Winter Gutter Maintenance

house in winterWinter has hit, blowing in with freezing temperatures and the white stuff, but gutter maintenance shouldn’t be ignored during this season. Your home needs well-maintained gutters and downspouts year-round and in winter, it’s extremely important. Postponing gutter cleaning and maintenance until the warmer months can result in costly damage to the home’s roof, fascia, siding, foundation, and more.

Check for Issues

Some gutters simply need more attention, especially if there are many trees on or nearby the property. Fall gutter cleaning removes a significant portion of clogging debris, but late season leaf dropping can be a problem in early winter. Soggy leaves, seed pods, twigs, and other debris build up in the gutter and prevent water from flowing to the downspout. As the temperatures drop, water and debris freezes creating issues: Read more »

Tips for Keeping Your Windows Clean During the Winter

window cleaning in winterThe coldest days of the year typically mean less time spent outdoors, but there still are exterior chores that need to be done and that includes window cleaning. Winter window cleaning comes with its own set of challenges due to the colder temperatures and in our Cincinnati area, the likelihood of snow cover. The good news is that Cincinnati sees more than 2,500 hours of sunshine annually and there are more days with rain than snow. On average, we see about 14-inches of snow each year, so it’s possible to get outside even during the bitter cold days of January and get those windows clean.

Reasons Why Winter Window Cleaning Is Important

Dirt and grime accumulate on window glass year-round. In winter, there’s the added detriment of salt spray as well depending on the window’s location. Any debris that lands on windows can cause etching and damage to the glass which can lead to expensive repairs. Removing these particulates from the glass has many advantages. Clean windows brighten the inside of the home during the short days of winter and the natural light helps add cheer. More natural light also means less need for artificial light, helping to reduce energy consumption. Read more »

Fall Residential Window Cleaning Checklist

The changing colors of the leaves in autumn usher in more than just a new season. It’s a time for football, bonfires, and pumpkin spice everything. Fall also is the perfect time to take care of a few essential home chores, including window cleaning before the hectic days of the holiday season arrive.

At United Window Cleaning, we know that from the onset of autumn through the new year can be one of the busiest times of the year. That’s why we’ve put together this residential window cleaning checklist.

1. Vacuum/Dust Blinds and Shades

Window blinds and shades of all materials and styles collect dust regularly. Remove the dust and it helps cut down on allergens in the home, especially important during the colder months when you spend more time inside. A vacuum with extendable wand and soft brush attachment may work better than a dust rag. The vacuum will trap more dust than the rag and help keep it from wafting into the room. Read more »

The Benefits of a Professional Window Cleaner

clean windowsAs a homeowner, DIY projects are tackled regularly and often with great success. However, certain home maintenance chores are best left to the professionals and this typically includes window cleaning. Hiring professionals like United Window Cleaning means you get peace of mind knowing the job will be done safely, on-time, and with the right products to ensure the best results. The benefits of a professional window cleaner for your home are numerous.

Extends Life of Windows

Regular window cleaning helps prevent scratches and pitting from dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can coat the glass. Dirt and dust easily collect on windows, etching into the glass and over time doing damage that can result in the need to replace the window. Keep those windows clean, and they can last longer. Read more »

End of Summer Gutter Cleaning

house end of summerThe end of the summer is one of the best times to clean the gutters of your home or business. Addressing any potential issues before the fall and winter seasons is essential. Look to a professional team, like United Window Cleaning, for comprehensive gutter cleaning. When it’s time for gutter cleaning at the end of summer, certain issues must be addressed.

Check for and Remove Nests
It’s not uncommon for birds and other small critters to build nests in gutters. These nests create a dam, causing problems when it rains. The nest blocks the water from flowing to the downspout and away from the house. Instead, water backs up and runs over the side of the gutter and down the house. In a heavy rainstorm, this excess of water near the home’s foundation can seep into the basement or crawlspace causing water damage. Nests also can force water to back up under shingles, creating issues in the attic. Read more »

We’re Hiring at United Window Cleaning

United Window Cleaning now has openings for a Window Cleaning Specialist and a Gutter Cleaning Specialist. This is an opportunity to become a team member with one of Cincinnati’s oldest family businesses. It’s a chance to work with an established company that provides high-quality service to the Greater Cincinnati region and have access to the state-of-the art equipment and products that make United Window Cleaning stand out in the crowd.

Founded in 1919 by Leroy E. Reinshagen, United Window Cleaning is still a Reinshagen family business in its fourth generation. Currently led by Leroy’s great-grandson, R. Douglas Reinshagen, United Window Cleaning holds true to its almost-100 year core purpose:

“To provide quality window cleaning services at an affordable price, using the most up-to-date technology.” Read more »

Commercial Property Maintenance Should Include Windows, Too

commercial business windowsFirst impressions are important. When guests and customers visit your business, it’s essential to make a positive first impression. Exterior and interior property maintenance, including professional window cleaning, is key for your commercial property. Professional window cleaning offers multiple benefits for your business.

Curb Appeal

Whether impressing a new client, attracting foot traffic, or even when recruiting new talent, the exterior of the business must have curb appeal. Dirty windows in particular create a poor impression, one that suggests you don’t care. Scheduling routine commercial window cleaning keeps the curb appeal fresh, bright, and welcoming. Read more »

Rain, Gutters & Downspouts!

gutters, in the rainSpring in the Midwest means rain. In our greater Cincinnati region, we average about 42-inches of rain each year, with April, May, and June seeing the most days of precipitation. While rain brings flowers and a freshness after the gray days of winter, it also means it’s time to think about seasonal chores that include the cleaning of your home’s gutters and downspouts.

Gutters and downspouts play a vital role for your home. If the gutters become clogged and the downspouts don’t divert water away from the house, problems happen—often costly problems. Read more »

History of Spring Cleaning  

window cleaningSpring officially arrived on March 20. Despite the lingering snow and chilly temperatures, spring is here and warmer days are in the forecast. It’s the perfect time to wipe away winter from your home, and refresh with some serious spring cleaning, a seasonal ritual with its own origin story.

Spring Cleaning and Human Biology

Exposure to fewer hours of sunlight during the long winter season may have a direct effect on our inclination to throw open the windows and sweep out the dust when spring arrives. According to How Stuff Works, the human pineal gland produces melatonin when suffering from a lack of exposure to light. Melatonin increases the feeling of sleepiness. When spring arrives, ushering in longer days and averaging more hours of sunshine, we essentially wake up. This biological experience often results in more energy and desire to spring clean. Read more »

Why is Gutter Care Important  

caring for guttersGutter cleaning often falls to the bottom of the chore list, something that’s a hassle to do. Professional gutter cleaning by companies like United Window Cleaning take the stress out of gutter care, getting the job done safely and right the first time. When gutter care is ignored, serious consequences can occur.

Winter Ice Dams

Melting snow, sleet, and rain, plus a clogged gutter can lead to ice dams.

The University of Minnesota Extension Office defines ice dams as, “a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.” Read more »