Category Archives: Our Services

Owner Articles about Peak Window Cleaning Services.

The Necessity of Gutter Cleaning: Why It’s Essential for Your Home

Gutters are one of the most overlooked yet vital components of a well-maintained home. They quietly perform the crucial task of directing rainwater away from your house, protecting your roof, walls, foundation, and landscaping from water damage. However, when gutters become clogged with pine needles, leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can’t function properly, leading to a host of issues. Regular gutter cleaning is essential to ensure that your home remains safe, functional, and beautiful. 

Here’s why keeping your gutters clean should be a top priority.

1. Prevent Water Damage

The primary function of gutters is to channel rainwater away from your home. When gutters are clogged, water can’t flow freely through the system, causing it to overflow, especially when heavy rain occurs. This can lead to water seeping into your home’s foundation, basement, or crawl spaces, resulting in structural damage and costly repairs. Water that overflows from clogged gutters can also damage your siding, causing rot, mold, and mildew. By cleaning your gutters regularly, you help prevent water from pooling around your home and causing serious issues.

2. Avoid Roof Damage

Clogged gutters can also cause significant damage to your roof. When water can’t drain properly, it can back up onto the roof, leading to leaks and water damage. The excess weight of water and debris in clogged gutters can also cause the gutters themselves to pull away from the roof, damaging the fascia boards and potentially leading to roof leaks. Regular gutter cleaning helps ensure that water flows off your roof as intended, protecting both the roof and the underlying structure.

3. Prevent Ice Dams in Winter

Clogged gutters also contribute to ice dams forming which are a common issue in cold weather climates like ours. Ice dams occur when snow on your roof melts, runs down the roof, and then refreezes at the gutter line. This can cause water to back up under your roof shingles, leading to leaks and water damage inside your home. By cleaning your gutters before winter, you reduce the risk of ice dams forming, protecting your home from potential winter weather damage.

4. Prevent Pest Infestations

Gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, and standing water can become a breeding ground for pests. Insects like carpenter ants are attracted to the moist environment, while rodents and birds may see clogged gutters as an ideal nesting spot. These pests can cause further damage to your home and may even find their way inside. By keeping your gutters clean, you eliminate the conditions that attract pests and reduce the risk of infestations.

5. Extend the Life of Your Gutters

Gutters that are regularly cleaned and maintained will last longer than those that are neglected. When debris accumulates in gutters, it can cause corrosion and damage to the gutter material itself. Additionally, the weight of accumulated debris and standing water can cause gutters to sag or pull away from your home, leading to the need for repairs or replacements. By cleaning your gutters regularly, you help extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

6. Protect Your Landscaping

Overflowing gutters can cause more than just structural damage to your home—they can also damage landscaping. When water spills over the sides of clogged gutters, it can erode soil, damage plants, and cause pooling water in your yard. Clean gutters direct water away from your home and landscaping, helping to preserve the beauty and integrity of your outdoor spaces.

7. Increase Your Home’s Value

Well-maintained gutters are a sign that you take good care of your home, which can increase its value in the eyes of potential buyers. Clean gutters not only protect your home from damage but also improve its curb appeal. A home with clean, functional gutters looks more attractive and is less likely to have underlying water damage issues. Whether you plan to sell your home soon or not, regular gutter cleaning is a simple way to preserve and even increase its value.

Conclusion

Gutter cleaning is an often forgotten home maintenance task until that heavy rain comes and you notice water pouring out in places it shouldn’t. Clean gutters protect your home from water damage, roof damage, ice dams, pest infestations, and landscaping issues, while also extending the life of your gutters and maintaining your home’s value. 

PEAK offers gutter cleaning in spring and fall. Don’t wait until you’re faced with costly repairs—schedule your gutter cleaning today.

Screen Cleaning

The Importance of Clean Window Screens: Enhancing Your View and Home Environment

Windows are often described as the eyes of a house, offering a glimpse into the world outside while allowing natural light to flood indoor spaces. However, the unsung heroes that facilitate this interaction with the outdoors are window screens. These mesh-like barriers serve multiple purposes, from keeping pests out to filtering sunlight and improving air circulation. Yet, despite their critical role, window screens are often neglected when it comes to regular cleaning and maintenance.

Why Clean Window Screens Matter

1. Better Indoor Air Quality

Window screens trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that would otherwise enter your home. Over time, these particles accumulate, reducing the quality of indoor air. Cleaning screens regularly helps prevent the buildup of allergens and pollutants, thereby contributing to a healthier living environment, especially important for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

2. Improved Visibility and Aesthetics

Dirty screens obscure the view from your windows, diminishing the clarity and brightness of natural light. By keeping screens clean, you ensure that your windows provide a clear and unobstructed view of the outdoors, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both your interior and exterior spaces.

3. Prolonged Lifespan of Screens and Windows

Dirt and debris can cause wear and tear on window screens, leading to premature deterioration. Regular cleaning removes debris that could damage the screen material over time, thereby extending their lifespan. Moreover, clean screens help maintain the integrity of your windows by preventing debris from accumulating in window tracks and sills. If the screen is unable to contain the debris, it falls to the tracks and sills, which can affect the functionality of the window. 

4. Energy Efficiency

Clean window screens allow for better airflow and ventilation throughout your home. In warmer months, this promotes natural cooling by facilitating the movement of fresh air indoors. Improved ventilation can also reduce the need for cooling systems, thus contributing to energy conservation and lower utility bills.

5. Prevention of Pest Infestations

Window screens serve as barriers against insects and pests seeking entry into your home. However, if screens are dirty or damaged, they may not effectively deter pests. Regular cleaning and inspection of screens help identify and address any tears or holes that could potentially compromise their function as a protective barrier.

How to Clean Window Screens

Peak Window Cleaning uses several methods to clean screens depending on the size of the screen and how dirty they are. 

Our favorite method of cleaning screens is with our screen cleaner which is a handy tool that connects to a water hose and has bristles that clean the screen when it is brushed back and forth between the bristles. 

If the screen is too large for the screen cleaner, we will use a brush or scrubber to remove debris and spray them off with a hose. 

If screens have been cleaned regularly and are being maintained, we will use a scrubber and a cloth to dry them. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, while window screens may seem inconspicuous, their upkeep plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment. By cleaning your window screens regularly, you not only improve indoor air quality and enhance visibility but also contribute to the longevity of both your windows and screens. This simple maintenance task can have far-reaching benefits, from energy efficiency to pest prevention, making it a worthwhile investment in the overall well-being and aesthetics of your home. So, the next time you admire the view from your window, remember the unsung hero—the clean window screen—that makes it all possible.

Elevate Your Space: The Benefits of High Interior Dusting and Cleaning Services

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, maintaining a clean and healthy living or working environment often takes a backseat. One aspect that is frequently overlooked is high interior dusting and cleaning services. While regular cleaning of low surfaces is essential, the often-neglected areas above eye level can accumulate dust and grime, affecting both the aesthetic appeal and the overall well-being of a space.

But first, what is high cleaning? 

High Cleaning is cleaning surfaces that cannot be reached from the floor without ladders or other special equipment. We usually use one of two methods, ladders and extended reach vacuuming. Ladders, for example, are great for getting up close to a ceiling fan and getting all the areas that a pole wouldn’t. Vacuuming from the ground allows us to easily clean ceilings and beams. 

Why do high cleaning? 

Most surfaces that you can easily reach in your home are usually cleaned or dusted on a regular basis. A vaulted ceiling, beams, fans, ledges and sills, fireplaces, and light fixtures are often inaccessible and are often overlooked, until you see them from a staircase or landing! Dust particles, allergens, and pollutants tend to settle on elevated surfaces over time. High interior dusting targets these hard-to-reach areas, reducing the concentration of airborne particles which can be very detrimental to your air quality. Dust can easily cause respiratory issues and trigger allergies and asthma. Dust mites are also up there and should definitely be considered. We use a commercial grade vacuum with a HEPA filter to contain dust. Where this is not practical, hand dusting is used. Where applicable, drop clothes are used to capture falling dust, such as a dust bunny infested ceiling fan! 

Let’s explore the benefits of high interior dusting and cleaning services and why investing in them can transform your environment.

1. **Improved Indoor Air Quality:**

This not only enhances the air quality but also contributes to a healthier living or working space. Improved air quality can lead to a decrease in respiratory issues and allergies, creating a more comfortable and safe environment for occupants.

2. **Preservation of Aesthetic Appeal:**

Overlooking high surfaces during regular cleaning routines can result in a dull and unkempt appearance. Dust accumulation on light fixtures, ceiling fans, crown molding, and other elevated surfaces can diminish the overall aesthetic of a room. High interior dusting and cleaning services restore the shine and beauty of these often-neglected areas, providing a fresh and well-maintained look to your space.

3. **Extended Lifespan of Fixtures and Furnishings:**

Dust isn’t just an eyesore; it can also damage your fixtures and furnishings over time. The abrasive nature of dust particles can wear down surfaces, leading to premature aging and degradation. By investing in high interior dusting, you’re not just cleaning for appearances but also extending the lifespan of your valuable assets. This preventative measure can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for premature replacements or extensive repairs.

4. **Enhanced Productivity and Well-Being:**

A clean and organized environment has a direct impact on the well-being and productivity of its occupants. High interior dusting and cleaning services create a more pleasant and comfortable space, promoting a positive atmosphere. Reduced allergens and pollutants contribute to the overall health of individuals within the space, fostering a conducive environment for both work and relaxation.

Conclusion:

Investing in high interior dusting and cleaning services is not just about maintaining appearances; it’s about creating a healthier, more comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment. From improving indoor air quality to preserving the longevity of fixtures, the benefits extend far beyond the surface level. Elevate your space by incorporating high interior cleaning into your regular maintenance routine, and experience the transformative impact on both your living and working environments.

Professional cleaning services possess the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to tackle these hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently. Take care of your environment by outsourcing your high interior cleaning needs, you can rest assured that every nook and cranny is addressed, leaving your space pristine and allergen-free.

Try Peak Window Cleaning’s High Cleaning service and have your home clean from top to bottom today!   

The Waterfed Pole System

We love when spring comes and the weather is warm enough to start using our Water Fed Pole (WFP) system again. It is a handy piece of equipment that we have added to our tools and are so glad we did!

Basically this allows us to take your water, purify it, scrub it on and rinse it off with perfect results. Almost too good to be true! The WFP uses 4 filters to achieve pure water. The first filter is the Carbon & Sediment filter. Just like it sounds, this filter takes out the big chunks to prep the water for the next 2 filters. The Reverse Osmosis filter’s job is to remove about 98% of the remaining solids in the water. Finally, the Deionization filter “polishes” the remaining 2% and you have pure water! The water is then checked with a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) gauge and hopefully you get a reading of 0-1 ppm. Most houses with well water read 80-220 ppm and city water usually measures 60-90 ppm. With new filters even my well water, 450 ppm, can be treated. The house with 880 ppm(!) I was not able to improve on much!

Rob using the waterfed pole on a high window

Pure clean water coming out of the waterfed pole. Great on small pane windows.

Now I have clean water and am ready to go. Through a series of hoses, as much as 280′, I pump water. This water is boosted by a electric pump to a small steady stream. The hose is routed through a carbon fiber pole, 35′ or 60′ long to a brush with spray nozzles. Now you simply scrub the glass and rinse it off, leaving spotless windows. Too good to be true? Yes sometimes. We have found wood and vinyl frames will not work with the WFP because oils and other substances will leak out from the frames. Other than that, the pole increases safety by keeping us off ladders and increasing our tallest window cleaning ability and does an excellent spot-free job of cleaning your windows!