Just a little friendly tropical storm wind advice

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Mother Nature can throw us for a loop when it comes to protecting our valuable window investment. Windows in our homes and buildings are our structures “eyes to the world”, so we want to do our best to protect them as well as we can.  As a homeowner, here are a few things you can do to help protect your windows from flying debris created by tropical storm winds.

- Pick up all loose debris, such as dead branches and sticks, and place them in the garbage

- Bring the following items inside so they don't become flying objects (your neighbors' will appreciate it as well)

  • outdoor patio furniture
  • garbage cans
  • BBQ grills
  • hoses
  • yard signs
  • flower pots
  • lawn ornaments
  • wind chimes
  • and anything else that is not secure

- Check to ensure your windows are sealed and latched securely

- Make sure your screens are placed in the window sill properly.

- Covering your windows with storm shutters will help in protecting your valuable window investment.

Once the storm passes, carefully check each window for damage that may have occurred. If damage has occurred, seek a professional to have the window fixed or replaced.

It is also wise to have your windows cleaned thoroughly after a storm that produces heavy winds. The rain itself will not make your windows dirty, but the dirt and debris that the wind blows on them, will. Rain actually helps keep clean windows clean, but will also make dirty windows look dirtier. Rain will cause the evenly layered dust and dirt to clump together leaving them looking dirtier. The dirt and particles accumulate and once dried, they will leave “water spots”. Most homeowners just spray their windows with ground water, aka “their hose”, but that can cause “hard water spotting” which can only be removed with a chemical based cleaning solution if left untreated. In our next post we will go over the differences between rain water and ground water. We will discuss how they each affect your windows.

Be safe!

What to look for when choosing a Window Cleaner

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·  Reliability - Will the window cleaner arrive when they say they will?

·  Insurance - Does the window cleaner have enough, if any, liability insurance?

·  Safety – Is safety a priority to the window cleaner?

·  Honesty - Can you trust your window cleaner to be around your valued property?

·  Professionalism - Does the window cleaner take the job seriously? 

 

Reliability

Here on Maui, this is the biggest complaint from customers we hear that have switched over to us from another window cleaner. We are not the “fly by night” cleaner who disappears when the North Shore waves are rolling in. We show up on time and are ready to perform the task of cleaning your windows. We take pride and know it is a privilege that you have chosen us to care for your window investment. At Clear Choice Cleaning you aren’t just an invoice number, but a valued customer for life.

Insurance

Many “fly by night” window cleaners do not carry enough insurance and many do not have any insurance at all. That’s fine until an accident occurs. With that being said, there are many of them that do not work using safe practices - so of course more accidents are likely to happen. We see them skipping across customers' roofs or hanging off ladders like a movie stunt man. If a window cleaner does not carry a general liability insurance policy, steer clear of them. If your current window cleaner doesn’t have insurance, I would think very seriously about changing to a window cleaner that does. Just think about if the window cleaner drops his heavy ladder or a pole on your car, denting the roof and smashing the windshield. Make sure your window cleaner has insurance to cover all accidents that can occur. Clear Choice Cleaning has a $2,000,000 policy.

Safety

Every year throughout the world people fall off ladders and are injured or in some cases killed. A few factors that can lead to people falling off ladders are: improper set up or out of date equipment. We take our safety very seriously, as well as the care of your property. We train everyone the proper techniques in setting up each type of ladder we use and also replace old out of date equipment when needed.

Honesty

Most window cleaners are hard working, honest people. Unfortunately there are some shady characters out there. Be on the lookout for refusal of payment by check or credit card and have very low prices, old and worn out equipment and unprofessional attire. You do not want someone in your home who is looking to pocket your possessions or thinking about coming back later when you are out. Always choose a window cleaner who takes his/her business seriously. At Clear Choice Cleaning we always come in uniform and drive marked vehicles.  

Professionalism

Professional window cleaning companies may cost a little more, but you are likely to encounter fewer problems with the service they provide as opposed to the “fly by night” window cleaner. We encourage you to do your research when choosing a window cleaner. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself. Are they insured? Do they have a good reputation around the community? Do they arrive on time? How are they dressed? How do well do they care for your property? Is safety a priority to them when working? All in all, choose a window cleaner who is insured, a window cleaner who takes his/her safety seriously, they have a reputable name throughout the community, they provide reliable service and have an honest heart behind the work.

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