Tag Archives: Evergreen

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.

How to Stay Safe When Wildfires and Smoke Are in Your Area

As wildfires become increasingly common and intense, knowing how to protect yourself and your family from their effects is crucial. Whether you live in a wildfire-prone area or are facing smoke from a distant blaze, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in your safety and health. Here’s some suggestions on how to stay safe when wildfires and smoke are in your area.

Understand the Risks

  1. Direct threat: Wildfires can rapidly spread and pose a direct threat to homes and lives.
  2. Air Quality: Wildfires produce significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter that can severely impact air quality.
  3. Health Effects from Smoke: Smoke from wildfires contains harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter that can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs.

Prepare Your Home

  1. Create a Defensible Space: Clear Vegetation to create firebreaks. Remove dead plants, leaves, and other flammable materials from around your home. Maintain a defensible space of at least 30 feet.
  2. Fire-Resistant Materials: Use fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, and decks to reduce the risk of ignition.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

  1. Essentials: Include items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, a flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
  2. Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents, including identification, insurance papers, and medical records in a safe place such as a fire safe or off-site.

Plan for Evacuation

  1. Escape Routes: Know your evacuation routes and have multiple plans in place in case roads are blocked.
  2. Family Plan: Establish a communication plan with family members and designate a meeting spot.
  3. Pets: Have pet carriers readily available for a quick evacuation.
  4. Valuables: People and animals are always the priority, but if you have notice of pre-evacuation, having a list of your most important items to grab is a good idea. 

Stay Informed

  1. Monitor Local News and Emergency Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities and use apps that provide real-time updates on wildfire status and air quality.

For Jefferson County residents: https://www.jeffco.us/473/Emergency-Notifications

For Clear Creek County residents: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/781/Emergency-Notification-System

For Park County residents: https://www.parkcountyco.gov/97/CodeRED

Apps: 

www.watchduty.org

https://www.frontlinewildfire.com/live-fire-map-track-wildfires-near-you

  1. Monitor Weather Conditions: Keep track of weather conditions that may affect wildfire behavior, such as wind speed and direction.
  2. Check Air Quality: Air Quality Index (AQI): Use online resources or apps to monitor the AQI in your area. The AQI provides information on the safety of outdoor air and can help you make informed decisions. https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app

Protect Yourself from Smoke

  1. Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities
  2. Reduce Physical Activity: Especially reduce strenuous exercise, as it can increase your exposure to harmful pollutants.
  3. Prioritize rest and hydration to help your body cope with smoke exposure.
  4. Use High Quality Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor air pollution.
  5. Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home.
  6. Create a Clean Room: Designate a room with the best air quality in your home, preferably with an air purifier and limited windows, to serve as a refuge from smoky air.

Protect Your Health by Avoiding Exposure

  1. Stay Inside as much as possible. 
  2. Masks: If you must go outside, consider wearing an N95 respirator mask to filter out fine particles. Note that standard masks or cloth masks are not effective for filtering out smoke particles.
  3. Health Precautions: Those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or heart disease should take extra precautions and consult their healthcare provider.
  4. Watch for Symptoms: Be aware of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or irritated eyes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

After the Smoke Clears

  1. Ventilate Your Home: Once the air quality improves, ventilate your home by opening windows and using fans to remove lingering smoke particles.
  2. Clean Up Dust and Debris: Clean surfaces in your home that may have accumulated dust or smoke residue. Don’t forget surfaces such as walls and ceilings where particles accumulate. And of course, your windows, so you can enjoy your view again.

Stay Informed on Recovery and Community Resources

  1. Stay updated on community recovery efforts and resources available for those affected by the wildfires.
  2. Consider volunteering or contributing to recovery efforts if you are able. 

Conclusion

Wildfires and their accompanying smoke pose significant risks, but taking preventive measures and staying informed can help you navigate these challenges safely. By preparing your home, monitoring conditions, protecting your health, and knowing how to respond in the aftermath, you can mitigate the impact of wildfires and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, staying vigilant and proactive is key to managing the risks associated with wildfires and smoke.

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!   

Monsoon Season in Colorado

This time of year in Colorado is considered monsoon season and we can expect afternoon storms on a daily basis. A monsoon is a large wind change that brings lots of moisture from the Pacific Ocean and the California Gulf.

In Colorado, monsoon season usually starts in July and lasts through August. It’s when afternoon thunderstorms are most frequent and severe. Monsoon storms tend to develop in the mountains and drop down into the plains. The storms are typically slow moving and produce heavy rains, which can cause flash floods.

Example forecast for July/August in Colorado.

So how does this season affect your windows? A good clean rain won’t mess up windows, but if the rainfall picks up dirt from somewhere such as the roof, gutters, trees over the house, or splashes up from the ground, it will. So it depends on how big the overhangs are on the house for the most part and whether it’s a driving rain with wind.

We recommend scheduling a gutter cleaning, so the excess debris can be cleaned out. That will help reduce the chance of the gutters overflowing and getting debris on the windows. A great part about Peak Window Cleaning gutter cleaning service is that roof debris is also cleaned off, which helps keep your windows cleaner during the monsoon season.

Looking to learn more about Colorado’s monsoon season? Check out this great video from KOAA: Monsoon Season is Arriving: What does it mean for you?

Pine Pollen

This time of year in the mountains, you take a deep breath and the scent of warm pine fills your nose. Springtime in the mountains is a rejuvenating season of new growth and greening. However, mountain residents are familiar with the yellow cloud of dust, PINE POLLEN. Buildup from the pollen gets on everything including your windows!

At Peak Window Cleaning, we have 25 years of experience living with pine pollen. We get all kinds of questions about the pollen, so we are going to answer the most common, like what it is and when does it fly.

Example of male cones that produce the pollen.

What is the yellow dust? In a nutshell, the yellow dust is apart the fertilization process for Conifers. These ancient trees are Gymnosperms and rather than a typical flower, they have cones. So birds and insects are little help to pollinate. The trees depend on the wind. The trees release a large amount of the yellow dust to increase the chance of pollination.

When does the pine pollen season start? Warm temperatures are the trigger for the process. So in Evergreen, Colorado one can expect when temperatures start to reach above 70°F during the day, which is about mid-June, the pollen will start to fly. The trees will release the most pollen on warm, dry, sunny, and windy days.

Example of male and female pine cones.

When does it end? The length of time the pine pollen flies varieties each year. In the mountain communities, the pine pollen typically flies for about two to three weeks. The dust is usually done by the first few weeks of July.

What makes some years worse than others? It actually depends on the previous season. For example, a very dry year followed by a year of good rain fall, the trees will release a very large amount. In a dry year the trees lay more dormant because of the lack of moisture, as if it knows it has a less likely chance to achieve pollination.

Now that we have answered some of the most common questions about the yellow dust, we hope you will be able to plan for the pine pollen.

How to Hire a Great Window Cleaner

Window cleaning season is gearing up but who do you choose for the all important task of cleaning your windows?

Maybe the first thing that comes to mind is “what do you mean all important, it’s just window cleaning”. Well yes and no. The windows in your house are one of the most expensive items to replace, often adding up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on how many you have. It’s definitely an investment that you want to protect and as such, hiring a professional window cleaner to protect that investment is of utmost importance. To protect that investment, the company and people you hire to do the job must have knowledge and experience. Not only must they know how to be an excellent window cleaner and make your glass sparkle and shine like they are new, but they must know how to treat different types of glass, how to safely climb different types of ladders and how not to damage your things inside or outside. That’s a lot to know! And that comes with knowledge and experience!

Every few years in our community, we get a new batch of window cleaners. Somebody who decides, “that looks easy, I think I’ll try that”. And then every few years, those same window cleaners mysteriously disappear just as suddenly as they appeared. What happened? Was it that they did so much damage that they are bankrupt? Or was it that they didn’t know their job well enough and fell off of a ladder and got injured? Or just got sick of the cold? Who knows? But it’s your responsibility to hire the company and people who care about you and your house and are professional. Just think of the liability if someone falls off of a ladder at your house and didn’t have adequate insurance.

Our clients are important to us and your window cleaner choice should be important to you as well. If you hire an inexperienced window cleaner, it can truly cost you thousands of dollars. Did you know that if a window cleaner scratches the glass in your house, insurance does not cover it? It’s the very definition of a professional. If you are a professional, you know how to treat the glass because it’s part of your profession. Insurance covers “accidents” and scratching glass is not an accident! It means that you don’t have enough professional knowledge. And yes that has happened in our community!

So let’s keep that from happening. Here are some tips on hiring a professional window cleaner:

  1. Insurance. Any professional window cleaner will have insurance. There are several different types of insurance but the one that is non-negotiable is Liability Insurance. Make sure they have liability insurance and ask to see a copy of it to check dates and minimums. Again, liability insurance does not cover professionalism such as scratched windows, damage and marks from not using ladder bumpers, putting ladders on something soft that is not stable, etc. It only covers accidents! We include a copy of our insurance with every estimate so you know in advance and don’t even have to ask.
  1. Years of Experience. Would you rather have someone at your house cleaning your windows that has 1, 5, 10, or 20 years of experience? Does it matter? Yes! If they have one year of experience and are trying to run their own business, do you think they are knowledgeable about different types of glass and window styles? Blinds? How to safely set up a ladder? Types of water? Types of cleaning products? Customer service? How to handle problems that may come up? Or do you think they may try to hide any damage or just not mention it? How professional are they?
  1. Years in Business. How many years has the company been in business? Do they care about their reputation and putting customers first? Or are they a new company just getting their feet wet and just trying it out to maybe be gone in a year or two when things don’t work out? It is important to find a residential window cleaner well established in your local area.  Look for a window cleaner that has been in business for at least 5 years and limits his service area within a 25 miles radius from where you live.  You want a window cleaner that has been and plans to be in business for a long time.
  1. Pricing. Fixed pricing sounds good to a lot of people but it also encourages the window cleaner to cut corners and not do a quality job to make up for lost time. It would be very unprofessional to charge the same amount for 20 panes of glass as for 100 panes of glass. It also begs the question, why? Why would someone charge the same amount for everything? Do they not see their work as a quality service and their time as valuable? Maybe they are just trying to undercut the competition and will raise their price astronomically next time. Or maybe they just don’t do a quality job to begin with. Maybe they are using a pole on every window and not wiping the edges. Definitely something to ask about. The same goes for the window cleaner who is undercharging per pane compared to the industry standard. Why is their pricing so low? Do they not have insurance? Are they cutting corners?

We make every effort to look at every job and give you a fair price before starting. Looking at the job ensures that there are no pricing “surprises”. Oftentimes we give a price range on circumstances such as extremely dirty windows that haven’t been cleaned in years that will need extra work to get them clean or technical ladder work. If you’re having your windows cleaned for the first time, there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances such as a gooey substances that doesn’t come off with standard methods, or interior ladder work on a curved staircase that may take more time and precision to be safe. Window cleaners that don’t recognize the unforeseen circumstances are often tempted to cut corners just to get the job done quickly because the price was already set and they know they won’t make enough money to make the job worth the effort. At Peak Window Cleaning, we will always notify you of any difficulties we encounter and of any extra costs it may incur. That way we ensure that you receive a high quality window cleaning at a fair price without cutting any corners! You should know that the going rate in most areas is about $3-5/per pane of glass per side on average but of course that also depends upon ease of access, average size of each panel and how dirty they are. If you get a quote that is not in that range, ask lots of questions. You’ll be happier in the long run!  

  1. What’s Included in the Service? Are you just getting the glass scrubbed and squeegeed or do they take care to make sure that fingerprints, dog kisses, bug marks and other debris is actually removed from the glass before squeegeeing? Are they using a pole and not even looking at the glass at a close distance? Are they cleaning both inside and outside to ensure that you get them as crystal clear as possible? Do they wipe the edges? If not, you can expect drips coming from the edges. Do they wipe the sills? Do they clean the screens? How are they cleaned? Are they just wiped off or do they scrub them or use a professional screen cleaner? It doesn’t make any sense to put a dusty dirty screen back on a clean window. The window will only have that dust and dirt back on it in no time. You want to be clear on what you are paying for and what you will receive as part of the service. The difference between full service and just rinsing off the glass.
  1. Specializing in Residential Window Cleaning. A window cleaner that specializes in residential window cleaning is best.  Commercial window cleaning is quite a bit different in quality and those businesses generally have a high turnover of employees and may not be experienced in dealing with home furnishings and with being careful with their ladders and buckets of water inside your home.  Even outside the home a window cleaner must take extra care to not damage plants or let your pets out of the yard.
  1. Professional Presence. Have you heard of the company before? Have you seen them around town? Are they local or are they driving 40-50 miles to come to you? Why? What do your neighbors and friends say? A lot can be gleaned from their website. Is it professionally done? Do they look professional when they arrive at your house? Is their main source of advertising social media? Anyone can post anything on social media, it doesn’t mean they are a professional. Are they associated with any professional organizations? What is their rating with the BBB? Have they had any complaints?
  1. Guarantees. Do they guarantee their work? A guarantee demonstrates that this contractor takes pride in their work, is confident with their ability to provide excellent customer service and will stand by their work. If you call back with a question or an issue, how will they respond? A guarantee means that you will be attended to and not forgotten after the job is complete.

Asking some or all of these questions will ensure that you receive the service and quality you are looking for. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for a while or you’re selling your present home and want your home to look its best, hopefully this guide has been helpful to you.

The most important thing to remember is that there are a lot of really good window cleaners out there who are professional, fair and know what they’re doing, but there are also a few who may not be so good. It’s not hard to tell the difference if you know what to look for. Being an informed homeowner and asking these questions will help you make the right decision and save you from a lot of hassles and expenses in the long run.

Good luck and happy window cleaning!