Tag Archives: Peak Window Cleaning

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.

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!   

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?

The Broken Seal

The window cleaner has finished the job and the glass still looks foggy, hazy, has drip marks or even water still on the glass. Terrible work? More likely a broken seal. Most all homes have thermopane windows. Thermopanes have two pieces of glass sandwiched together by a spacer that is usually 1/2” to ¾” thick. This spacer adheres the two pieces together and contains small beads of desiccant. The desiccants job is to prevent the buildup of moisture in between the panes of glass. When the seal “breaks” moisture is allowed to enter the space between the glass and starts to become a visual issue.

Different degrees of failure are easy to spot. A window with a light fog around the edges has just begun to go, but could equally stay the same or get worse. Bad examples can be full blown rain storms in between the panes! If the humidity levels can’t be kept at some sort of equilibrium between the interior and exterior of the home, condensation will form in the thermopane. This is why on a cold wet day things might look worse. The symptoms might not even be apparent on a sunny 70 degree day.

I observe these conditions in about 98% of the homes I do, so you are not alone. I have also noticed that most all window manufacturers have this problem. I strongly suspect that it has to do with our altitude. Windows that are built and sealed together at a much lower altitude have a lot of atmospheric pressure changes to deal with when heading ‘up the hill’. Some are built with small capillary tubes to deal with this. If they are not properly crimped when installed, it is an easy point for air intrusion.

Some windows seem to be more prone to failure than others. Large panes of glass that have site built frames are usually the worst. Add lots of sunlight or exposure to wind and the risk expands significantly. Odd shaped widows are also problematic. However, sliding glass doors seem to be immune to the broken seal. The one thing that will kill a window faster than anything is tint. Window films will not allow heat to pass through the glass. It is like taping a lid on a boiling pot of water, something has to give.

So what are your options?  The problem is visual more than anything. Unless there is a huge amount of water in between, the damage is not bad. It may be ugly to look out but really shouldn’t cause much, if any, harm.  Glass has an insulating value between R-2 and R-6 so no great losses in that area. A few companies offer in place repairs which usually involve drilling a few holes in the glass to “let off some steam”. I’ve seen some improvements with this method. If you have real bad mineral deposits or drips, skip this route. Really all that can be done to fix the problem is replacing the glass. More often than not, just the glass can be replaced. Not having the frame or the whole window assembly can bring the price of replacement back down to earth. The choice is yours, but it is really just visual.

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.