For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. All home or business owners understand the need for basic maintenance to maintain and protect their investment. It’s also true that many people view window cleaning as more of a luxury than a necessity. The simple fact is that the windows in any home or office can only take a certain amount of neglect before they are no longer cleaned. While professional window cleaning may not be cheap, it makes a lot of sense when you understand that your other options are “window restoration jobs” or “replacement” of damaged glass that can cost thousands of dollars. Let me explain how this works.
Depending on the state your home or office is in will determine how often you need to clean your windows. Each state has its own weather and debris that affects windows. I live and work in Santa Cruz CA. which has moderate temperatures but lots of debris. The most damaging hazard of all that exists in almost every state is what is called “hard water stains.” Hard water stains occur when windows are subjected to normal water from hoses, garden sprinklers, and/or runoff hitting the glass. This water has mineral deposits that, when allowed to dry on the window, will stain and even etch the glass. Add direct sunlight to this equation and the damage happens faster and faster. A great example of what this looks like would be to consider shower windows or shower doors if they are glass. They start to look fuzzy, but eventually they won’t clear up without chemicals and a power buffer. This is called “window restoration work” and can be very expensive. If the windows are etched, they may need to be replaced.
Some tips to help prevent “hard water stains” from damaging your windows include avoiding watering your windows when you water your outdoor plants and flowers. If you have sprinklers installed, make sure they are positioned so they don’t spray your windows. And finally, make sure your rain gutters aren’t clogged or leaking causing water to run down the side of your house and out your windows. These simple steps have been proven to save windows over time. In case hard water stains have already appeared, and hiring a professional window cleaner is not an option, you can purchase a variety of hard water stain removers at any major window cleaning supply store, such as http: //jracenstein.com or http://windows101.com.
The good news is that all of this can be avoided, and for some, you can start with this very article. Having been a full time professional window cleaner in Santa Cruz CA. Since 1999, I know for a fact that cleaning your windows even once a year can not only increase the light in your home, lower your heating bill by letting in more heat, but also protect your windows from hard water stains. It’s also true that as your windows are cleaned regularly, even hard water stains from the past will begin to break down.
