Gutter cleaning is a seasonal maintenance task that protects a home's foundation, prevents erosion, and reduces the risk of flooding the basement or substructure. When it's time to clean the gutters of a rental property, though, who's responsible? Below, Window Genie offers insight into rental property gutter cleaning, so you know who is responsible for completing the work—tenant or property owner—and how to find out for sure.
Have you ever cleaned your windows only to see them dry with water spots and streaks? Where did you go wrong? It may have had nothing to do with your technique and everything to do with the water you used. Tap water may be perfectly safe to drink and it’s possible to add to your solution for cleaning floors or counters but using it to clean your windows is a different story. Windows show the impurities in the water used to clean them. What’s the point in taking the time and effort to wash windows only to have them still look dingy after you’re done? Learn why tap water isn’t the best option for cleaning glass and what you can use instead to clean windows like a pro. Related Topic: The Hard Truth About Hard Water Stains
Why Tap Water Isn’t Best for a Window Cleaner
Despite looking clear, tap water contains mineral sediment that can dull the shine of your windows. Depending on where you live, you may have higher or lower mineral content in your tap water. Water in the west is commonly higher in calcium, magnesium, sodium, and copper than in other parts of the U.S., while water from the south is moderate to low in the same minerals. Another element that makes tap water less than ideal for cleaning windows is the level of acidity. When the pH is high, it doesn’t bind with particles as it should which makes it difficult to lift dirt and grime off windows. Adding a water softener helps lower the pH and makes it easier to lift grease off windows, but it doesn’t remove all the sediment that leaves water spots and streaks. So, what should you use? Is distilled water good for cleaning windows? Because distilling involves evaporating water and capturing the condensation—which completely separates the minerals from the water—it’s a great way to purify tap water at home.How to Purify Tap Water for Window Cleaning
To keep your windows sparkling clean, you can purify your tap water at home by distilling, installing a reverse osmosis system, or investing in an ionizing machine or bio-ceramic filter. Distilling Process: You can make your own distilled water at home using a large pot, a smaller pot, and some ice. Here are the steps required to distill water: First, fill the large pot with 8 cups of water and set the smaller pot inside. Place the lid upside down on the large pot. The condensation from the steam will trickle to the center of the lid, where it will drip down into the smaller pot. Place ice on top of the lid. The difference in temperature will speed up the condensation. Finally, turn on the stove and wait. Keep an eye on the water level and replace the water in the bottom pot as needed to prevent damage to the cookware. Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water molecules through a semi-permeable mesh that mineral sediment is too large to fit through. This allows you to separate the water from the minerals and purify your tap water for sparkling windows. To do this at home, you will need to install a RO system and run your tap water through it. Ionization: Another purification process that can remove sediment from your water is ionization. One of the simplest ways to do this at home is using an ionizing machine or passing the water through bio-ceramic filters. The process uses magnetism to draw out the minerals and raise the water’s alkalinity, which enables the water to better lift dirt and grime from windows, leaving them spot and streak-free.What Streak-Free Windows Every Time?
If you would rather put your time and effort into something more enjoyable than making your own purified water, contact the cleaning pros at Window Genie. We’re experts at keeping windows sparkling clean, both inside and out. To learn more, give us a call at 877-243-8624 or request a quote online today.
This new year is ushering in a simplified and more relaxed trend in window treatments. With people spending more time at home, they are turning to minimalistic looks that soothe the eye. Warm neutral colors are also on the rise as opposed to the cool grays we’ve seen in the past few years. Another theme homeowners are embracing is sustainability. They’re choosing recycled and natural materials, such as cotton, linen, and wood. Homeowners and interior designers are also using bold shapes and patterns, including vintage floral patterns, as accents to give interior spaces personality and texture. Related Topic: Window Treatment Ideas for Sliding Glass Doors
Current Window Treatment Trends for Your Home
We’re letting go of perfection this year. Your home doesn’t need to look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. Rather, it should embody what feels relaxing, energizing, or homey for you and your family. If you’re looking for new ideas to inspire you this year, these top window treatment trends are definitely worth considering: Embrace minimalism: Bring peace to your space by opting for a modern look with clean lines and neutral colors. Some homeowners are employing Roman shades for smaller kitchen windows and Japanese blinds for larger or floor-length windows. Focus on natural light: Natural light maximizes our intake of vitamin D and may increase productivity for those working from home. However, with natural light comes issues of privacy, glare, and damaging UV rays. That’s where light filtering treatments come in: Tinting your windows or adding sheer shades or sheer curtains can offer some privacy and protection from UV rays, while not damping your natural light. Choose natural materials: Choosing classic materials, such as cotton and linen, for window shades and drapes is popular this season. This embrace of a natural look also protects indoor air quality (from the off-gassing that can come from artificial materials). Wood and faux wood blinds are also popular choices—with an emphasis on lighter woods that provides an easy, airy feel. Recycled and sustainable products are in demand this year as homeowners want to feel good about their home’s impact on the world. The colors to highlight: As with the choice in wood tone, the larger trend in 2022 is leaning toward more neutral colors, but not the dull grays you’ve become bored with. The hot neutrals for 20222 are lively and warm, making the home feel like a soft burrito blanket you could roll yourself up in. Buttery creams, milky tones, and soft beiges are on the rise. But that’s not all. Designers are using natural greens, browns, purples, and blues to emphasize the beauty of nature. Bold accent colors are also popular. For instance, using chocolate tones, deep blues, and peach colors to make a statement. Now that you’ve spruced up your windows, it might be a good time to make the rest of your home match. Our friends at your local Five Star Painting can help. They offer expert painting services, for both the exterior and interior of your home.Get the Help You Need to Bring Your Window Treatment Ideas to Life
Giving your windows a fresh look can transform a few rooms and your entire home—and things like window tinting can even help improve energy efficiency. If you would like to learn more about window tinting and some of the other services we offer, contact your local Window Genie today. You can request a quote online or give us a call us at 877-243-8624. If you’re selling your home, there are some things you can take care of on your own to make the process easier. For instance, doing some cleaning can save you costs in the long run and expedite the sale. Let’s cover three major ways of preparing to sell your home: Clean your windows. Wash the siding and the roof. Depersonalize and declutter the interior and exterior. By doing these tasks, you can help your potential buyers imagine their new life in the house. Here’s how to do it right, whether you choose to DIY or enlist the help of a service professional.
How to Clean Windows in a Home Before Selling It
If you decide to clean your windows yourself, use a high-quality window cleaner and a couple of types of cloths. Start with a textured cloth to get the grime off. Follow up with a soft cloth to remove streaks. Don’t forget to wash your window screens, as dirty screens lead to dirty windows. Cleaning windows can be tedious, and it can also be dangerous if you try to reach high windows. It’s safest, fastest, and most convenient to hire a professional window cleaning company like Window Genie® to take care of this task for you. Our three-step window cleaning process ensures a streak-free, efficient clean.Is Pressure Washing Worth It for Selling a House?
Yes, it’s worth it! A clean roof and siding are more important than ever when you’re selling your home. Not only is pressure washing good for curb appeal, but it can also prevent debris, mold, or other grime from causing damage to your home’s structure. Prospective buyers will appreciate that you’ve taken the time to preserve the house by washing it, which will help protect the roof and overall structural integrity until the next wash. Consider asking Window Genie to do your pressure washing for you. Our experienced technicians can clean any surface, from your roof to your concrete driveway, while using the right tools and techniques to prevent damage. Related Topic: Pressure Washing a Deck – The Do’s and Don’tsDepersonalizing and Decluttering a House Before Selling
It’s important for potential buyers to be able to imagine their own lives in the home you’re selling. Removing personal belongings from the property, a.k.a. “depersonalizing,” leaves room for buyers to visualize their own belongings instead. This is something you can do on the inside as well as the outside of your home. The process of depersonalizing a house to sell is different for everyone, depending on existing décor. To get started, take down any yard decorations, string lights, family photographs, and particularly unique décor. If you need help taking down your holiday lights, we can help. After the clutter is cleared, it’s time for a deep clean. For exterior cleaning, Window Genie has you covered with window washing, pressure washing, and more. Request a quote today or give us a call at 877-243-8624. There are many varieties of window film. Most of them are applied to the inside surface of a window in a home, building, or vehicle. Scratch resistance is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a window film for a specific use, which is what makes architectural window film a popular choice.
What Is Architectural Window Film?
Architectural window film is any type of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) window film that is installed over an existing window’s surface to improve its functionality and/or design. All architectural windows typically consist of the same components—one side of the film has an adhesive that attaches to the glass surface of the window, while the other side features a scratch-resistant coating to safeguard the film. These window films may be clear, tinted, or decorated with a border or all-over pattern. They’re an excellent tool for improving privacy, aesthetics, and more. Related Topic: 3 Ways to Refresh Home Exterior for the New Year—for Less!Why Get Architectural Film for Windows?
While there’s a big variety of window film available for sale, architectural window film’s scratch resistance makes it stand out from the rest. Its durability makes it a worthwhile choice for homeowners or business owners looking for a long-term change to their space. Primary uses for architectural window film include: UV protection Environmental sustainability Glare protection Privacy improvement Design improvementWhere to Buy Architectural Window Film
While you may be able to find this type of window film at home improvement stores, DIY installation can be difficult and not long lasting. Window Genie offers expert window film and tinting services—including architectural window film options—to fit every need. We’ll even help you choose the right window film for your home. Request a quote or give our team a call at 877-243-8624 to get started. Entering a New Year gives many people the urge to change the look and feel of their home. One way to accomplish this is to give your home’s exterior a fresh, new look. However, after exhausting your budget on the holiday you may be a little reluctant to take on such a refresh. Well, we have some ways you can do it without spending a small fortune.
Three simple but effective ideas that don’t take much time, either.
Exterior Home Design Tip: Installing Decorative Window Film Decorative window film is a simple alternative to etched or stained glass. It can enhance the look of your windows and provide some extra privacy at the same time. Although etched and stained glass is beautiful, it can also be very expensive. Artisan glass is also very nice, but expensive. A window film can give you a similar look, and the privacy you want, at a fraction of the price. With window film, you also have the freedom to change up the patterns and colors when the mood strikes you, without too much additional expense. Decorative film is a fantastic temporary or permanent exterior home design idea to jazz up the glass and give your exterior a new look. Home Exterior Idea: Give Your House a Bath Pressure washing the exterior of your home makes it sparkle. Just like anything else that’s constantly exposed to the elements, your home can get dirty, and sometimes you don’t even notice because it happens so gradually over time. A thorough pressure wash can yield some surprising results, especially if it’s been several months, or years, since the exterior has been cleaned. Pressure washing is also an excellent preventative measure against things like mold and rot. When dirt or mud stays on the surface of your home for a long time, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. This can eventually lead to structural damage. Pressure washing loosens and removes debris and bacteria, safeguarding your home. Related Topic: 3 Reasons to Clean and Secure Your Gutters Revive Your Concrete Driveway and Sidewalks The concrete around your home is another area that can get dirty and discolored over time. Meticulous concrete cleaning reinvigorates the walkways and driveway in front of your home and has an amazing effect on the overall appearance of your exterior. You might be surprised just how bright and sparkling your driveway can look. Cleaning your precious concrete walkways and driveways also protects your investment by helping them last as long as possible.Get Professional Assistance This New Year
These simple, cost-effective ideas can really give your home the fresh, new look you’re looking for, for less. Your local Window Genie® can take care of some or all the projects on your to-do list. We can have your house looking its absolute best in no time. Contact us today! Related Topic: Interior Design Styles and the Paint Colors That Go with Them There is plenty of information online if you are looking for holiday decoration ideas for your windows. However, there is not much out there to explain how to pull it off without pulling your hair out in the process. Decorating your windows for the holidays can be a fun activity, but without a master plan and budget, things can quickly turn into a project you regret taking on. In this article we will review how a little planning can go a long way with helping you create a cheery holiday window display everyone can enjoy.
Start with a Holiday Window Decorating Plan
Holiday Decorating Idea for Windows: Start with a Theme Creating individual scenes for each window is fine, but planning a design that uses several windows to connect a central theme will have a bigger impact. And remember, your windows are just one part of your holiday canvas. You can use the entire house to tie it into your window display. For example, you could create a winter wonderland scene on your windows and use lighted snowmen in the front yard to extend the scene even further. Or place Santa and his reindeer on your roof and decorate your windows with Santa’s helper, the elves. To top off your masterpiece, your holiday lights should use colors from your overall theme to bring your masterpiece together. Determine Your Decorating Budget Everybody loves a cheerful, elaborate holiday displays, but when you add up all the cost, some displays can get expensive. However, there are a few ways to create impressive holiday displays without breaking your holiday budget—it just takes a little extra planning. Here are some suggestions on how to break up your holiday decorating budget: Window display Lawn decorations Outdoor lights Indoor lights Roof decorations Accessories and supplies Energy costs to power your displays Divvy Up the Duties If you have an elaborate display planned that includes holiday window decorations, it’s better to make it a team effort. Have your family and friends help. Decide who’s responsible for what up front. Focus on each person’s strengths. If there’s an artist in the family, have them focus on window painting. If you have a tech guru, put them in charge of the lights prep, and so on. Remember Maintenance The best holiday displays require a little upkeep and maintenance. If you have many strands of holiday lights hung on your gutters or roof, you’ll need to keep those areas clear of snow, ice, and debris. You’ll also need to change any dimming or burnt-out bulbs. If you have a window display involving plants or fruit, you may have to change them out periodically to keep the décor looking fresh. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to babysit your display constantly. Just keep an eye on it and check it every few days. You’re putting a lot of time and effort into creating this holiday display, so you want it to last all season looking just as spectacular as it did when you finished. Incorporate Outdoor Lighting into Your Holiday Window Decorations Outdoor lighting can really accentuate creative holiday window decorations. There are so many options available: round bulbs, teardrop bulbs, twinkle, dangle, snowflake—the choices are almost endless! You could even have your lights timed to sync up with holiday music. This could get a bit complicated, so you may want to enlist some help from professionals. Hire a Professional to Help Decorating the exterior of your house and windows can really help create a festive holiday mood that family, friends and neighbors will enjoy. However, putting up, taking down and storing all those decorations does take time. And with all the other things you have to do to prepare for the holidays, you may not have the time to get it all done. Fortunately, there are companies that can take care of your all your holiday decorations and lighting for you. The trained professionals at Your Holiday Lights are experts when it comes bringing your dream holiday display to life. We can setup, take down and store all your holiday decorations. This means you can put your holiday spirit on full display, and have time to enjoy them too! Call us today at 888.311.8882 of visit us online to schedule an appointment. The holiday season is upon us so it’s time to start preparing for the festivities, but with all the hustle and bustle of the season, where and how do you begin? Don’t worry, we have some tips to help you start and stay on track as you cross the important things off your holiday prep checklist.
Create a Holiday Checklist
Your first order of business is to create a holiday checklist. Lists are a great way to make sure you don’t forget any important tasks as the season gets busier and busier. Once you’ve written out every task, you’ll have a better idea of how to budget and allocate your time. You might even be surprised by how quickly you can check off some of the simpler items to complete. If a handwritten list seems too tedious and old school, there are plenty of apps you can download on your phone that will make compiling a holiday checklist even easier. Once you have the list on your phone, checking off items you’ve completed requires just a tap of your finger. Whichever way you choose, it’s satisfying to see those completed items come off your holiday prep checklist—as you prep and organize your home for the season.Time Management Is Your Friend
A great way to cut down on the inevitable holiday prep stress is to create a timeline that coordinates with your holiday checklist. Timelines are a great way to manage the time you have available to prepare your home for dinners, parties, shopping, wrapping or whatever else the holidays have in store. Create a calendar, along with individual tasks you’ll need to complete to meet your goals. Figure out the number of days and the amount of time you think you’ll need for cleaning, shopping, decorating, and so on. Then allocate the necessary days and time in your schedule to get each task completed. This is where managing your time effectively comes into play. In order to stay on track and focused on the tasks at hand, it’s important to minimize distractions (don’t spend an hour on your phone when you should be cleaning) and block out your schedule so family and friends know you’re busy. Once you see your checklist laid out and organized in calendar form, it can seem less intimidating and overwhelming. And remember, there’s no shame in asking for professional help. There are plenty of resources available to get those items on your list completed. For example, why not hire someone to help clean the interior and exterior of your windows (one of the most overlooked areas of holiday prep). If you need help getting the outside looking just right for that holiday party, Window Genie is ready to help you get it all done.Start at the Top of Your Checklist for Every Holiday Party
One of the most daunting tasks is hanging holiday lights. This task will go a lot smoother if you have a clean, blank canvas to work with. A clean, dry roof makes the best surface for holiday light hanging. Roof cleaning can be quite a time-consuming and dangerous job, which can be even more dangerous when the weather turns cold. This is one job where hiring a professional is well worth the cost. However, if you do decide to tackle cleaning your roof, be sure to put safety first. Use a sturdy ladder, durable work gloves, and have someone outside spotting you while you’re on the roof. Never work on the roof while home alone. If you plan on hanging lights on your gutters, be sure they’re clean as well. Clogged gutters mixed with electricity can cause damage or even a fire.Clean Windows
If you want to dazzle your guests with your holiday lights display, be sure your windows are clean and your home’s exterior is in great shape. Nothing puts a damper on pretty twinkle lights like dirty, grimy front windows. Clean, streak-free windows give your festive lights that extra ‘wow factor.’ In fact, clean glass helps reflect the sparkle of those twinkling light!Prepping Decorations for Display
Do you know where your holiday decorations are stored? Are they in good condition? Do any of them need to be repaired? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, be sure to put ‘inventory and check decorations’ near the top of your holiday checklist. This goes for holiday lights as well. There’s nothing as frustrating as spending hours hanging holiday lights only to find out half of them don’t light up when you plug them in (Ughhhhh!). The easiest way to ensure every set of lights you hang is working properly is to untangle and plug them in before they go on your house. This makes replacing any damaged or broken bulbs or strands of light a lot easier.Get Help Checking Things Off Your List
The holidays should be a time of fun, festivities and celebration, but they can also be stressful and overwhelming when you’re struggling to get everything on your holiday list done on time. You can take a lot of the stress and worry out of this holiday season by hiring some pros to help you get your holiday checklist completed. The pros at Window Genie can help prep your home exterior for the holidays. And when you’re ready to dazzle your family, friends and neighbors with an amazing holiday light display, the lighting pros at Your Holiday Lights are ready to make it happen. They can help create a custom holiday display that reflects your holiday spirit, then take it all down and pack it away until next year. Now that sounds like the recipe for a happy holiday! Depending on where you live, you may want to choose a window treatment that suits your specific climate and needs. Window treatments like, blinds, shutters, and window film can vary in effectiveness depending on your location and how they are used. Figuring out which window treatment is best for your home depends on factors like energy efficiency, insulation, glare control, sun exposure, average daytime temperatures and budget. To help you determine which window treatment(s) might work best for you based on your region, we’ve put together a guide to help you sort it out. Remember, window treatments are not only helpful with blocking UV rays, they can also help maintain a more comfortable indoor environment when the temperatures outside fluctuate. The geographic regions covered in this article are: New England Mid-Atlantic Southeast Midwest Southwest Mountain States West Coast
New England Window Treatments
New England experiences a humid continental climate that includes cold winters and heavy snowfall during the cold months of the year. Since natural light is diminished during winter months due to overcast skies, New Englanders generally want to avoid darkening their homes too much. Therefore, to keep your New England home at a comfortable temperature during the summer and winter months, we recommend the following window treatments: Window treatments for controlling natural light and temperature: Roman shades: The thick material can help keep your home warm during extreme winters and cooler during the summer months. Yet these heavy shades still let ample natural light into your home. Wooden blinds: Provide a rustic, aesthetic look and feel. Can be fully opened to let light and warmth into your home, or be closed to reduce sunlight and heat loss during the winter.Mid-Atlantic Window Treatments
The Mid-Atlantic region experiences lots of extreme weather. Summers are very hot, while winter temperatures are often consistently below freezing. Your main priority in a window treatment should be temperature regulation. That is, you want your home to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter without it costing you a fortune. Window treatments to help regulate indoor temperature: Faux wood blinds: Will not warp in extreme temperatures like real wood blinds will and appear natural, giving your home a rustic feel. Hold up well in heavy winds. Polywood shutters: Guard against damage from moisture and extreme temperature shifts. Can provide up to 70% more temperature insulation than wood blinds, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.Southeast Window Treatments
Homeowners in the hot and humid Southeast, want to keep their homes cool even on the hottest, sunniest afternoons. The right window treatment can help keep your home comfortable throughout the year and help reduce your annual energy cost. Window treatments for temperature control and aesthetics: Solar shades: Light solar shades are roller shades made using solar screen fabric with an open weave that provide better heat control than their dark counterparts. Faux wood blinds: Don’t warp in extreme temperatures like real wood blinds can. They also appear more natural, which can give your home a rustic feel.Midwest Window Treatments
Keeping your home comfortable during the cold Midwest winters and muggy summer months can be a challenge. So, how do you choose the right window treatments for this climate? The answer lies in Polywood shutters and cellular shades: Window treatments for damp, extreme temperatures: Polywood shutters: Guard against damage from moisture and extreme temperature shifts. Can provide up to 70% more temperature insulation than wood blinds. Cellular shades: Mimic drapery but are more functional than curtains. Improve energy efficiency by insulating against heat and cold better than other window shades. Are not damaged by summer humidity, either.Southwest Window Treatments
As a Southwest resident, you’re used to the warm, dry daytime weather that everyone desires. However, true residents know that nights in the Southwest can get chilly. Any window treatment you choose will have to be able to effectively regulate the fluctuation in temperatures so your home stays comfortable during those warm days and cool nights. Window treatments for dry, bright conditions: Plantation shutters: These shut tightly to help block out excessive light and can help reduce temperatures during the hottest part of the day. It’s best to keep your shutters closed when temperatures are high to save on cooling cost. Roller shades: Blackout roller shades allow you to control the amount of natural light in a room and can help block the heat transmitted through your windows. Roller shades have a basic look that works well with just about any decor. Related Topic: Do I Need Security Window Film?Mountain States Window Treatments
Depending on where you live in this area, the climate can range from semi-arid to an alpine. If you live in the semi-arid region, your window treatment requirements will be different than if you live in the higher elevations of the mountains (where temperatures and conditions can change rapidly). Window treatments for extreme temperature changes: Cellular shades: Mimic drapery but are more functional than curtains. Improve energy efficiency by insulating against heat and cold better than window shades. Hold up better in damp, high humidity conditions. Wood blinds: Provides an extra layer of insulation against heat and cold. May also help reduce some outside noise, although not specifically designed for noise reduction. These blinds can be easily adjusted to help regulate the amount of natural light in a room.West Coast Window Treatments
If you live in the West Coast region you are used to a relatively mild climate throughout most of the year with very few temperature extremes. Window treatments for aesthetics and light control: Cellular shades: This window treatment is also referred to as honeycomb shades. They mimic drapery but are more functional than curtains. They hold up well to humidity and can be used to help defuse the amount of natural light in a room. Decorative window film: Composed of thin laminate film, cosmetic window films can help reduce our yearly energy cost by keeping the interior of your home cooler throughout the year. Window films can be applied to either the interior or exterior of your windows. Some of the more popular styles include, SimGlas, rice paper, and frosted.Professional Window Tinting for Any Climate
No matter what the climate is like where you live, your local Window Genie professional can help you choose the right window treatment for your home. If you need tinting or a film applied to your windows, we can help with that too! We offer a variety of decorative and security window films and professional installation. To learn more give us a call at 877-243-8624 or request a quote online today. And to ensure your home stays comfortable, schedule an annual HVAC inspection and routine maintenance throughout the year. No matter how hard your gutters are to reach, they still need to be kept clean. But getting into those nooks and crannies on the edge of a high roof can be dangerous, if not done correctly. Let’s look at different methods for cleaning second-story gutters and find out whether they really work. These methods include: Using ladders and proper ladder safety. Relying on gutter guards to reduce cleaning needs. Using vacuum and leaf blower attachments. Using your hose. (Not recommended.) Using a professional gutter cleaner.
