Ernest Windows

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3 Health Reasons of Maintaining Clean Windows

Dirty windows are no joke. If they aren’t regularly cleaned, it can lead to health issues and the formation and buildup of dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. In this month’s blog, we’ll discuss a few health reasons and benefits of maintaining a good routine of cleaning your windows.

Prevents mold

Did you know that mold can easily form on your windows and window sills? The combination of condensation and a warm, dark environment creates a situation in which mold can form and thrive. If you see any dark or brown spots forming on your window sill, it may be time to call in some professional help. It’s important to eliminate mold as fast as possible before it can spread and cause respiratory infections. Keeping a good routine of dusting and wiping your window sill will prevent dirt and mold build up.

Less Allergies

Windows are a place where dust and dirt can easily accumulate, especially in the corners, on the window tracks, and the window screen. When you open your windows during warm or hot seasons, the dust and pollen will blow into your home. This can make your allergies even worse, especially if you’re already sensitive to it. Regularly wiping down the corners and crevices of your window and window sill can make a huge difference. 

Less Insects

If you have an exterior window screen, insects often find their way on there to nest. Not to mention, the corners of your window sill are a common spot for spiders to web down and lay their eggs. Prevent potential bug bites and insects from entering your home by routinely dusting and wiping down your windows.

Conclusion

To maintain the cleanliness and beautiful appearance of your home and windows, it’s best to rely on professional services. At Ernest Windows, we provide premium window washing services to residential and commercial clients. We are known for our reliability and efficiency. Visit our website to learn more about our services or call us at (800) 270-6228 for a free consultation or quote.

Gutters in Spring: Rain Overflowing

Fresh flowers blooming and the warm weather of spring are something to look forward to after a cold and harsh winter. However, spring cleaning is around the corner for many homes and maintenance is essential. One thing to include when making a list for your spring cleaning is your gutter system. Gutters struggle through winter because heavy ice and snow put a heavy load on your channels. As a result, the trenches loosen and pull away from your home. Here are some ways to prevent future damage to your gutter system and home.

Storms  

As the weather warms up, your gutters and downspouts need inspecting, cleaning, and repairing before spring rains begin. The gutter system will be ready to handle heavy downpours that are usually associated with difficult rainstorms. Unpredicted storms damage gutter systems where they fall off or give no protection to the roof. When you have a broken gutter and downspout, it harms all interior items within your household. Damaged or clogged drains can damage your home, like water from a full gutter will sometimes back up on the roof, which can creep under the shingle and down to the ceiling and walls of your home. 

Unprepared Consequences

Leaving your gutters in bad condition leads to water falling inside your house, falling upon your furniture, clothes, carpet, and more. If your gutters are left unchecked, water overflowing from the gutters can lead to soil erosion, landscape damage, basement, and foundational flood. Not cleaning your gutters raises the chances of your gutters and downspouts clogging. To prevent this, clear your downspout by running water from a garden hose down the top to the bottom. The water needs to be at least five feet from the foundation of your home. If your downspout is not five feet away, then it is highly recommended to buy a downspout extender to be transported safely from your house.

Conclusion

It can be a hassle trying to clean your gutters properly, especially if you haven’t done it for a while. Keeping the gutter system free of leaves, debris, and more can help you from any consequences.  One of the ways to make sure that you protect your home is by contacting Ernest Windows. We are a certified gutter installer and help our customers save time and money with our gutter cleaning services. Call us today at (630) 830-9867 or visit our website to help you with your gutter system. 

Pros & Cons of Tinting Your Home’s Windows

Tinting a building’s windows involves adding custom fitted tinted films to the buildings existing windows. There are different varieties of window films, all of which claim to have specific benefits. In this month’s blog we discuss what to expect when tinting your home’s windows, whether or not it’s worth the investment, and if it will affect how they’re cleaned!

The Pros

Privacy: Well applied tint can significantly improve privacy one can expect to receive in their home. During the daylight hours you’ll still benefit from natural light and an outdoor view without sacrificing privacy or security.

Cost Savings: Depending on your climate, tinted windows can be a great money saving investment when it comes to achieving improved temperature control and reducing fading on furniture and carpets.

Reduced glare: By tinting one or several of your windows you can finally rid yourself of those frustrating glares on your television and computer screens around your home.

Easy to clean: Fortunately, tinting your windows won’t affect how they need to be cleaned, which products need to be used, or how often they need to be cleaned.

The Cons

Not all tints are created equal: Different types of tint may or may not work on your home’s windows, depending on glass compatibility. There are also different qualities of tint to look out for, so it’s crucial your tint is purchased from a reputable and trustworthy source.

Could void your warranty: In some cases tinting new windows can potentially void their warranties. Before adding tint to your windows be sure to check with your window manufacturer to confirm if adding window film will void your warranty or not.

Won’t increase homes value: Unfortunately despite their considerable investment, window films will most likely not increase the value of your home.

Upfront Cost: Fitting and applying window films properly and without bubbles is a slow and laborsome task. Due to this, the cost of tinting your home’s windows can be significant depending on the number and size of the window panels.

Final Thoughts

Did you know the professionals at Ernest Windows are the top window cleaning experts in the greater Chicago community? Our team has experience working with tinted and untinted windows of all shapes and sizes. If you have any questions or wish to set up an appointment please contact us call us at (800) 270-6228.

Can Power Washing Damage Your Concrete?

When you need to clean your outdoor areas, the quickest way for a deep clean is with a power washer. The force of the water with an added solution removes dirt and grime with ease. However, the art of power washing is a learned skill. There are instances where you can actually damage your property if you don’t power wash correctly. Continue reading to learn more.

Don’t Do This

Power washing doesn’t require a lot of skill, but you do need a little knowledge. When it comes time to power washing your hardscapes, it’s important to have the correct settings and techniques. What do we mean by this? For concrete and pavers, you’ll need a nozzle setting that has the appropriate pressure. As far as technique, you don’t want your water pressure to be too high or too low. You also don’t want to hold it too close to the concrete. These tips are essential to follow so you can avoid damage.

The Potential Damage

If you power wash incorrectly, the damage is difficult to reverse. Visible damage is usually in the form of pitting, lines, and surface degradation. You can also harm the mortar in between bricks and disperse the sand in the pavers. This could potentially ruin your installation and you could end up spending more to repair it. In addition, the runoff from the power washer can spoil your grass and plants. Try to direct the runoff into a dirt or gravel area.

Conclusion

The pros at Ernest Windows know how to power wash the right way! We clean decks, patios, fences, and more. For a FREE consultation or quote, please call 1-800-270-6228. You can also visit us online for more information.  

3 Inexpensive Ways to Boost Curb Appeal

The way a home looks from the outside can say a lot about how much its owners truly value and take pride in it. A home’s first impression not only sets a tone for the neighborhood but for you and your family every day as well. Follow along below as we discuss three inexpensive ways to boost curb appeal for your home in about a day or two!

Power Wash Your Home

By power or pressure washing a home’s exterior homeowners can achieve a nearly new looking home! From the siding and windows to the driveway and fence, a power washer has the ability to remove years of built up dirt, mold, mildew and more.

Seal/ Stain Your Wood Deck & Porch

Sealing, staining, and painting a wooden deck or porch all work to improve its appearance and ability to prevent and withstand excess moisture from damaging the wood. With a simple cleaning, stain, and seal an old weathered deck can be restored to its original beauty quickly and affordably.

Wash Your Windows

Clean windows not only make a great impact on a home’s appearance, but they last longer than neglected windows do too! In order to maintain a windows longevity and overall function, the experts recommend washing windows twice a year in the spring and fall. Don’t forget to clean the screens, sills, and storm windows too!

Final Thoughts

Tremendously improving your home curb appeal doesn’t have to be hard or expensive when you have the time and tools needed to get the job done right. Better yet, when you want the best results possible for your home trust the experts at Ernest Windows in Chicagoland. Call us today at 1-800-270-6228 for your free consultation or quote!

What’s in Your Window Cleaning Bucket?

How do window washers get glass windows so clean and shiny? Well it all depends on what they have in their cleaning bucket. Most window experts are equipped with the essential items, such as microfiber cloths and scrapers. However, we’ve listed a few more items that are key to have the high shine you’re looking for. Continue reading to learn more!

Bucket

Washing specialists utilize a larger, wider bucket for cleaning supplies with poles and other attachments. Buckets with handles and a rolly feature are also a plus. It’s much simpler to haul supplies when you have the right bucket for the job. Typical window cleaning buckets can be found at local stores, but if you’re looking for a specialty container, then you might have to search online.

Squeegee

Squeegees can be purchased almost anywhere, but finding a quality squeegee is important if you want to properly wash a window. Window Washer comments, “Good quality squeegees will usually come assembled from three pieces. The handle, the channel and the piece of rubber supported by the channel. The rubber can be turned over when it gets old, and then replaced when both sides have worn out.” There are also various sizes of squeegees to match your window washing needs.

Scraper

Even with a little hard work, some window washing jobs require a scraper. The scraper allows to get close to the glass to remove buildup and other junk. Small safety scrapers can be used for light maintenance, while large scrapers can be fitted onto a pole for larger areas. Be warned: scrapers CAN scratch the glass. It’s best to let a professional do this part!

Detergent

The pros have their own formula that they use, but you can pick up window washing formula from your local store. The best formulas are the ones that get nice and soapy. With more suds, the rubber part of your squeegee can easily glide across the glass and remove any dirt/grease without any difficulty.

Conclusion

At Ernest Windows, we provide our customers with 100% satisfaction guaranteed for every window washing service. You can see the quality workmanship our professional & friendly make to your home, using environmentally friendly materials and all sizes of ladders to get the job done right. Inquire about our services today by calling 800-270-6228 or visiting us online.

“No House/Job is Too Big or Too Small!”

Types of Windows We Professionally Clean

Window cleaning is a time consuming chore that no one really enjoys. Our team wants to give homeowners in the Chicago, IL community peace of mind knowing that we are up to clean all of your windows, inside and out, despite the size or amount of them. Below is a list of some of the types of windows we can clean for residential and commercial property owners.

Storm Windows

Storm windows are an older style of window that open by pushing the frame up to open and down to close. These types of windows are great to have because they provide an additional barrier against bad weather, wind and drafts.

French Windows

French windows are similar to French doors in the way they open outward from the middle of the frame. These windows are most often paneled with many smaller windows, making them tougher and more time consuming to clean.

Skylights

Skylights are essentially windows on the ceiling of a home or business. They are great for properties that suffer from poor natural lighting through their other windows, but are nearly impossible and dangerous to clean without professional help.

Picture Windows

Picture windows are large windows that grant sweeping unobstructed views of the outdoors. They can come in many sizes and styles but are often an attractive main focal point in a home or business. However picture windows can be a bit unforgiving when it comes to water marks and a dirty surface.

Conclusion

Did you know one of the most sought after features in a home are the windows? The team at Ernest Windows understands that while everyone loves their windows, no one likes to clean them! Click here to view our website and full price guide for window washing and our many other cleaning services!

What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?

It’s understandable that cleaning your gutters isn’t on top of your to-do list, especially if there’s only a few leaves. However, the accumulation of dirt and debris can become an issue for your roof. Pest problems and structural damage are just some of the reasons why maintenance cleaning is needed. Learn more about what happens when you don’t clean your gutters!

Pest Problems

If there is an abundance of leaves and dirt filling your gutters, it can create an environment for bugs and critters. Animals such as birds, mice, and squirrels may choose to use your gutter as their new home, which is something you don’t want. Additionally, standing water from rain can attract mosquitoes and form a breeding ground for the mosquitoes to thrive.

Structural Damage

When the rainy season hits, it’s essential to clear away debris in your gutters. According to The SpoutOff, clogged gutters cause soil erosion, shift the foundation, destroy gardens, flood basements and puts cracks in the foundation, walls, and even the chimney. Dealing with water damages such as these can be expensive to repair.

Messy Appearance

As a homeowner, you want to maintain the curb appeal of your home. However, if you have dirty gutters, they are definitely noticeable to guests and neighbors and just simply unattractive. Stay on top of cleaning by hiring a professional service to remove old foliage, caked on dirt, and other materials.

Final Thoughts

Look no further for gutter cleaning services than Ernest Windows. We keep your gutters clean and free flowing so you don’t have to worry about clogging. Call for a free quote or consultation by calling (800)-270-6228.

The Best Way to Clean an RV

Motorhomes and camping trailers today come in all shapes and sizes. While washing a twelve foot long trailer may seem rather straightforward, things begin to get much more complicated when washing a bus-like motorhome that’s over forty feet long. Follow along with this month’s blog post as we discuss the best way to go about washing an RV.

Power Wash

Most RV’s are at least eight to ten feet tall, making them nearly impossible to wash without precariously balancing on a ladder or using a power washer. A power washer will not only allow you to remove caked-on grime and grease much more easily, but much faster too! It’s always recommended to start washing from the top of the vehicle and work your way down to the bottom for optimum results.

Windows

Once an RV has been thoroughly sprayed down it’s important to take extra care in cleaning the windows. Water streaks left behind on your vehicle’s windows are unsafe, unsightly, and will be harder to remove later. Additionally, using a window sealant or protectant is recommended to help fight against unavoidable dirt and rain.

Tires

The type of wheels your RV has will determine the type of products you may want to use on them but generally a basic rim cleaning product will work fine. As RV’s are regularly left outdoors exposed to the elements, investing in a tire balm and wheel covers would also help extend the life of your tires as well.

Summary

At the end of the day washing an RV is a lot different than washing a car. When towing it through a car wash and hand washing it in front of your house aren’t feasible options, call the experts at Ernest Windows for premium power washing and window washing services for your home, business, or RV.

Window Washing Mistakes

After you have finished cleaning a window, you step back and look at it closely. Are there remaining spot marks? Do you see streaks across the glass where you just wiped? If so, you may be cleaning your windows the wrong way. This can be annoying when you have to repeat your cleaning job. In this blog, we discuss window-washing mistakes you’re making!

Cleaning Windows on a Sunny Day

Bright, sunny days seem like the perfect opportunity to clean your windows, right? While the sun can dry your windows quickly, this can also work against your cleaning strategy. Your lather and cleaning products can dry before you have the chance to wash them, leaving behind unwanted streaks and marks. Instead of rushing around, it is recommended to wash on a cloudy day. This allows more time to properly wash and wipe away the cleaning product.

Using the Wrong Materials to Dry

If you are drying your windows with a hand towel, dishrag, or old sock, you might want to consider another material. The type of drying material you are using can make a huge difference. You are not going to get the results you want with a fibrous towel. Instead, it is best to wipe with a soft, microfiber cloth. It will absorb the water with ease and won’t leave any debris like a normal towel would.

Cleaning One Side, But Not the Other

Cleaning one side of the window is more common than you think. You may think your outside glass is filthier, but this is not true. In fact, “the inside of your windows is probably dirtier. Researchers found that there are more varieties of bacteria and fungi on household surfaces than there are outside. People touch and lean on windows, leaving human oils and bacteria brought in from the outdoors, workplaces, and stores.” So remember to clean both sides!

Conclusion

When you hire Ernest Windows for your window cleaning, we don’t make mistakes. Our professionals are quick and accurate to complete your washing job with attention to detail and customer satisfaction every step of the way. If you need window washing for your home or business, please give us a call at 800-270-6228 or visit us online.

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