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How to Use Your Windows for Holiday Celebrations

Your windows are the first thing that people see when they stop by your home, so when you want your house to look extra festive for the holidays, your windows can help! When it is time to hang decorations, you may not realize the opportunity at your fingertips to use your window’s wasted space. To avoid this, we have researched the best and cutest ways to decorate them for the holiday season!

Presents in the Windows

Presents and candles in front of a window.

A new festive trend that is showing up more often is putting presents on your windows! When we say this, we don’t mean grab your presents from under the tree and super glue them to the window – that is just a recipe for disaster! We mean this in a decorative sense. Head to your local craft store, find your favorite small faux present boxes that are no bigger than a can of soda, and use these as your decorations. Attach them to the windows with invisible glue or simply place them on the window sill! This decorating style lets you have a festive display on your windows that catch your guests’ eyes right as they walk in the door.

Candles – the Holiday Must-Have

It’s not the holidays without candles on every surface that’ll stand still. This goes double for your windows! Candles against your chilled glass panes evoke a traditional holiday feel and appearance, and this will let you add another level of holiday cheer and magic to your home. Cream, white, or even red candles placed on the window-sill – perhaps decorated at the base with ornaments, little trinkets, or fake snow felt – is a perfect way to decorate your home in a pinch! If you live in a residence where real candles can cause damage, you can use substitutes like electric candles, string light bushels, and similar lighting instruments to achieve this same look as well.

Garland Trims

Window trimmed in garland.

A classic but still incredible way to use your windows for holiday decorations is by trimming the edges of the exterior walls in garland strands. An immediately recognizable part of holiday decorating, garland is a long strand of faux tree sprigs that are used with baubles, ribbons, and other crafty materials. By trimming your windows in these strands, you draw curbside attention to your home and can really show off your lighting display.

Conclusion

They call it window displays for a reason, and when you want to exhibit your decorating skills, your window is the first place to start. Candles, presents, garland in the windows – all of these options are open to you at affordable rates. When you are ready to grab those decorations, keep these tips in mind to really utilize your windows!

Top 3 Most Sought-After Window Designs

When it comes to planning a home construction project, the possibilities of window selections are endless. Don’t settle for a lackluster sliding door or standard plantation shutters, when you can add a little form, function, and fun to your living space. Below, our experts have compiled just a few of America’s most sought-after window designs. With amazing designs and cost-effectiveness, it’s not hard to see why these window styles are a hit with consumers!

Casement

Swinging Casement windows offer great air flow. Are you tired of sliding windows that only offer the tiniest bit of a breeze? Well, you’re in luck! Casement windows come equipped with a vertical hinge that allows for tons of airflow. Similar to a door, they can swing either inward or outwardly and are maneuvered with a crank system. Not only are these windows highly functional, but they are also aesthetically pleasing.

Awning

Though awning windows are also operated with a crank system, their hinge is horizontal. The awning above is attached to numerous hinges and the window itself swings Awning windows are both charming and functional. outward. This window style also offers great air circulation as well as a charming appearance. An awning window is ideal for a cottage or ranch style home.

Bay

Bay windows create unbeatable views. Bay windows are a classic and still highly-regarded option when it comes to home remodels. They are usually structured within a nook space in your home. Several windows attached together create a lovely view. Simply sit upon your window seat and enjoy the scenery. Though bay windows have been around for ages, it is a trend that will continue to stand the test of time.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to make changes to your home. You should definitely consider varying up your window choices. Your windows are the eyes of the home so why not make them the best and most functional that they can possibly be? We hope that these options give you new insight on how to approach your home’s remodel. Are there other window options that you love that didn’t make it on our list? We would love to read about them in a comment below!

Top 3 Reasons to Keep Your Gutters Clean

Dangerous debris clogging your gutters can lead to a slew of issues ranging from mold to mildew. Combating this issue with regular gutter cleanings is imperative. However, it’s best not to try and do the job on your own, since you could potentially hurt yourself or others. Instead, hire a professional that is well-versed in the field and highly trained to tackle the task with excellence.

Roof Damage

Clogged gutter could spell a roofing disaster. Though it’s easy to neglect your home’s gutters, allowing leaves to pile up could lead to disastrous results. Roof rot is just one of the many potential issues that could occur. In addition to this, it could also spell trouble for your home’s foundation. And, once the foundation is damaged, it will create a snowball effect that could lead to many more breakdowns. No one wants that. Fortunately, all of this can be avoided with regular gutter cleanings.

Home Damage

If overflowing water makes its way to your home’s foundation, it can create cracks. When water continues to drip into these cracks, they can further weaken the foundation an Slight clogs could lead to serious home issues. also lower the effectiveness of your home’s cooling. If left unchecked, these cracks and compromised fixtures could result in some very expensive repair work.

Keeps Pets at Bay

Cleaning your gutters keeps the pests away. In addition to causing roofing and foundation damage, a clogged and soggy rain gutter could create the perfect home for creepy, crawly critters. Birds, mosquitos, and a number of other species would love to create their very own nest in these environments and will be quick to do so if you don’t act fast. If you have any chance of saving your home from a pest invasion, your best bet is to have your gutters tended to regularly.

Conclusion

A few leaves in a gutter won’t hurt anyone. However, if your gutters are filled to capacity with falling leaves and rainwater, you could be asking for trouble. But, hope still remains. If your gutters are currently clogged, it’s not too late to hire a professional to get the task done with skill and precision. In light of all the potential issues clogged gutters could cause, it’s best to take action sooner rather than later. Don’t let your home fall prey to overgrown gutters!

Algae VS Mold: What You Need to Know

Your roof is an essential part of your property. From providing protection from the elements to contributing pretty heavily to your building’s overall property value, your home’s top is important for more reasons than one. Naturally, staying informed about the myriad of different harmful substances that can compromise the health of a home’s roof is recommended for those looking to maintain a safe and valuable property.

That being said, algae and mold are two of the most common substances that can jeopardize the state of your roofing. And while the two may look similar in appearance, their effects and the causes of their growth are entirely unique to them. Read on for a brief rundown of what you can expect from these two troublesome contaminants and diagnose your roof’s issues seamlessly and effectively.

Algae

If you’re roofing is made of asphalt materials such as shingles, algae is a scourge you’d do well to keep an eye out for. Due to its notorious knack for spreading through air-borne spores, it’s a substance that needs to be treated and removed quickly before it has the ability to become a much more costly repair.

While algae is surely an ugly guest to be hosting on your roof, the pollutant doesn’t break down your fixture like other more voracious materials. If, however, you notice black streaks and green growths on your home’s exterior, you may want to invest in a quick algae removal service and nip the problem in the bud while it’s still manageable.

Mold

Though similar in appearance, mold is an entirely different beast altogether when comparing it to the previously mentioned algae. Unlike its green counterpart, mold can cause both aesthetic and extensive structural damage to the state of your roof and home. Mold proliferates in damp and poorly ventilated areas like attics and basements and doesn’t waste its initiative there. If left to its own devices, the harmful substance can quickly spread to your roof, deck, and even siding.

Unlike algae, mold can also bring with it scores of health conditions such as lung infections, eye and nose irritation, and even asthma. Needless to say, if you find your home overrun by this less than pleasing material, you owe it to yourself, your home, and your guests to have it quickly treated so as to avoid these health and structural issues.

Conclusion

While preventative measures such as zinc strips are surely helpful for hindering the spread of growths like algae and mold, they won’t do you much good if you live in an especially humid area. Fortunately, pressure washing remains a tried and true method of tackling these disgusting organisms and keeping your home looking clean and pristine! If you have reason to believe your home is being struck with either of these harmful growths, keep what we mentioned in mind and diagnose the issue before it has a chance to grow worse.

Choosing the Right Commercial Window Cleaning Team

Nothing is worse than driving passed a skyscraper with filthy crud-covered windows. A commercial building should look spiffy and impressive at all times. Fortunately, you can save yourself potential embarrassment by hiring the right commercial window cleaning company for your property. Here, we’ve put together some tips to help you make the right choice.

Insurance

Ensure that your team has insurance. When it comes to hiring the right company, it is imperative that they have reputable and trusted insurance. Before any team starts work on your property, a check of the necessary paperwork should be performed. If anything were to go wrong and the team in question did not have top-quality insurance, you could be left holding the financial burden. Situations such as these are easily preventable. Don’t let a team with bad intentions take advantage of you. Instead, always be sure that any professional you hire comes prepared with the proper insurance.

Fall Arrest Certification

Due to the fact that most window cleaning takes place on ladders or platforms, it’s important that these technicians know how to maneuver at high levels.A Fall Arrest Certification is important. A fall arrest certification ensures that they have learned the basics of how to properly care for windows from a myriad of heights. Falling is something we would hate to see happen and could lead to a deadly result. So don’t take any chances of hiring unqualified professionals. Always make the wise choice by thoroughly checking their paperwork.

Check Reputation and References

Always check references. Lastly, don’t fall for any old company that you see on a bus bench or on social media ads. Instead, you’ll want to do some research on the company and find out if they’ve received positive reviews. Do they have excellent referrals and references that make them a credible team? Before you even think of hiring your team we’d encourage you to check their website. Does it look professional? Are there positive testimonials? These things make all the difference in the long run.

Conclusion

With the plethora of window cleaning professionals out there, choosing the right team could be hard work. However, with these sure-fire tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the choice that suits your needs in no time. From great insurance to an even better reputation, don’t settle for anything less than the best!

The Benefits of Professional Window Cleaning

Are your windows covered with dust and grime? If so, you should consider hiring a qualified professional window cleaning team to get the job done right! You might feel that cleaning your windows is a task you can handle on your own. However, there are many benefits to choosing the right team to suit your needs! Below are just a few that we thought were worth mentioning.

Window protection

Cleaning your windows regularly, offers protection. Professional cleaning techniques and top of the line equipment are the keys to protecting your windows from dirt and debris. Failing to clean your glass on a regular basis could leave it vulnerable to scratches, knicks, and chips that could have otherwise been prevented with the proper care and treatment. Anything from twigs and rocks could cause unwanted damage to your home or office’s windows. The larger and more expansive your windows are, the more imperative it is to have them washed regularly by professionals you can trust!

Sight-Seeing

Not only does regular washing protect the eyes of your home, it also improves the sights you will enjoy inside your home as well. You wouldn’t want to Cleaning your windows will improve the view. look at lovely landscapes and beautiful sunsets out of crud covered windows would you? We didn’t think so! Keeping your windows sparkly and shiny will make every view inside and outside of your home or commercial space much more enjoyable.

Safety

Hiring a professional is safer than doing it yourself. You may still be tempted to grab the old bottle of glass cleaner and take care of things yourself. However, that may be a dangerous decision, especially if your windows are on the larger side. Instead of risking your own safety trying to keep a ladder steady and executing the task with excellence, you should put your trust in experts that are highly trained and qualified. They don’t only provide trusted experience, they are also well-equipped with the proper cleaning techniques and state of the art tools to have your windows cared for with excellence and attention to detail.

Conclusion

When it comes to the beauty of your home, nothing makes it more radiant than shiny windows that show off your eye-catching reflection. Don’t resort to do-it-yourself tactics or even worse, leaving them unattended. Allow a skilled team of professionals to help keep your home and its windows both clean and beautiful! You’ll be glad you did.

Why Power Washing Your Home Is Important

For those who are looking for the means to quickly clean off a variety of surfaces whether you’re involved in the residential, commercial, or industrial sectors, power washing has become the preferred choice to do so. That’s because it’s so suitable for a range of contexts, but in this article, we’ll focus on how it can particularly benefit homes.

From sidewalks and porches to siding and roofing, it can help improve or maintain the look of the home while also offering a means to increase its curb appeal and resale value. Power washing can remove all kinds of dirt and salt deposits that can wreak havoc on driveways and sidewalks, while also helping you save time and money having to renovate your home. If you’re interested in learning how power washing is one of the best ways to boost the longevity of your home, be sure to read on to learn more!

Power Washing is a Straightforward Process

When you think about conventional methods of cleaning, they usually require a large investment of time and energy to get the job done. Power washing, on the other hand, doesn’t require any scrubbing or special products to deal with stubborn stains and debris. You’ll be able to save yourself the physical exertion, especially if you hire a professional service to handle everything on your behalf!

Power Washing Saves You Time and Money

It pays to invest in a professional power washing service. You won’t have to deal with gathering all the needed store-bought chemicals and other cleaning products to treat that unsightly stain on your home.

You also don’t have to put up with spending hours of your free time rigorously scrubbing away, all the while maybe standing on top of a ladder. Instead, you can kick back and relax while letting a knowledgeable expert handle it, especially one who knows what they’re doing and can get to those hard-to-reach areas. Really, some of us just appreciate having the quickest and easiest way to do something.

Power Washing Keeps You Safe

From dirt and mildew to mold and hazardous contaminants, your home’s exterior could potentially be covered in these harmful substances to varying degrees. By power washing these potentially toxic materials away, you will be able to keep you and your family safe from their adverse effects while breathing the purest air possible.

Not only that, but power washing any slippery substances such as algae will help you avoid the risk of slipping or falling around the home. Additionally, power washing maintains the durability of your home while keeping the porch, paths, and driveway safe.

Power Washing Can Boost Curb Appeal

Lastly, and perhaps most beneficial, power washing is designed to boost your curb appeal which distinguishes your home from the rest of the competition on the market. If you’re interested in eventually selling your home, a clean and unblemished exterior will draw in far more interested buyers.

Power washing will take care of improving the condition your porch, driveway, and sidewalks by quickly cleaning away all of those unattractive stains and other eyesores so you can focus your time and energy on dealing with the housing market.

Power Washing Is Good for the Environment

While you may feel inclined to rush out and buy the most heavy-duty cleaning chemicals money can buy, many of them can take a real toll on the environment despite their effectiveness. Rather than having that on your conscience, power washing simply uses water that is heated to a hot temperature to blast away stains and mildew.

All of this is done without introducing any hazardous chemicals into the environment. Power washing also uses up to 75% less water than a garden hose while expelling 50 times the force, delivering the greatest amount of power focused on cleaning!

To learn more about how power washing can be the best decision you made for you and your family, be sure to speak to a qualified professional who will be able to answer any questions you may have while also offering an estimate for their services. In the meantime, if you have any thoughts or questions regarding this practice, be sure to leave them in the comments section below!

Key Benefits of Commercial Pressure Washing

When it comes to maintaining the appearance of your business, requesting commercial pressure washing services is essential to your success. By definition, pressure washing is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove moss, mold, mud, chewing gum, and other tough substances on surfaces such as concrete and wood.

Often times, people confuse pressure washing with power washing, and while both perform the task of cleaning, power washing utilizes heat. This blog will focus on the key benefits of commercial pressure washing, which include business growth, improvement in employee morale, and better aesthetic.

Benefits

Attractive business. Keeping your commercial property clean will attract customers. By washing concrete surfaces such as parking lots, sidewalks, and walkways, more people will walk by or stick around and look at your office as though it were new. You’ll also have a peace of mind knowing that your building will always remain aesthetically attractive, which can be used as an effective marketing strategy to attract more customers.

Hygienic business. Mold and mildew will grow on your property – there’s no avoiding it. You can, however, prevent its growth by pressure washing on a weekly basis. When your business looks clean, your employees will not only feel safe, but also motivated to continue working in a clean environment. They can work comfortably knowing that their health and well-being are valued.

Smooth business operation. Keeping a regular schedule will prevent messes and other substances from substantially spreading. Employees, visitors, and customers won’t trip over moss or smell anything that can harm their health or work ethic.

Minimal environmental damage. With the appropriate tools and technicians, pressure washing can reduce environmental damage with environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions. Careless washing can pollute nearby water sources.

Time and energy-efficient. When you leave the job of pressure washing to professionals, you don’t have to worry about taking time out of your busy schedule to do the labor yourself. Instead, you can focus solely on your business.

Conclusion

Commercial pressure washing cleans the biggest messes in a short period of time as long as you contact the appropriately skilled technicians to operate the equipment. Some people may try to handle pressure washing tools on their own, but you’re guaranteed clean results when you have professionals that prioritize your satisfaction. With these benefits, you’ll finally have a reason to utilize the service and see your business succeed! If you have any comments or questions, leave them in the comments section below! We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Moisture: Your Home’s Number One Enemy

The outside of your home serves as the barrier between you and the elements, and while it ideally functions fine, rough weather can cause damage and leave behind issues long after the rain and wind have passed. The heavy Illinois rains and cold winters can cause contaminants to hide in your home’s siding like mold, dirt, and mildew! This can grow over time if left unchecked, extending all the way from mold buildup to partial renovations and even foundation issues.

When water is left to evaporate on its own after a weather event, it can sometimes pool against your house’s foundation. Not only does this cause cracks and the eventual decay of your home’s infrastructure, but the excessive rain and moisture will affect your siding and cause dirt and grime buildup. This is the perfect situation for mold and mildew, who use moisture remnants like this to grow in and around your home.

All too easily mold wreaks havoc on your house’s exterior, eating away at the outside walls and causing massive amounts of expenses in renovations and repairs. Now, while the weather is something that is out of everyone’s control, with one or two simple yet important tips from us you can help protect your home from its effects and save money down the road!

The Art of Pressure Washing

When facing safety hazards such as mold or foundation cracks, it is always the little things that can save us time, money, and energy in the end. While mold is caused by leftover moisture that sits and festers on the siding, concrete foundation, wood and more, a simple solution is present.

Twice-annual pressure washing sessions are recommended for all homeowners for their driveways, exterior walls, gutters and more. When using a pressure washer we fight water with water, shooting water through a highly-pressured system; this clears away the old moisture and minimal debris that have settled around your house. Again, it is the little things like regular home upkeep that will ensure your home’s longevity and condition.

Additionally, pressure washing your home will decrease the chance of mildew build up and clear your driveway of all the weeds that ruin its pristine feel, keeping your curbside appeal at the top of the range.

Get Your Debris Out of the Gutter

The second tip we have for you draws attention to a feature of your home that is often forgotten about, looked over and it’s importance diminished. When the heavy rains melt away the Illinois Winter snow from your roof, where does it all go? Your gutter system is the main reason that your house is protected from a large amount of rainwater, and your landscape is protected for that matter. Your gutters do this by carrying away the water flow from your home and down the street drain, away from your property where it can’t cause damage.

When all is well, you never notice your gutters. However, if a section is broken, blocked, or has a leak, that is when you pay attention and recognize it needs repairs as soon as possible. This is why we recommend biannual inspections for your home gutters, to make sure they are working properly!

Simple things like annual inspections, pressure washing, and gutter maintenance can stop leaks and other issues before they even happen. General upkeep can also reduce the blemishes that are present on the exterior of your home while keeping it looking spotless. Maintaining the little things can and will help your home be there for you to build memories in the years to come!

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