Charlottesville Albemarle Homeowner Services Blog

New Blog Site

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:47:00 +0000

Please visit the new location for Albemarle Window Cleaning's Homeowner Resource Blog at:
www.albemarlewindowcleaning.spaces.live.com

Thanks!
Jim

Household Hazardous Waste Special Collection Day - Saturday, May 3, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Albemarle Window Cleaning) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:30:00 +0000

On Saturday, May 3rd, the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority’s Material Utilization Center in Ivy will allow residents of Albemarle County, Charlottesville, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, and Nelson County the opportunity to safely discard any hazardous waste materials they may have.

Click the link below to find out what materials will be accepted, the proper way to transport the materials and the time they will start accepting deliveries:

http://avenue.org/rswa/Documents/pr_hhw.pdf

National Window Safety Week

noreply@blogger.com (Albemarle Window Cleaning) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:11:00 +0000

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nine children die and 3,700 children are injured each year from window falls (Consumerreports.org) .

The last week of April is National Window Safety week. Check out the following guidelines from the National Safety Council:

Window Safety Checklist

Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children. While some falls occur from windows, it is important to realize that in the event of a fire, a window can also save a child's life. This is why windows play a critical role in home safety. Print out this checklist and use these tips to help keep your family safer around the windows and patio doors in your home.

Has your family developed an emergency fire escape plan?

Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it regularly. In the plan, include two avenues of escape from every room. Remember children may have to rely on a window to escape a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances. Make sure you have identified a safe meeting place outside.

Do you keep windows shut when children are around?

You should keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach. Also, set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows and/or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause a serious injury.

Do you leave, or have you left, windows open because you thought the insect screen provided a safeguard from a fall?

Don't rely on insect screens to prevent a fall. Insect screens are designed to provide ventilation while keeping insects out; they are not designed to, nor will they prevent a child's fall from a window.

Is there furniture placed under or near windows in your home?

Keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.

Do any windows in your home have guards, security bars, grilles or grates?

These windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism. Time is critical when escaping a fire. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement.

Inspect your home's windows carefully. Are any windows in your home painted or nailed shut?

Never paint or nail windows shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.

Do you have any window unit air conditioners in bedroom windows or other windows in your home that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency?

Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.

Did you know that strategic landscaping may lessen the extent of injury sustained in the event a fall does occur?

Plant shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass under windows to cushion potential falls. The surface can greatly affect the degree of injury sustained from a fall.

Window Cleaning Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:46:00 +0000

Yes, there are competitions for everything under the sun. Even window cleaning. Check this guy out! http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/story/336954.html

New Fleet Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:52:00 +0000

Albemarle Window Cleaning strives to be the best. We feel that the quality and service that we offer has enabled us to enjoy steady growth even through the slow winter months. We are purchasing an additional fleet van which will be ready to hit the road for the spring busy season. Thank you Charlottesville for your business. We hope to continue to exceed your expectations as you have exceeded ours.

Daylight Savings and Window Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:27:00 +0000

With daylight savings upon us, now is a great time to have your windows professionally cleaned. The sunshine will pour through your windows until later in the evening and you will want to enjoy a crystal clear view of the budding greenery outside.
Call us at 906-9228 or visit www.albemarlewindowcleaning.com to request an estimate online!

Gutter Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:59:00 +0000

If you have not had your gutters cleaned in the past several months you may want to think about it. With spring rains around the corner, overflowing gutters can be a concern for any homeowner. When gutters overflow that water builds up around the foundation and slowly tries to work its way into your home. Further, ice damming can occur during freezes which we can still expect for at least another month or so. This is where ice builds up under your shingles and can result in damage to sofit and fascia as well as allowing moisture to build up inside of your attic and walls.
A typical single story home may be around $75-$100, 2 story home $100-$125 and three story and up around $150. Call Albemarle Window Cleaning for a free estimate. (434) 906-9228 www.albemarlewindowcleaning.com

Home Staging Professionals

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:19:00 +0000

Accredited Staging Professionals Liz Blankenship and Beth Riordan of Stage to Sell offer some tips on preparing your home for resale.

Pack family photos, personal memorabilia and collectables
Turn on lamps during showings
Keep curtains and blinds open during the day
Remove bath mats, toilet seat covers and plungers from bathrooms
Prune and/or reduce number of house plants to create more space
Clean, clean, clean! That goes for windows, fixtures, carpets and outdoors!

Learn more at: www.stagetosellvirginia.com (434) 984-4400

Home Sellers

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Yet another article touting the benefits of preparing a home for sale...
-window cleaning is discussed under "Clean"

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_021508_special_home_selling_tips.c4e82aae.html

"So one of things I would do,” she said looking at a smudged pane of glass, “obviously you're gonna have the house really clean, but you might also want to hire a professional window washer. Get all your windows clean, sparkling, bring the light in,” she said.
Holly Hummel, a broker with Equity Builders Realty

Storm Windows- A Labor of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:06:00 +0000

When you have storm windows you are looking through two panes of glass. A surprising amount of dirt accumulates between your primary window and your storm windows. The result is a home that feels less fresh and bright no matter how much you clean.

Why is it so much more expensive to clean windows with storm windows?

In one word: Time

· Storm windows are not only additional glass to clean but they also require time and care to remove and replace.

· We take your storm windows outside of your home to clean them properly. This minimizes the chances of drips or water damage in your home.

Window Tinting

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:22:00 +0000

Looking for window tinting and window film? Try Clearview Window Tinting at: www.clearviewtint.com They use a 3M product and have available a clear film that blocks UV rays.

Window Cleaning DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 04:45:00 +0000

So, you've read the post about window cleaning DIY-style. If you would like to clean your own windows and would like to use the proper tools of the trade like we do at Albemarle Window Cleaning then visit the site of one of our distributors:
http://www.racenstein.com/
http://www.window-cleaning-supply.com

You'll find all of the proper tools of the trade.
It takes some practice and effort but clean windows are worth it!
Good luck!

Winter Special through February

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:32:00 +0000

Winter truly is the time for window cleaning. The Albemarle Window Cleaning Winter Special runs out at the end of February. Take advantage while the air is clear! Winter really is the best time to have clean windows! (see the post below)
For more about us visit:
www.albemarlewindowcleaning.com

DIY Window Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:24:00 +0000

Lots of Charlottesville residents ask us about doing their window cleaning themselves. What tools do we use? What type of cleaning agents do we use? This question was also posed to me when doing an interiew for The Hook. Visit http://www.albemarlewindowcleaning.com/ and click on "In The Media" and view either of the window cleaning tips articles from The Hook or Abode. You can also download our Tips from the Pros brochure to find out more about window washing like a professional at: http://albemarlewindowcleaning.com/tipsfromthepros_2.aspx
Good luck!

Storm Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:31:00 +0000

If you have storm windows on the outside of your windows be sure that they are in place to keep out the cold. Typical storm windows have 2 sashes that slide along tracks. This allows for homeowners to slide the bottom sash up so that the screen can be used at the homeowners choosing. However, when both glass sashes are in the same position (either both up or both down) there is no insulating factor. So be sure to use storm windows properly to keep out the cold!

Ladders and Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:53:00 +0000

Ladder safety is important year-round of course. However this time of year can be especially treacherous. Homeowners may need to climb on a ladder to remove Christmas lights, clean gutters or repair an ice-dam under roofing material, among other reasons. It is best to wait until snow and ice have melted to minimize the chance of injury due to slipping off of a rung.
For more on ladder safety and ladder safety accessories, visit: http://www.wernerladders.com/

Winter is the Time for Window Cleaning?

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:38:00 +0000

With snow on the ground in Charlottesville, window cleaning may be the farthest thing from a homeowners mind. However, here at Albemarle Window Cleaning, we know that now is THE time for window cleaning!
Contrary to popular belief, spring is not always the best time for window cleaning. Neither is summer or fall for that matter! If there is one time that would be considered best it just may be winter. During the winter you have the fewest amount of particulates in the air that typically mar a clean window... pollen, grass cutting dust and debris, insects, artillery fungus from mulch, etc. If you want your clean windows to last, now may be the time!

Welcome to the AWC & Professional Services Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Harshaw) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:40:00 +0000

Welcome to the Charlottesville Window Cleaning and Services blog. The focus of this blog will be not only window cleaning but also other professional services for the homeowner. At Albemarle Window Cleaning LLC, we are committed to providing homeowners with a resource for learning more about doing-it-yourself like a professional. We will be writing about window cleaning tips and other related issues. Further, we will be inviting other local and reputable professionals to post.
So stay tuned....