There are many things that you can DIY rather than outsource to a professional, but whether or not that’s the right choice for you depends on a variety of factors. Window cleaning is no different. While you can DIY window cleaning, many prefer to go with professional window cleaning instead. Here, we’ll go into some of the most important distinctions between DIY window cleaning and professional window cleaning so that you can determine the best option for you. Let’s get started.

DIY Window Cleaning: When You Should And Shouldn’t Do It

If you’re a handy person, you probably like tackling projects yourself. If you have the time and know-how, DIY window cleaning can work to help keep your windows in better condition. However, if you want really good results, you may be better off hiring a professional.

The Pros Of Doing It Yourself

There are a few key reasons why people opt for DIY window cleaning, such as the following:

• Cost-savings. DIYing a project has the potential to save money, since you’re not paying someone else to do it for you.
• Convenience. Rather than having to wait for the next available opening in the window cleaning company’s schedule, you can take care of your windows when you’re ready. 
• Sense of accomplishment. When you do something yourself, there’s a sense of pride that you just don’t get by outsourcing the job.

The Cons Of Doing It Yourself

While there are some good reasons to clean your windows yourself, there are more reasons for why you shouldn’t.

• Safety concerns. Reaching high windows can pose a risk to your safety, even if you’re comfortable using extension poles on ladders.
• Lack of knowledge and technique. Unless you used to be a pro, you may not know the proper cleaning techniques and solutions to use to clean your windows, rather than leaving smudges and streaks all over them.
• Time commitment. Cleaning your windows can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t really know what you’re doing.
• Lack of proper equipment. Professionals use specialized equipment in order to get those hard-to-reach areas and tough grime spots. Without it, you may not be able to clean your windows properly.

Professional Window Cleaning: Is It Worth It?

The issue many people have with hiring professionals is the cost. Many prefer to DIY instead in a bid to save money. While in some cases, this can be smart, in others, it actually ends up being more cost-effective and efficient to work with a professional from the get-go. Here, we’ll get into the pros and cons of professional window cleaning so that you can see why this is. 

The Pros Of Working With A Professional

There are many reasons why professional window cleaning is recommended over DIY window cleaning, such as the following:

• Superior results. With their knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment, professionals have the ability to clean your windows more efficiently. They know how to clean a variety of different window types and various types of dirt, grime, and stains, ensuring a spotless, streak-free clean for all of your windows.
• Safety. Cleaning your windows yourself isn’t always safe, especially when you’re trying to clean the exterior of windows on top floors. Professionals can clean all of your windows, inside and out, safely. No risk of falls and hospital visits when you leave it to the pros!
• Time and energy savings. The tough part about DIY window cleaning is not only the risk to your safety, but also how much time and energy it takes that you could be using elsewhere. When you hire a professional, you can spend your time and energy as you like, and rest assured that the job will be done correctly.
• Comprehensive services. Professionals can also point out any issues they’ve noticed with your windows that may need to be addressed. Additionally, they can provide exterior cleaning services beyond your windows, such as gutter cleaning and pressure washing, letting you take care of multiple cleaning needs at once.

The Cons Of Working With A Professional

There aren’t many cons to professional window cleaning, but the ones that exist are what cause people to wonder if they should go for DIY window cleaning instead.

• Cost. There’s no question about the fact that hiring a professional is going to cost more upfront than doing it yourself.
• Scheduling. In an ideal world, you’d call to schedule a service, and it can be done at your earliest convenience. However, this seldom happens, as professionals are busy, and thus, need to schedule you out. Some can be annoyed at having to wait to have their windows cleaned.

However, it’s important to remember that while it may cost more initially to have your windows professionally cleaned, professionals have the attention-to-detail, quality equipment, and experience needed to ensure a top-level clean. This helps your windows last longer and look better.

It’s also important to note that while scheduling services can sometimes be a pain, it’s easier to schedule a professional to do the job for you than to keep putting the job off indefinitely on your own because you have other priorities. Scheduling it ensures it’ll get done when it’s supposed to. 

Professional Window Cleaning In And Around Concord, MA

Above & Beyond Window Cleaning provides professional window cleaning services throughout the Concord, MA area. If your windows are looking dingy and you’d like to clarify your view and restore your property’s curb appeal, we’re here to help. We strive to always live up to our name and go above and beyond with our work.

To learn more about our window cleaning services or any of the other exterior cleaning services that we provide, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Pressure cleaning is a great way to improve the value and appearance of your building. It can be utilized to remove dirt and grime on the exterior of homes, businesses, buildings, warehouses, and more. You can also pressure wash concrete, decks, and fences. If you’re looking into professional pressure cleaning services, you may have questions about the process. Read on to discover answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pressure cleaning.

#1. How Much Water Does Pressure Cleaning Use?

The amount of water pressure cleaning uses is based on two metrics: the PSI (pounds of pressure per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). These two measurements may vary depending on the equipment used, but most standard pressure washers use two to four gallons per minute, which is 120 to 240 gallons per hour. This is about the same amount of water as the sink in your home! If you were to run the pressure washer for one hour straight, you would use enough water to fill two to three bathtubs.

Professional power washers do everything they can to be efficient and save water. They clean in a side-to-side or up-and-down pattern so that they don’t go over the same area more than necessary and only hold down the trigger when they’re actually cleaning. 

#2. Will Pressure Cleaning Raise My Water Bill?

Another of the most frequently asked questions about pressure cleaning is if it will cost extra money by raising your water bill. You may be surprised to learn that pressure washers actually use less money than regular garden hoses! Therefore, by hiring a professional power cleaning service instead of trying to do it yourself with your hose, you’re actually saving money on your water bill.

#3. How Often Do I Need to Pressure Wash?

Most surfaces only need to be pressure washed about once a year, but the frequency of cleanings depends on the type of material and the condition it’s in. Talk to a professional pressure cleaner for advice pertaining to your specific needs.

#4. Can I Do It Myself?

You may wonder why you should hire a professional pressure cleaning service when you could just do it yourself. Although pressure washing equipment is available for anyone to buy or rent, you will have better results with a professional. They have higher-quality tools and greater expertise, so the job will take less time; plus, there will be less risk of accidentally damaging your building.

Pressure cleaning can be dangerous for those without training. Strong jets of water can cause injury, and wastewater that has been improperly disposed of causes environmental damage. It’s always best to turn to the experts so that you don’t risk harming yourself or others.

#5. Will Pressure Cleaning Damage My Home?

As long as you hire a reputable cleaning company such as Above & Beyond Window Cleaning, the risk of damage to your home is very low. Professional power cleaners know how to choose the correct PSI for the job based on the type of material they’re cleaning and the condition it’s in, so you don’t need to worry about any accidental damage.

#6. Can Pressure Washing Remove Graffiti?

If your home or business has been vandalized with graffiti, you’re probably wondering what to do about it. Many people see graffiti as an indication that an area is unsafe, and if you wait too long to remove it, it may damage your business’s reputation and even invite more vandalism. 

The most efficient and effective way to remove graffiti is through pressure cleaning. Whether you need graffiti removed from stucco, concrete, brick, or other materials, professional pressure cleaners can strip the graffiti without damaging what’s underneath. They may use a special detergent or change the temperature of the water or pressure levels to help the process.

#7. Will Pressure Washing Increase the Value of My Home?

Another frequently asked question about pressure washing is whether it will increase property value. It absolutely does — not only does a professionally power washed home have increased curb appeal, but it is also actually worth more! Proactive homeowners can utilize pressure washing to prevent damage from mold, moss, algae, and insects, therefore preserving their home’s value.

Professional Services From Above & Beyond Window Cleaning

At Above & Beyond Window Cleaning, our professional team of experts is dedicated to providing customers with excellent service. Whether you need pressure washing, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, or screen repair, we can help enhance the appearance of your building, deck, or fence. Request a residential or commercial quote or contact us today to get started!

Do you know what your window screens are made out of? If you have aluminum screens, you may experience screen burn on your windows. Fortunately, proper window cleaning (including window screen cleaning) can both prevent and help with screen burn. Here is what you need to know about how screen burn happens, the best strategies to prevent it, and how window cleaning can help with screen burn. Let’s get into it. 

What Is Screen Burn?

Not to be confused with screen burn-in on technological devices, screen burn refers to oxidized metal from aluminum screens transferring onto your windows and the appearance this oxidation takes. Screen burn can look like anything from water spots to a gray haze on your windows.

The Issue With Aluminum Screens

Many homeowners love aluminum screens for their durability. It’s true, if you’re going to buy something, you typically want to trust it to last. Aluminum screens are indeed less likely to rip or tear the way that fiberglass screens can. However, there’s the tradeoff of then having to deal with oxidation.

Aluminum oxidizes over time. What this means is that they can get a white, powdery substance on them. If you leave your window screens on year-round and/or you do not clean your screens regularly, this oxidation can then transfer onto the glass of your windows, such as by rain, snow, and wind. The oxidation can etch itself into the glass, ergo creating screen burn.

This metal oxidation doesn’t wash or scrape off. Your windows will need a special treatment in order to be restored to their original clarity and shine. Even after the aluminum screens are removed, the marks can remain. 

How To Avoid Screen Burn

There are a few different ways you can avoid dealing with this frustrating problem. 

• Store your window screens in the winter. You probably aren’t going to be opening your windows during the cold winter months anyway. Storing your screens can prevent oxidation from transferring onto the glass. Plus, it allows a bit more light into your home – and everyone needs as much sunlight as they can get during the shorter winter days.
• Have your windows cleaned regularly. Your local window cleaning professional will be able to provide you with advice on the optimal cleaning schedule for you, based on the conditions your windows face. Regular cleaning is key to prevent issues and to help your window screens last as long as possible.
• Use fiberglass screens. Fiberglass doesn’t oxidize the way aluminum does, so if you want to prevent screen burn, opting for fiberglass screens instead of aluminum is the best way to do so.

Prevention is everything. Once your windows have this problem, trying to remedy the issue can be very expensive – and may not even be effective. The last thing you want is to have to shell out the money for new windows just because you were trying to save money by avoiding window screen cleaning. 

Can Screen Burned Windows Be Restored?

This depends on the extent of the damage. Some windows may be restored, however, if restoration is attempted and you can still see screen burn, this likely means that it is permanent. In this case, the only way to get rid of the screen burn would be to replace the affected windows. 

Why Is Screen Burn Hard To Clean?

Screen burn is hard to clean for the same reason why window cleaning in general can be tricky. Glass may look smooth and solid, but it’s actually a porous surface. As such, when dirt, oxidation, and the like get on your windows, they can etch themselves into the glass. This is particularly the case with hard water stains, due to how the minerals can get into the pores of the glass.

If not addressed in a timely manner, the oxidation from aluminum screens builds up on the glass. As time passes, the harder and harder it will be to restore your windows. 

Prevent Window Problems With Above & Beyond Window Cleaning

The dedicated professionals here at Above & Beyond Window Cleaning are here to help you keep your windows in the best possible condition. We provide window cleaning services in and around Concord, MA, which includes window screen cleaning. We can also install fiberglass screens, if you would rather not run the risk of screen burn that aluminum screens present.

To learn more about the services we offer and what we can do to help you prevent or deal with screen burn, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.