Ernest Windows

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More Windows and More Privacy

Windows are wonderful attributes in the eyes of homeowners. They allow for natural light to enter the home, offer views of nature, and even make rooms appear larger than they really are. Windows provide many benefits but unless a home is located on private land, it can seem impossible to achieve maximum privacy. Below are three great options for homeowners who value their windows and their privacy.

Window Film

One of the most cost-friendly options for improved window privacy are window films. They come in an array of appealing finishes such as plain tint, frosted glass, and even textured stained glass designs. Not only do window films provide optimum privacy while adding a decorative touch, but they also help save money by enabling better indoor climate control as well.

Solar Shades

A more high-end option for added window privacy are solar shades. Solar shades have amazing UV ray blocking abilities which are great for not only your family, but your pets, furniture, and carpet too! Solar shades block harmful rays from entering the home but will not compromise your view outside. These shades also come in an array of colors and finishes.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are window coverings that are great for families who want to filter light and more efficiently insulate their homes. One of their best characteristics is that they are cordless, making them much safer options in homes with young children. Cellular shades bring maximum privacy and are adjusted by simply moving them to the desired height. These types of shades also have a highly desirable low price point.

Conclusion

Windows and privacy can coexist when you find the window coverings and that work best for your family’s specific needs. The number of beautiful and effective window coverings available today enable homeowners to be able to enjoy the view of the outdoors while also protecting what they love most. Ensure your view is crystal clear with our competitive and professional window washing services, contact us here for more information.

3 Reasons to Seal and Stain Your Wood Deck

After you’ve achieved the status of best looking deck on the block, it’s crucial that you protect your new asset to the best of your abilities. Sealing or staining a wooden deck is not only the best way to ensure it can stand the test of time, but doing so is also ideal for improving and preserving its overall look and finish. Below is a small list of a few of your decks worst enemies and more information on how you can fight back.

Limit Exposure to Moisture

Every type of weather has its own unique way of working against your deck. Rain, snow and extremely cold temperatures can all have detrimental effects on vulnerable and untreated wood. Sealing rather than staining a wooden deck is the best way to keep water damage specifically at bay all year long.

UV Protection

Sun and high temperatures not only fade the color of wood but also leave it susceptible to becoming overly dry. To work against this, purchasing a sealer specifically with UV protection can help keep the wood looking natural, and prevent it from turning gray. A transparent sealer will protect and enhance the woods natural finish whereas a more solid colored sealer will provide optimum UV protection but can take away from its natural appearance.

Avoid Cracking

The combination of repeated use and exposure to moisture and other types of weather can ultimately lead to cracks, missing boards, and an overall loss of structural integrity in your deck. When neglected, cracks can quickly become dangerous and will oftentimes require professional repairs. Sealing and staining treatments are the best ways to protect your deck against the harsh weather that can lead to dangerous and unsightly cracks in a wood deck.

Conclusion

Your deck should be a place where you can combine a love for the outdoors with the comfort of home. A seal or stain treatment will not only save you a ton of money, it will also leave your deck looking as beautiful as ever before. Save your valuable time and money today by trusting the pros at Ernest Windows, Inc. to keep your deck looking its best for years to come.

Are You Using the Correct Window Cleaning Products?

Have you ever stared at a perfectly clean window? Did you contemplate if the window was even there? When it comes to cleaning windows and other glass items, it’s essential to use the proper products to get that clear, sparkly shine. Your cleaning supplies can make a difference between a spotless window and a window left with unattractive smudges and streaks. Continue reading to learn more about which items you should have in your wash bucket!

Glass Cleaner

Grab your cleaner of choice, but make sure to look at the ingredient label first. Is there ammonia or alcohol mixed in? Unfortunately, these agents can cause unwanted marks on your window. They can even produce a layer of film on the surface, which can attract dust and particles. If you’re going to use a solution, opt for a commercial cleaner or a make your own DIY vinegar and water mix.

Cleaning Cloth

As you’re wiping away the remaining solution, reach for a cleaning cloth with a microfiber material. The material itself is designed to remove bacteria from surfaces, without leaving any streaks on your glass. Have paper towels nearby instead? That’s fine too. Just don’t make the mistake of using a regular cloth towel. The material might not pick up the residue from the solution, or if it’s new, it can leave behind fluffy fibers.

Solvent

For those tough spots that won’t go away, it’s important to be gentle. Scraping or scratching at the glass can damage the window and ruin the interior/exterior appearance. Instead, apply a solvent like acetone or rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and rubbing it directly on the spot. Wipe it dry and then continue to clean your window as you would normally.

Conclusion

At Ernest Windows, we can provide you with professional window washing services. Our team handles projects large and small, so give us a call to set up a consultation or get a quote. Click here for more information!

Benefits of Gutter Guards

Most people have gutters outlining their house. Gutters have a fairly important purpose, which means you should invest in proper protection for them! If you’ve ever wondered what the benefits of gutter guards are, be sure to finish reading this month’s blog!

Basically…

Gutter guards can seem unnecessary, however there are tons of preventative means that guards provide. Guards can prevent your basement from flooding due to a backup of water and gunk in your gutters. The guards will simply allow for water to continue moving. Guards also prevent from mildew and mold. When water sits in your gutters mold and other gross things begin to grow. Mildew can be potentially dangerous to those living in your home. Making sure that it can’t grow is key. Going along with this, guards also protect from roof damage that may occur from left over water growing bacteria’s, which can spread to your roof. Beside growing living bacteria, wet and dirty gutters can house pests. Anything from rodents to bugs can make a home within the dirty leaves and water that collect in your gutter. Pests in or on your home is a whole different problem of it’s own! Without gutter guards, the way to protect your home is going to require pretty regular gutter cleanings. If you do it yourself, it’s important to remember that cleaning can be dangerous! If you hire someone, you are paying for a service that is unnecessary. 

Conclusion

Gutter guards are a great way to prevent bad mildew and pests from making home on your rooftop. Instead of paying for pricey cleanings and or risking an injury to clean it yourself, we suggest gutter guards! For more information on different types and the installation process, be sure to check out Ernest Windows!

What Not to Pressure Wash in Your Home

Pressure washing your home always seems like a fun task to do. Now that spring is here, you might be considering spring cleaning your home and washing away all that winter left behind. And although using a pressure washing machine is fun, you shouldn’t get too carried away because there are plenty of areas that should not be pressure washed in order to prevent any damage to your home. Read along to learn about of few areas that you should refrain from washing with a pressure washer.

Wood Siding

If you are not a professional at using a power or pressure washer, we suggest staying away from washing your home’s wood siding. Yes, it is possible to wash these with your machine as long as your using the correct pressure, but if done incorrectly it could lead to damaging results. By using too much pressure, the water can puncture through the surface of the wood and damage insulation, electrical wiring, and can even initiate mold growth. If you are looking to wash wood or any other type of siding, call on us to provide you with clean and safe results.

Painted Surfaces

Unless you are looking to remove paint (although it is not recommended that it is done with a pressure washer) you should not use a pressure washer on painted surfaces. Pressure washing causes paint to chip, which is why it should be used in low pressure mode.

Gutters

After winter, your gutters might have plenty of residue left on them that will seem tempting to wash away with a pressure washer. Don’t! Gutters are best cleaned by removing whatever is in them by hand and then washed with a less intense water flow. They are able to withstand rainstorms or snowstorms, but the intensity of a pressure washer is more severe and can damage your gutters, causing you an extra expense to have them repaired or replaced.

Overall, these are only a few of the surfaces that we suggest you keep your machine away from. If you are unsure of what surfaces can be cleaned and which cannot, we suggest you rely on a professional. Here at Ernest Windows, we take great care of your home and have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the best results at affordable. For pressure washing services in the Bartlett, IL area, call on us.

The Origins of Window Washing

It’s fair to assume that a lot of people don’t consider window washing one of the more exciting topics in the world, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of interesting pieces of information to be shared about the respectable trade. In this blog you will find out the origins of the delicate and surprisingly complex task of window washing, which may or may not have you thinking twice about how interesting it really is.

In the Beginning:

Like any good retrospective, it is always best to start out at the beginning. Since glass was invented, there was some kind ofwindow washer to help clean it. There is no exact date in regards to when glass was first created, it is somewhere around 2,000 BC in ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, which is much earlier than many people originally believed. The first actual windows came much later in the mid-19th Century, which were cleaned at that time by housewives and servants with a simple bucket, cloth and water.

When the Squeegee Came Along:

Once windows became more commonplace in the late 1800’s, there became a demand for people that were skilled with cleaning them. With the simple water and cloth method, there were much less satisfactory results and only the eventual popularity of the skyscraper caused the push for a better invention to assist with window washing. Using the same technology fisherman use to scrape left over fish off of boat decks, the first squeegee was invented. While the first few iterations of the squeegee were bulky and difficult to use, an Italian immigrant named Ettore Steccone used his knowledge to create the modern day squeegee with the sharp rubber blade. The name “ Ettore” became synonymous with window washing and to this day his invention is used to create spotless windows.

Modern Day:

After the squeegee became a great success, there were many that thought a more thorough method was needed to clean more difficult and dirty windows. This is especially true for people that didn’t want to hire a team to methodically squeegee all of their windows. The invention of power washing equipment was a revelation for the window cleaning industry, allowing technicians to stay on the ground oftentimes with long poles that can spray purified water at an impressive velocity. Allowing the windows to air-dry after such an impressive power washing also guaranteed no streaks or smears, meaning this new technology produced the cleanest windows. Needless to say, despite the continued popularity of squeegees in specific situations, power washing equipment has quickly become the favorite over time.

Conclusion:

While on the surface window washing isn’t the most exciting topic in the world, there are plenty of impressive pieces of information to learn about the trade. If you need your windows cleaned, it is important that you get the best possible results and bring on the most experienced team. Ernest Windows employs a team of talented window washing specialists and care about providing you the best possible final product, so contact us today!

How to Stain Your Deck like a Professional

DIYer’s and professionals have one thing in common: they come prepared for any project. So if you’re planning on staining your deck to a different color, or perhaps want to add another coat, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind. In this blog, we discuss a few pro tips, so follow along to learn more about deck staining!

Prepping Your Surface

First and foremost, your deck needs to be prepped before application. Why you ask? Well according to Consumer Reports, “the wood needs to be free of dirt and stains for the stain to adhere properly.” Sweeping with a broom helps, along with sanding down any splintered areas. Another way to thoroughly clean your deck is by using a pressure washer, which can get in between cracks and crevices.

Selecting Your Brushes

Depending on your level of experience with staining, the easiest way to apply each coat is with a roller. Consumer Reports states “use one with a nap that’s ¼ inch or shorter. That lets you apply a thin layer of stain that adheres to wood without pooling.” Rollers can cover a greater surface area and provide an even coverage to the wood. Similarly, brushes provide detailed strokes and allow the stain to settle directly where you want it.

Choosing Your Stain Type

Some of the most common stain types on the market are solid, semitransparent, and clear stains. Solid stains have a highly pigmented finish that can last for years; however, it’s important to know you can’t apply other coats over it because it will clog the wood’s pores. With a semitransparent or clear stain, the finish will be glossy and give you the right amount of color and shine you’re looking for.

Applying Your Stain

Ready to paint your first coat? Dip directly into the stain and use long, even strokes for the best results. Also, applying your stain with a thin coat can prevent puddles from forming. These puddles won’t soak into the wood and will eventually chip off, which is something you don’t want to happen. So take your time brushing it onto the wood and you’re sure to have a beautifullooking deck when you’re done!

Contact Us

When it comes to professional deck staining, it’s best to contact Ernest Windows. We have a team of experienced contractors to get started on your backyard project today. For more information on our full list of services, please visit our website today!

Reasons to Hire a Professional Window Cleaner

“Washing the windows is my favorite chore around the house.”  It’s likely that you’ve never said that before. That’s where the right window cleaners come in. When you begin your search for window cleaners you can trust, you want ones with the years of experience necessary to exceed your expectations. If you have had a hard time finding the motivation to clean your windows, like most of us, then a professional could be the perfect choice for you. Read on and find some of the many reasons to hire a professional window cleaner for a change.

Difficult High Windows

The last thing you want to do is injure yourself with a nasty fall while attempting to clean your high windows. When you hire an able-bodied window cleaning professional, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to step foot on your unsteady ladder. Let the right team handle your next high window cleaning.

Too Tired After a Long Week

When it comes to your weekend, you want to keep your days open and relaxing.  Why let a beautiful Sunday go by and be stuck inside cleaning your dirty windows? Let qualified professionals wash your windows quickly and efficiently. You can rest easy knowing the job will be completed without you lifting a single finger.

Your Windows are Tinted

When your windows are tinted or have film on them, the last thing you want to do is handle the cleaning yourself. You spent extra in order for your home to have privacy and you want them to serve their purpose for years to come. Professional window cleaners have experience working with tinted windows and know exactly how to keep them at their best.

You Don’t Have the Right Equipment

There are many items and products that professionals use, to which they have become accustomed; yet, you may not have these items or know how to use them properly. From a tall ladder, to non-ionic cleaners, to streak-free drying solutions, the equipment professional window cleaners use can exceed your expectations. Instead of buying everything yourself and letting your weekend drift away in incessant cleaning,  get in touch with a team that you know can get the job done right and in a time-efficient manner.

If you have tried other window cleaners only to come up short, get in touch with a team you know you can count on. Here at Ernest Windows, Inc we have years of hands-on experience and are here to help bring your windows back to life.

Practicing Window Safety

So you’ve had those beloved windows cleaned and wiped by pressure washers. The surfaces look marvelous by way of their reflecting and glistening. And as long as they don’t shatter or crack, they must be fine now, right? Well, the reality is that there are many perils with even the most hygienically washed glass surfaces.

Fire

You might have seen those brutal instances of children killing ants for amusement by generating a laser beam with sunlight and a magnifying glass. Well, the same science is at work when you expose yourself to window-penetrating sunlight at home. When the intensity of the light makes its way to your curtains or other easily flammable material, the heated item can easily burst into flames. To avoid such scenarios, installing a proper window film and window shades should be the way to go.

Sunlight beam glistens on a building's window.

Furniture damage

After you have obtained those safe curtains and quality window films, you might be surprised as you land on the sofa to take a break. The searing temperatures on that bright spot on your sofa is a result of the sunlight baking its surface. To avoid such events, consider putting a protective cover or blanket on the sofa. If you have valuable antiques and heirlooms near the window, those should also be put far away for safekeeping.

Faded cane furniture.

Death

When the sun shines beautifully, it’s often easy to think that the radiance of the sunlight will give the consistent amount of warmth for good. However, this is the way of the frog of the boiling water. And this is why putting baby cribs and pet kennels right in front of the window is not a good idea should the sun make an appearance. Newborns and puppies cannot fend for themselves, and we must anticipate the dangers that can threaten them. Just like being entrapped behind car windows on a sweltering day can be fatal, so can being entrapped behind domestic windows.

A girl and a dog look out the window on a sunny day.

Conclusion

There are many other hidden dangers when it comes to window safety. Practicing rational and clear thinking can save not just our material possessions, but our very lives. If you wish to become more informed about how to prepare your windows so that they can be their best, feel free to consult Ernest Windows today!

Sealing Your Deck Before Winter

With the colder months quickly approaching now is the time to make sure your wood deck is properly sealed and ready for these colder temperatures. Keep reading to discover why it’s a good idea to seal your deck now rather than wait till winter.

When to Seal

While it’s recommended to seal your deck, learning when to seal it is just as important. Make sure the weather will be clear with no chance of rain for at least one to two days before and after the sealing process.

Water pooling on a sealed wooden deck.
Water pooling on a sealed wooden deck.

Temperature

Freezing and thawing temperatures greatly affect wood decks. Water and wood don’t mix well, so when it is exposed to drastic weather changes, it causes the wood to expand and contract. With the constant temperature changes, the fibers become brittle, thereby leading to breakage and a worn appearance. In order to prevent future maintenance and work on your deck in the spring, be sure to properly seal it during the fall season. 

Keep Out Water

Sealing your deck places a protective barrier between the wood and any moisture in the air. Winter weather has a tendency to throw everything from snow and rain to sleet and wind, which are all weather conditions that could damage your wood deck over time. In order to guarantee the sealant is effectively protecting your deck throughout the entire season, be sure to seal it as close to winter as possible.

A wooden deck with water drops on it.
A wooden deck with water drops on it.

Protection from Shoveling and Chemical Items

Removing snow is necessary to protect your deck, but some snow removal methods can be harmful. An unsealed deck can be susceptible to damages from snow shovels. Some homeowners use a chemical snow remover, which can damage the wood. However a properly sealed deck can offer protection against chemical and weather-based concerns. A helpful tip is to use a plastic shovel and go with the planks rather than against them to prevent chipping or other types of damage.

Thoughts

The winter season is approaching and getting your wooden deck sealed is highly important. Not only does a sealant protect against changing temperature and water in the air, it also prevents future maintenance costs as well. Ernest Windows Inc. is here to offer you excellent deck sealing services you can count on.

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