beautiful, lush lawns and landscapes easily fall prey to pesticides and cleaning chemicals, so taking the opportunity to exclude them can make all the difference in your property’s curb appeal.

7. Perfect for Painting

If your home needs a new coat of paint, it’s a good idea to start things off with a substantial, professional pressure washing. A clean, dirt-free exterior is perfectly primed for painting! You may even be able to save a little money on paint, as you’ll likely need fewer coats to get the job done.

Find the Right House Wash Solution for You

You can pressure wash sidings, walkways, and rooftops in a jiffy with a little know-how and help. The rewards that homeowners can reap from a freshly pressure washed house are numerous. Fewer costly longterm repairs, higher property values, improved resident health, and less time spent cleaning are only a handful of the benefits of house pressure washing.

Pressure washing alone can be dangerous and can potentially result in damage to your home. We’re ready to help. If you’re interested in hiring a reliable, professional power washing service, please contact us right away!

Spring Cleaning Tips For Home Exteriors

Spring is a time of renewal, with the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight, homeowners emerge from their winter dens to survey their kingdoms. Our home’s exteriors and other outdoor structures tell the story of the long cold months with their layers of grime and molds that enjoyed the time in the dark, cold months. 

With the longer days and gleaming sunlight, we are able to see all the work that is needed to get our homes in shape for the warmer months ahead. The task can be at first overwhelming as our landscapes are browned, and the pollen has blanketed everything in sight. But tackling a few key areas of our home’s exterior will have your property looking good as new in no time. 

Free Your Home’s Gutters From Debris

Begin by cleaning out your home’s gutters. This may seem like an unnecessary job at first, as the gutters are rarely noticed. However, over the winter months, our gutters can get clogged and filled with dead leaves and other debris that can rot and mold, causing water flow to be restricted. 

As spring brings with it more rain, the gutters can overflow, detach from the home, and even cause leaks into roofing and basements if they are not directing water away from the home appropriately. Thoroughly cleaning and checking your gutter system for damage will ensure that your home is protected from water damage caused by blocked or broken gutters. 

Clean And Check Windows

This is also a good time to check the windows and doorways of your home, making sure to look for debris, molds, and mildew that may have collected. Windows can be compromised if dirt has built up around their seals, leading to water leaks and rotting wood. Properly cleaning your windows and doors can keep them in proper working conditions as well as ensuring that your home remains properly sealed from the outside elements. 

When cleaning your windows, it is important to remember that the seals can be broken by pressure washers and other tools that can loosen objects. However, pressure washers are necessary in order to properly clean your home’s siding and walkways and decks around your home. 

Let The Professionals Help

My Window Washing can take care of your home’s exterior spring cleaning needs and keep you off of ladders and in the sunshine. With extensive experience and professional service, My Window Washing can clean your gutters, wash your windows, and pressure wash exterior surfaces as needed in order to have your home sparkling clean and damage-free. 
This spring, don’t let your home go in disrepair, contact My Window Washing and find out how they can best serve your needs.