Ernest Windows

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Tag: windows

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.

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!

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.

A Window to the Mind – The Psychological Benefits of Natural Light

These days, the trope of a depressed person has become a cliché. TV shows and movies depict a depressed person as someone who is shut away in a dark room with shutters covering the windows and discarded bits of food and trash cluttering the floor. However, there is more truth to this scene than we are aware of. Did you know a dim room without any windows to let sunlight in can negatively affect your brain? This blog post will go over the many ways that an open, well-lit window can improve your psychological health.

Increased Productivity

Windows increase productivity in almost every definition of the word. In a work environment, multiple studies have shown that workers are more happy and productive when there are windows in the office. Natural light sparks energy and positivity, and causes workers to have improved mental clarity and problem solving skills. When a workplace is closed off from windows or has darker lighting, employees perform more poorly.

However, this is not just limited to the workplace. A study conducted by Heschong Mahone Group showed that students in rooms with windows scored higher on exams than those in rooms with only artificial light. Another study done by the same group found that Walmart made 40% more sales when their checkout counters were located under skylights. If you want to improve your productivity, do your work in a room with a window!

Decreased Depression

Sunlight has two benefits that help you fight depression: it boosts vitamin D in your body, and it helps your body release more serotonin. Vitamin D is a type of hormone linked to your body’s “feel-good” hormones, and serotonin is one of those “feel-good” hormones that boosts your mood. While spending too much time in the sun can cause sun burns and even skin cancer, a certain amount of time in the sun each day can be incredibly beneficial to your body.

This is where windows come in. Most modern windows are treated to let in light without letting in harmful UV rays. So, windows give you all the good parts of natural light while leaving out the harmful parts. Many studies have shown that taking in natural light helps people feel better because of the increased intake of vitamin D and production of serotonin. Whether you suffer from depression, or if you’re simply feeling gloomy that day, being near a window can improve your overall mood.

Improved Sleep

Your sleep cycle, or circadian cycle, is what makes you wake up in the morning and fall asleep at night. If this gets messed up, you will experience sleep problems related to insomnia, oversleeping, or fatigue. Your windows can help! The National Center of Biotechnology Information conducted a 30-year study and found that natural light affects our circadian cycle. In a different study, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute discovered that people who were exposed to more sunlight had a better quality of sleep, fell asleep faster, and didn’t wake up as often during the night, compared to those who were not as exposed to natural light.

Why does this happen? Not only does being exposed to the morning light improve your mood for the day, but it also lets your body know when it’s time to wake up. After the sun goes down, your brain is triggered into producing melatonin, which is the chemical that makes you sleepy. The natural cycle of the day regulates our cycle of sleep, meaning that our bodies are biologically attuned to the rising and setting of the sun.

Conclusion

There are countless psychological benefits of sunlight. Natural light is incredibly good for the human body, so being near a window all day can really improve your overall well-being. However, a dirty window doesn’t let as much light in. Make sure that your windows are nice and clean by calling Ernest Windows for our window cleaning services!

Why You Should Open Your Windows in the Winter

During the winter months, colds and flus run rampant. There are a ton of ways to help prevent getting sick, including washing your hands often and getting the flu shot, but one method you might not know about is opening your windows.

Open Windows

THE HARMS OF KEEPING YOUR WINDOWS CLOSED 

Because of how cold the winter is, you probably want to keep your windows locked shut, but this could actually be causing the spread of germs. When it’s warm inside, more moisture builds up, triggering the growth of bacteria and viruses. These germs stay trapped within your home because the windows are opened less in the winter. Keeping the windows closed can cause bacteria and viruses to multiply, as well as trap more dust, mold, and smoke inside of your house. These harmful particles can irritate the eyes and sinuses, and also cause headaches, coughing, and fevers.

Since it’s so cold outside, we tend to stay indoors a lot more during the winter, causing us to be in closer contact with harmful germs and the people who may be carrying them. This is especially seen on public transport. Instead of walking to work or the store, many people choose to take the bus or train in cold weather. This means a lot more potentially sick people are sneezing and coughing on the windows that we touch regularly.

Open Windows

THE BENEFITS OF OPENING YOUR WINDOWS

When we spend so much time indoors, we need to make sure that we are getting fresh air. Keeping your windows and doors shut keeps the warm air in and the cold air out, but it also keeps healthy air out. Even though it is cold, it’s still vital that we open our windows. You don’t have to do it for long – 20 minutes to an hour every day allows fresh air in. This will let some of the moisture and bacteria that’s been building up in your home escape.

When you let the bad air out and good air in, you are at less of a risk of catching the cold or flu. Some studies even show that opening the windows every day creates a healthier microbiome in your home. Circulating your air can improve your overall health in addition to making you more impervious to sicknesses. 

Open Window

CONCLUSION

While it is important to open your windows every day, it’s also important to keep your windows clean. At Ernest Windows, Inc., we clean internal and external windows. Our services not only keep your windows spotless, but eliminate germs from them! Let us clean your windows today! To read more about our window washing services, visit our website.

Insulating Your Windows During the Winter

Homes capture whatever reflects through the windows – sunlight, heat, and the cold. If you live in a home where uneven temperatures and drafty rooms are the bane of your existence, then you might want to consider insulating your windows. The wintertime is a formidable opponent for your heater – how well can it keep you warm while avoiding high utility costs? A couple of methods that will solve the draft in your home is weatherstripping or utilizing shrink film and insulators for your windows. In our blog, we’re going to offer some tips on how to use these methods so your house stays toasty without feeling burnt.

Weatherstripping

The purpose of weatherstripping is to seal openings in doors or windows, prevent rain from entering, and keep the interior air in. By sealing windows, you’re preserving heating and air conditioning energy. The materials vary: vinyl, rubber, poly foam, brass, and aluminum. Weatherstripping is easy to do and doesn’t hurt your budget. If you have old windows, this method is especially helpful in sealing away those drafts.

Shrink Film

Think of shrink film as another barrier for your windows, sandwiched between the outside air and the inside of your home. This method is another way to prevent air leaks and is generally the popular choice because of how fast you can apply it without spending too much money. Use double-sided tape and seal the film over your window from inside. When you remove it, be careful not to peel off paint around the window.

Insulators

Rope caulking and draft snakes (or stoppers) are forms of insulators for your window. The former’s texture is putty, which makes it pliable for a long period of time. As for the latter, think of it as a pillow for your window. You can have a bit more fun with draft snakes by adding embellishments or altering the colors to match your home’s aesthetic. If you want more creative freedom, then draft snakes are the best choice.

Conclusion

Much like the summer, winter urges you to turn on your HVAC but at the expense of keeping it on for a while. In order to save utility costs, our suggestions that we’ve outlined are sure ways that you can have a cozy winter without worrying about finances. Don’t let the cold air seep through and overstay its welcome – block it out with the necessary defenses!

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