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Preparing For Installation and Caring For New Windows
by
Jessica L Saxton
Preparing your home for the installation of new windows is a very important step because some people do not realize that installing windows is just as dirty of the job as painting. After the windows are installed, homeowners should know how to properly clean their new windows and care for them to prevent having to replace them after a few years. Many newer windows are made from vinyl, so the same cleaning methods do not apply as with older windows with wooden frames.
Preparing the Home for Installation
This is one of the most important things. The homeowner should ensure that there is an effective workspace for the construction crew, that safety for the home and individuals is ensured and that you protect your home at all costs. You need to prepare the workspace. While you will not have to actually prepare the space they will be working out of, you should allocate space for them to prepare the designated area where they will be working from. The crew will spend a lot of time going back-and-forth from the windows to the trucks, so the area should be in between those two spaces, to minimize the time it will take them to go from point A to point B, which will later minimize the cost for you. You will also need to prepare an open space around the windows. Remove any unnecessary items from around the workspace and the windows. Any backyard or lawn ornaments should be moved, hoses and intrusive objects as well. The area around the windows should be cleaned so that the contractor has an even space to work in. Window installation requires some preparation. If there will be woodcutting, tarp your furniture to ensure that no sawdust gets into the fabric causing an uncomfortable sitting area. Also place a tarp or cloths around the area in which the crew will be walking.
Start the Cleaning Process
When beginning to clean your windows it is recommended that you start with tap water. Sometimes that\’s all it takes to clean the windows. Leave the gradual scaling of harsher chemicals for last. Designate a soft cloth that will be used only for your windows. This reduces any possibility that debris from cleaning other objects adhering to the cloth, which will scratch the windows. The manufacturer\’s guidebook will provide you with tips on how to clean the particular model of window you have. Always adhere to the manufacturer\’s advice and instructions and if lubrication is needed during the cleaning process, it will be a silicone-based spray. Cleaning the screen of a window can be done by using a soft brush or a vacuum hose. This is an easy way to remove any dust or dirt in between the window and the screen. The same thing goes when cleaning the tracks of a window; you can use a nylon brush to scrub it down and then wipe down the residue with a soft cloth.
Cleaning Solutions
Windows are often made of vinyl and glass. There are not many wooden windows frames manufactured today. This means that vinyl requires a different set of solutions for cleaning than wood windows. Using chemicals that are not harsh are the best way to clean vinyl windows. The following brands are often recommended by most final window manufacturers:
— Fantastik — Murphy Oil Soap — Lestoil
In addition to these brands, homeowners can make their own vinegar and water cleaning solution since it has been used for years. There should be 30 percent vinegar and 70 percent water in the solution in order for it to work to its best potential. This can be used on both vinyl and glass. When using this solution on glass, it works just like other glass cleaners. This solution may not remove all stains, so you can use mineral spirits. When stains do not come out, use a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. When making the solutions yourself it is advisable to wash off the area with soap and water to remove the residue. You can also use an ammonia-based cleaner to wipe down your windows.
What to Avoid
There are a few things homeowners should stay away from doing when cleaning their new windows. Depending on the type of window you bought, you may want to stay away from using a power washer. This can damage or completely remove the caulk around the window, which is important to make the window space waterproof. Do not use any harsh chemicals or grease lubricates as it attracts dirt.
This information will help you keep your windows looking new for years if you routinely maintain and clean them per the manufacturer\’s instructions. You can use these cleaning solutions and tips on bay, storm, double-hung, casement, architectural, picture, and egress windows. You can ask the window installation company for advice on what you can use to clean your windows.
Copyright (c) 2013 Jessica L Saxton
About The AuthorJessica Saxton is a contributing author who likes to learn about
window companies in Atlanta
because she just purchased a home. She contacted the company by calling them at 877-869-1209 or by visiting their showroom at 6000 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071.
Article Source:
ArticleRich.com