Tag Archives: Mountains

The Importance of Clean Windows Before Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season

As we head into the holiday season, our homes become the heart of celebration. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s are all times when family, friends, and guests fill our homes with warmth and cheer. When you’re preparing for guests, there’s one often-overlooked detail that can make a significant difference: clean windows. Here’s why getting your windows professionally cleaned before the holidays can help set the right mood for all your gatherings.

Make a Great First Impression

When guests arrive, the first things they notice are often the home’s exterior and windows. Clean, streak-free windows give your home a bright, welcoming appearance. They reflect your attention to detail and create a polished, well-maintained look that speaks volumes about how much you care for your space and those who enter it. Plus, sunlight pouring through clean windows adds warmth and vibrance, making your home feel even cozier.

Save Time and Reduce Stress

Holiday preparations can be hectic. There are meals to plan, gifts to buy, and plenty of cleaning to tackle. By scheduling a professional window cleaning before the season starts, you can save yourself time and reduce stress. With clean windows checked off the list, you’ll have more time to focus on what really matters—spending time with loved ones and making memories.

Let More Natural Light In

Shorter daylight hours and cold weather can make our homes feel dim and dreary. Clean windows, however, allow more natural light into your home, making your rooms look brighter and more inviting. This light is especially important for holiday events, where everyone appreciates a bit more cheer and brightness. Natural light can even help lift the mood, making gatherings feel light and joyful, which is essential during this cozy season.

Enhance Your Holiday Decor

If you’re decorating for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday in between, clean windows can be an unexpected element of your decor. String lights, wreaths, and other holiday decorations look far better when framed by sparkling, spotless windows. Clear windows allow your decorations to be visible from outside, giving your home an inviting and festive look for neighbors and guests alike.

Keep Windows in Good Condition During Winter

Winter weather can be tough on windows. Dirt, grime, and even mildew buildup over time, leading to possible damage if left untreated. Regular, seasonal window cleaning removes these substances, keeping your windows in top shape even during the colder months. Proper maintenance before the snow and ice arrive ensures they’ll stand up better to winter weather, avoiding permanent damage and the expense of repairs down the line. Window manufacturers recommend cleaning your windows twice a year to keep them in tip-top shape.

Reduce Allergens and Improve Indoor Air Quality

It’s not just the exterior that needs cleaning; the inside of windows can accumulate dust, pollen, and other allergens that compromise air quality. With more time spent indoors and holiday gatherings bringing in more people, having clean windows means less exposure to dust and allergens, creating a healthier environment for your family and guests. For those who may have sensitivities, this little detail can make a difference in their comfort.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

  • Hire Professionals: Getting on a ladder in cold weather can be tricky and even dangerous. A professional window cleaning service will have the right tools and expertise to get the job done safely and thoroughly.
  • Clean Inside and Out: While exterior cleaning is crucial, don’t neglect the inside! Dust and fingerprints can build up, especially if you have young children or pets.
  • Schedule Early: Window cleaning appointments fill up fast around the holidays. Booking your service in advance can help you avoid last-minute rushes and secure a convenient time.

Make This Holiday Season Shine

With clean, clear windows, you can make this holiday season feel even more magical. Not only will your home look fantastic for Thanksgiving and other festivities, but your guests will appreciate the welcoming, bright atmosphere. So, don’t let dirty windows dim your holiday cheer—add a professional window cleaning to your holiday prep list and let your home truly shine this season!

Clean windows in fall

Benefits of Residential Window Cleaning in Fall Before Winter Weather Sets In

As the crisp air of fall rolls in and the leaves begin to change color, many homeowners start preparing their homes for the colder months ahead. While tasks like cleaning gutters, raking leaves and pine needles, and winterizing your yard often top the list, one crucial chore that shouldn’t be overlooked is window cleaning. Fall is the perfect time to ensure your windows are spotless, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of clear glass before winter weather sets in. Here’s why residential window cleaning in the fall should be a top priority.

1. Maximize Natural Light During Shorter Days

The days are rapidly growing shorter and natural light becomes a precious commodity, especially for those of us who have North facing houses! Clean windows allow more sunlight to enter your home, brightening your living spaces and improving your mood. Dust and debris on windows can significantly reduce the amount of light that passes through, leaving your home feeling darker and less inviting. By having your windows professionally cleaned in the fall, you can enjoy the warmth and brightness of the sun even on the chilliest winter days.

2. Prevent Damage from Debris and Buildup

Throughout the year, your windows accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris. In the fall, falling pine needles, leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can add to this buildup, potentially causing scratches and damage to your windows if left unaddressed. Cleaning your windows before winter ensures that these contaminants are removed, reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, clean windows are less likely to develop stubborn stains or etching that can occur when debris is left to sit for long periods.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

Dirty windows can affect your home’s energy efficiency. When windows are covered in grime, they can prevent the sun’s natural heat from warming your home, causing your heating system to work harder. By keeping your windows clean, you allow the sun’s rays to naturally warm your home, which can help reduce heating costs. Clean windows also ensure that your home’s insulation works effectively, as dirty seals and frames can compromise the insulation’s performance.

4. Enhance Curb Appeal

Fall is a beautiful season, and with the changing colors of the leaves, your home can look stunning against this backdrop. However, dirty windows can detract from your home’s appearance. Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings or simply enjoying the view from inside, clean windows can enhance your home’s curb appeal and make your property look well-maintained. Sparkling windows are a simple yet effective way to boost the overall aesthetic of your home during the fall season.

5. Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter weather can be harsh on your home’s exterior, including your windows. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can exacerbate existing issues like cracks, seals, and grime buildup. By cleaning your windows in the fall, you’re taking a proactive step to ensure they’re in the best possible condition before winter arrives. This can help prevent problems like condensation, drafts, and ice buildup, which can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

6. Extend the Lifespan of Your Windows

Regular window cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about protecting your investment. Over time, dirt, minerals, and other contaminants can cause permanent damage to your windows, leading to the need for replacements sooner than necessary. By scheduling a professional window cleaning in the fall, you can extend the lifespan of your windows, saving you money in the long run.

7. Enjoy Clear Views All Winter Long

One of the most significant benefits of fall window cleaning is the ability to enjoy clear, unobstructed views throughout the winter. As the snow begins to fall, you’ll appreciate the beauty of the winter landscape even more when your windows are spotless. Clean windows allow you to fully enjoy the changing seasons, making your home feel more connected to the natural beauty outside.

Fall is an ideal time to schedule residential window cleaning before winter weather sets in. The benefits are numerous, from improving natural light and energy efficiency to preventing damage and enhancing curb appeal. By taking care of your windows now, you can enjoy a warmer, brighter, and more comfortable home all winter long. So, before the frost sets in, schedule your professional window cleaning to keep your windows and your view crystal clear!

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!