Risks Of DIY Window Cleaning Process

Risks Of The DIY Window Cleaning Process


Taking on a DIY window cleaning job may find you biting off more than you can chew. Why? There is a wide array of things that can go wrong. The end result can be unsatisfactory, making a mockery of the time, effort and loads of cleaning solutions that you have used up for the task. The windows themselves can get ruined, necessitating expensive repairs or replacements. Your own self is at risk too. Lets get into what happens to get things out of hand:



1. Broken seals and damaged windows
The window structure is not as tough as it looks. Sure, it keeps out the elements and provides a conducive indoor environment, but employing systems like power washers to get rid of the grime can right out shatter the glass. This is because of the powerful forces behind the jets of water, that are highly effective in getting the caked on grime off the walls and floors, driveways and sidewalks, but for which the glass panes of the window are not designed. It`s not just the glass that is affected in this scenario. There'll be the immediate problem of the gush of water that gets through to the buildings interior, hitting the draperies and upholstery, drenching the furniture, ruining the electronics and soaking the floor. Needless to say, the damaged window will need to be replaced, raking up your buildings maintenance costs.



2. Harsh cleaning agents
There may be stubborn spots on the window, and the DIYer opts to turn to the all-purpose cleaners, ammonia solutions, agents with vinegar and other powerful products that are usually used when dealing with troublesome spots and stains on other surfaces in the building. While they may be effective when used on the countertops, cabinets, walls and floors, when it comes to the windows, they can result in anything from etching the glass, to reacting with the seals and frames. The ruined glass becomes unsightly and difficult to see out of, coming in the way of you enjoying those elegant views outside your property. When the seals are ruined, they can leak, affecting the functionality of the windows. Leaking seals are especially a problem when it comes to double or triple paned windows. As air gets in between the panes, the moisture in it condenses, resulting in the windows fogging up. This cannot just be simply cleaned off. A glass specialist will need to be called it to repair the damage, the costs of which can almost be equal to getting a new window put up.



3. Property damage
These effects are usually caused by the equipment used. For instance, when working with ladders to get to those high-rise windows, it`s common for the weight to dig holes in the intricately mowed lawn and manicured yard. In case of a fall from the ladder, the items you had carried up with you also come crashing down. The impact of the fall, plus the weight of the cleaning supplies, can crush those potted plants and pruned bushes under the window. Back to the pressure washers. Unless the surface that they are directed at can handle the intense force of the blasts of water, they are at risk. This means that, in addition to damaging the window, the building's exterior is also at risk, from the sills, to the landscaping.



4. Sprains and fractures
Back to the ladder. The balancing acts involved when you're climbing up and down the rungs, carrying the cleaning equipment, and still being required to stretch out to those hard-to-reach areas, increases the risk of a fall. A simple misstep will result in you tumbling down, which can cause anything from bruises and sprains, to concussions and fractures. In addition, when using the wrong window cleaning solutions, then there`s the issue of toxic fumes. These can be generated by the chemicals themselves, or their reactions to the metal frames, glass and surrounding structures.



You don`t want to put your investment, and your own personal safety, in jeopardy. In addition, there`ll be the wastage of resources- time, energy, and cleaning supplies, when one ends up with unsatisfactory results that call for the entire process to be repeated. Issues like unsightly streaks and smears on the glass surface, plus insufficient rinsing that results in soapy films being left behind on the windows, go a step further to increase the rate of resoiling. Don`t fret. Hiring professional window cleaning services will take the load off your back.

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