News & FYI

FYI Section

Cleaning your windows in the winter offers several benefits that make it worth the effort, even in the colder months. Clean windows allow more natural light to enter your home, which is especially important during winter's shorter days. The added sunlight not only brightens your space but also provides a small amount of extra warmth, helping to make the interior more comfortable and improving mood, especially if you experience seasonal effects from the lack of sunlight. Winter cleaning helps improve your windows insulation efficiency. Dirt and salt buildup can trap moisture that, in freezing conditions, may damage seals and affect insulation, leading to cold drafts. By keeping windows clean, you can help maintain their insulation properties, reducing the strain on your heating system. Regular cleaning also prevents long-term damage from the harsher winter elements, such as snow, ice, and road salt, which can etch into glass or harm frames over time if left to build up. Beyond practicality, clean windows enhance your view of winter’s scenery, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes without obstructions. Finally, keeping windows clean in winter can improve indoor air quality by removing dust and allergens that may cling to the glass. Although winter window cleaning requires a bit more care, like using anti-freeze solutions to prevent freezing, it’s well worth the effort for the benefits to comfort, efficiency, and cleanliness.

To determine if a winter day is suitable for window cleaning, we’d start by checking the weather forecast for specific conditions. Ideal days are temperatures at or above freezing (32°F or 0°C) to prevent cleaning solutions from freezing on the glass. Next, we’d assess wind speed, as high winds can make cleaning uncomfortable and may lead to quicker evaporation of the cleaning solution, causing streaks. Gentle breezes or no wind at all are best. If snow or ice is present around the windows, clearing this beforehand is essential to ensure safe access and stable footing. Finally, we’d plan the timing: late morning or early afternoon, when temperatures are typically at their highest, is ideal. Following this checklist for weather and timing allows us to select days that optimize cleaning efficiency and safety.

Yes we do!

We can still clean windows effectively in light rain thanks to the specialized cleaning solutions we use, which are designed to work even in damp conditions. These products often contain surfactants that help break down dirt and grime on the glass and prevent streaking, even if there’s light moisture. Light rain can actually help by softening dirt, making it easier to remove without leaving residue behind. However, we avoid heavy rain because it can wash away cleaning solutions before they have a chance to work and may dilute them, reducing effectiveness. Heavy rain can also cause water spots or streaking, undoing the results of a good cleaning. In contrast, light rain allows us to clean effectively without disrupting the quality of our work. We offer a 3 day rain warranty for your comfort. We'll come back and touch any windows up that seemed to have been affected by rain.

A blown window seal occurs when the seal around a double- or triple-pane window fails, allowing air and moisture to enter the space between the panes. Normally, these window panes are sealed with insulating gas (like argon or krypton) that helps improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer. When the seal breaks—often due to aging, temperature fluctuations, or physical damage—the gas escapes, and outside air and moisture can get in. This causes condensation or fogging between the panes, creating a cloudy appearance that can’t be wiped away from either side. A blown seal reduces the window's insulating properties, making it less energy-efficient and potentially leading to higher heating or cooling costs. Repairing or replacing the affected window is often the best way to restore its appearance and efficiency. Unfortunately we can not fix this issue, we can only detect it. If you have a blown seal, we recommend contacting a window installing company.

Hard water spots on glass are stubborn, white or cloudy-looking spots caused by mineral deposits left behind after water evaporates. These spots form when water with high mineral content—like calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved minerals—dries on the surface. Over time, these deposits build up and can become difficult to remove, especially on windows or glass exposed to regular water contact, like sprinklers, rain, or condensation. Hard water spots not only affect the glass's appearance by making it look dull and dirty, but they can also etch into the surface if left untreated, causing permanent damage. Removing these spots usually requires a specific cleaner or a gentle abrasive to dissolve the mineral deposits without scratching the glass. Unfortunately, some hard water spots can become impossible to remove if they’ve been left on the glass for an extended period. This etching happens when minerals bond with the glass on a molecular level, gradually creating microscopic pits or rough patches that no cleaner can fully remove. Regular cleaning and prompt removal of hard water spots can help prevent this kind of permanent damage.

Low-E (low-emissivity) coating failure in a window refers to the breakdown or damage of a special, ultra-thin metallic coating applied to the glass to improve its insulation. This coating reflects infrared (heat) energy while allowing natural light to pass through, helping to regulate indoor temperatures by keeping heat inside during winter and outside during summer. When Low-E coating fails, it can lead to visual issues like a hazy or discolored appearance on the glass, reducing the window’s clarity and aesthetic appeal. More importantly, the window loses some of its insulating effectiveness, leading to decreased energy efficiency and potential increases in heating and cooling costs. Low-E coating failure can result from poor installation, manufacturing defects, or damage over time due to harsh weather or cleaning with abrasive materials. In such cases, replacing the glass or window is often necessary to restore energy efficiency and appearance. Unfortunately, professional window cleaning cannot solve this issue as residential windows Low-E coatings are applied to the inside surfaces of the glass panes. We can only detect it. The damaged window glass usually needs to be replaced, as the coating can't be repaired. If the frame is also damaged, replacing the entire window may be necessary. It’s best to contact a window instillation company for proper installation and to maintain energy efficiency.