Construction Clean-Up

Recently, Hardwick Window Cleaning cleaned a new building on the campus of Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, Georgia. A 60ft lift, and later an 80ft lift were required to reach the top floors. Since this was a construction clean-up job we had to remove mortar and putty off of the windows prior to the building being occupied.

This picture shows Steve Hardwick on the 60ft lift.

Since this job was completed we have been contracted to clean the windows of a similarly sized, older building that is already occupied. We are delighted to add the cleaning of windows on large and tall buildings to the services we provide to our clients.

I'm covered - and so is your stuff

Rule to live by: only let insured workers perform jobs on your property.

In a networking meeting about a year ago a lady who owns an independent insurance company explained the necessity of making sure you hire only insured workers to perform jobs on your property. For example, if a heating and air-conditioning professional is working on your unit and falls off a ladder, if he is not insured you may be responsible for his medical bills. If any material damage is done you may also be required to foot the bill for replacement or repairs.

The best way to make sure the person or company working in your home or business is covered by insurance is to ask them to provide a Certificate Of Insurance. Getting a copy of the COI is as simple as a phone call from the worker to the insurance company requesting the COI be emailed to you or faxed to your machine. If a worker balks at providing a COI, you may want to look elsewhere to get that need of yours tended to.

Too Cold to Clean Windows?

I hear this often, "It's too cold to clean windows." With temps below freezing many mornings I appreciate people's concern for our wellbeing, but other than issues of our personal comfort, we can clean windows even when the outside temps are very low. Warm water is good for cleaning and for keeping the window cleaner's hands from turning numb. Denatured alcohol or other "anti-freeze" methods are very helpful to keep ice from forming on the window.

I admit that sometimes the weather is just too bad to clean windows. Gusty wind and really cold weather do tend to prohibit window cleaning, but in general we can be out there and keep cleaning your windows even in the freezing weather. (If we come in for a minute or two to warm up our hands - let me thank you in advance for your kind words and your heat.)

Tools of the trade

Hmmm. Tools of a window cleaner: squeegee, wetter or scrubber, pole, ladder . . . oh, water, cleaning solutions, and don't forget towels.

Recently my Dad told me, "The cheapest tool you can buy is the most expensive one." I think he meant two things:

1. The better quality tools cost more. The quality of the tools used have an impact on how quickly and effectively a job gets done. Each of us have used poor quality tools around our own homes with results that were, let's say, 'less than optimal'. 
2. A tool may be expensive on the front end, but if it lasts longer and does a better job, that tool has saved you money. (The counter-point is that cheap tools will not last as long so replacement costs will get you in the end.)

This morning I was cleaning the windows at a Tires Plus store in Athens, GA when a man with a bucket and squeegee approached me from behind and offered, "You didn't really buy those tools at Wal Mart did you?" My Dad would have been proud.

We at Hardwick Window Cleaning are particular about the tools we use. Some of the squeegees, rubber squeegee blades, wetters, and other tools may be a bit more pricey that those that can be found in many home improvement stores, but their quality is considerably higher. We have scores of people who can attest to the quality of our work. When you need your windows cleaned, and cleaned well, give us a call.

When to Green Clean

When might you consider cleaning your windows with 'green' products?

• If a family member has a sensitivity to certain smells or cleaners.
• If your clients expect you to use natural and environmentally friendly cleaners.
• If you want to minimize the use of chemicals around you.
• If your concern for the environment compels you to choose 'green' whenever possible.

Post a comment if you want to add to the list.

"It's not easy being green"

Apologies to Kermit, but it is pretty easy to be green (when cleaning windows). We do this by using natural, environmentally friendly cleaners on your windows to beautify your world (translation: clean and clear windows make it easy to view nature). Using these cleaners helps you protect the environment without sacrificing a view of the great outdoors. Today Hardwick Window Cleaning cleaned the windows at Urban Sanctuary Spa in Athens, Georgia.

We used clean water and two natural cleaners, just ask us in person and we'll tell you what they are, to create a cleaning mixture that removed dirt and grime from the windows while remaining eco-friendly.

When you have your next appointment at Urban Sanctuary take a good look at the windows.

My windows are "different"

I get occasional questions about cleaning non-standard windows like:
- Historic glass (wavy and brittle).
- Low E windows (are filled with Argon or Krypton gas and have a coating which can be damaged by normal window cleaning solutions).
- Windows with a film tint to block the sun.
- Stained Glass (ok, I can't recall if I have been asked this one or if I bring this one up, but I have cleaned historic stained glass)

I welcome your questions about any "different" windows you have. I will not claim to know the answers to every window question, but I have several resources locally that have helped me with my questions in the past.

"Cleanin' in the Rain"

Can you clean windows in the rain?

Logic may say no but in reality it is sometimes possible. I'll explain. We have established that rain is not the major culprit in making windows dirty (see previous post Rain and spots on your windows). The rule of thumb we find safe to use is that the inside of a window can be cleaned rain or shine; and if not being splashed by rain the outside of a window can also be cleaned - more on that below.

Two examples of windows that can be cleaned even while it is raining are Depalmas on the Eastside or Transmetropolitan in downtown Athens, Georgia. Because the windows on both of these businesses are set back under a cover we can clean them even when it is raining.

Transmetropolitan downtown Athens, Georgia. Notice that the windows are covered.

The windows at DePalmas on Athens' Eastside are behind this covered outdoor seating area.

Ok, back to the issue of cleaning the outside of a window that is not covered even while it is raining.

Here it gets a bit tricky. In order to avoid leaving streaks, the windows need to be completely dry after cleaning. One of the cleaning agents we typically use aids in drying the window - so no problem. The tricky part is when the rain is actually hitting the window. Then it is time to get in out of the rain and clean the outside of those windows a little later.

Holiday Cleaning

Hardwick Window Cleaning is already receiving requests to schedule cleanings before the holidays. We just booked a home in a golf community for cleanings twice a year. We will clean before visiting family arrives prior to Thanksgiving and again prior to Memorial Day.

A country club also just booked so they can be clean during the holidays.

Rain and spots on your windows

Does rain leave spots on your windows?

Many people believe that rain leaves streaks and spots on their windows, but that is not exactly the case. Rain on a dirty window collects the dust and muck already on the window and consequently leaves spots. However, rain on a clean window has less grime and dust to collect, so the spots are minimal or in some cases nonexistant.

If rain leaves major spots on your windows it may be time to call a professional window cleaner.