Are You Cleaning Your Storm Windows the Right Way?

We’ve shared tons of information in the past about the best way to clean your windows. However, if you have storm windows in Las Vegas, you may have been at a loss. Storm windows are tricky to remove so cleaning them is even harder.

Still, you storm window owners deserve to have clean windows too. So, your favorite window cleaning company has compiled a guide so that your windows sparkle with the glow of your holiday decorations.

Getting Started

Before you can start taking out your storm windows, you want to know which type you have. They can be wood, aluminum, or vinyl. In addition to that, you can have thin or thicker single pane glass.

You can tell you are working with thin single pane glass if your storm window is made of vinyl or aluminum. The glass will also be held into place with plastic or metal tabs. If you have this type of window, you want to be careful as you go about removing them. The thin glass is subject to breakage pretty easily. So proceed with caution.

You can tell you are dealing with a thicker window pane if the glass is held in place with better lever snaps or screws. You’ll most likely find this type of glass on the outside of the window. This type of window is sturdier than other storm windows but it is also heavier. Keep this in mind when you begin to remove the windows from the wall.

Removal Tips

Follow these tips for your best chances at success with removing and cleaning your storm windows.

1. Protect yourself. Glass can break so make sure your eyes, hands, and arms are protected. Wear goggles, long sleeves, and leather gloves for the best results.
2. Get the right tools. Have a utility knife, a flat putty knife, and a flat head screwdriver close by. You may need any of these tools to cut through caulking or paint that seals the window into the wall. You may also need them to help wedge warped or swollen wooden window frames out of place.
3. Pay attention. Look for chips and cracks in the glass. If you notice any, you may want to call in a professional window cleaning specialist in Las Vegas. A window that is chipped or cracked is that much more likely to break so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. Stay organized. As you start pulling out the windows, label them so that you know where they go when the cleaning is done. This will save you a lot of time and headache.

If you have sliding triple track aluminum windows…

• You must remove them from the inside.
• You must remove each pane individually by pushing the into one side of the frame (if there’s no give on one side, push to the other side).The spring loaded track will let you pull the window out.
• Once the bottom half of the window is out, use the same method to pull out the top window. Just slide the top window down about an inch so that you don’t damage the glass.
• Remember to label the pieces because they have to be reinstalled in the same order after you clean them.

If you have single pane storm windows…

• Turn the tabs or screws that hold the window in place. If possible, have a second pair of hands secure the window so that it doesn’t slip and break while you are loosening the fasteners.
• Proceed with caution. This warning is worth mentioning twice. The thin glass can break easily, especially if there’s already a chip or crack in it.

Cleaning

Now, for the good stuff! Once your windows are all out and labeled for proper installation, you can start cleaning.

1. Lean the windows against a sturdy flat wall outdoors. If you have to clean the windows indoors for whatever reason, lay a towel underneath the window you’re cleaning to prevent a mess.
2. Apply your favorite window cleaning technique with light pressure. Heavy-handed scrubbing can cause the glass to break at an angle.
3. Allow the windows to air dry or dry them with a microfiber cloth. This is to prevent the accumulation of fog inside your windows when you reinstall.

Even though you can DIY, you may feel more comfortable hiring a team of  Las Vegas window cleaning experts for your storm window job. The pros at J & J Window Wash have the right tools and supplies to ensure the job is done right. For more information about window cleaning services in Las Vegas, contact 702-804-1806.

November 20, 2014