Halloween Tales from Gutter Cleaning: Strange Appearances, Gutter Gunk & Horror Movies

A friend of mine in Mononawalked out of her front door the other day and was disgusted to find a glob of black moldy mess on her driveway!

“I’m not sure what it is!” she said. “It looks like the Creature from the Black Lagoon!” “Maybe Zombies are roaming the neighborhood!”

Fearing for her safety, the Madison Window Cleaning team inspected the area and discovered that it was a collection of debris that had come out of her gutters!

This kind of real-life horror movie experience happens all the time! Yes, it’s that time of year when from Madison to Maple Bluffclogged guttersbecome the norm. The ugly result is the material coming out of them resembling something out of the late, late, show or bad Halloween movie.

Leaf and lawn debris, dirt, bugs and mold build up in your gutters every year. You may not notice it. But by the time winter comes, this debris can create a regular vacation home for insects (which may try to invade your home, begin a small city, or start an excavation of the material under your roofing). The debris may have also rendered your gutters nearly useless by filling them to capacity. This means that any water that hits your roof is not going to drain off properly and will begin soaking into your home or ruining your foundation.

Freezing, filling with water and ice, and continuing to accumulate debris throughout the winter can create even bigger problems. Gutters, heavy with ice and gunk, pull away from the edge of your roof. This leaves holes, broken areas, and more space for water to begin ruining your biggest investment–your home! (Scream!) Many homeowners attempt gutter cleaning, but find it very difficult to balance safely on a ladder. And so they let this job go undone for most of the year, and sometimes longer.

We recommend that our clients have their gutters and downspoutsprofessionally cleaned twice per year; in the spring and the fall, in order to ensure maximumgutter performance.

At Madison Window Cleaning our technicians are armed with cutting edge gutter cleaning vacuum equipment and tools. They are also extensively trained in ladder safety,window cleaning, gutter cleaning and inspection. Theycan also notify you of any locations within a gutter where it looks as if water or other debris is affecting your home. You stay safely away from the scary stuff and allow our team to take care of the mess and protect your investment!

Our gutter cleaning professionals will help ensure you never have to experience that Creature from the Black Lagoon gunk again! How does it get any better than that?

Call Madison Window Cleaning today for a free estimate! (608) 256-7632

The importance of Properly Cleaning Gutters

Gutters are not only are part of the investment that you have made on your home, but they also provide an important function for you and your family. Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their gutters before they start experiencing issues, but it is important to know that regular gutter cleaning can prevent many frustrating and destructive issues to the structure of your house. Because of this, homeowners should make it a priority to take care of and clean out their gutters.

Failing to keep gutters clean may put crucial parts of your home in jeopardy, such as:

Wood Damage
Leaves and other debris can pile up in your gutters and collect moisture against the fascia board, the wooden foundations of the gutters that line the edges of the roof. Essentially, the debris pulls moisture up from various parts of the gutters to work through the fascia board and even to the outer edges of your roof where the moisture can severely damage the wood around your house. Furthermore, the water pooled by this debris can attract mosquitoes and termites that can cause a home to become a significantly less pleasant place to live.

Structural Damage
Clogged gutters are a major factor in instances of basement flooding. As water on the roof gathers around the infrastructure of the gutters and eventually spills over, it will quickly leak into and pool in your basement. If this continues it will weaken the foundations of the house and cause the structure to weaken and crack. The same can happen to your walkways and driveway.

Roof Damage
With regard to your home’s roof, shingle damage can occur due to negligence of proper gutter cleaning. When leaves are left and become piled too deeply in your gutters, water can cause damage to your roof and shingles by getting into the roof sheathing causing it to rot, even possibly causing rotting of the roof’s rafters.

Gutter cleaning can be one of the most important parts of the maintenance regiment for your house. All homeowners should be absolutely sure to give their gutters all of the care and attention that they can, to ensure the preservation of their investment.

At Madison Window Cleaning, we offer full service gutter cleaning for Madison, WI and surrounding areas, including Monona and Maple Bluff. Call us today at (608) 256-7632 or visit our website for a free quote with no obligation.

Madison Window Cleaning Introduces 5 Helpful Tips for New Commercial Window Cleaners

Experienced commercial window cleaners pick up many tips and tricks throughout their years of involvement in the industry that transforms them into diligent and effective workers. But for those just starting out, window cleaning can often be a daunting task. Although there is much that cannot be taught and only acquired through hands-on experience, window cleaners who are just starting out can still benefit from helpful and practical advice regarding the proper practice of office window cleaning. Madison Window Cleaning offers 5 helpful tips to transition newcomers into the industry. Primarily, Madison emphasizes the importance of remembering that professionals, no matter what career they are in, are always learning how to hone their skills and that perfection takes time.

1. Do not neglect to hydrate yourself

Although it is their job to rejuvenate the appearance of glass through the use of water, it is surprising how many window cleaners neglect to hydrate themselves. Take care to hydrate yourself as well as the windows you are working on, otherwise accidents can occur during the warmer seasons that will prevent you from completing your work.

2. Begin with something small

When starting out, try using a smaller squeegee as they are easier to control and will help build your skill. Additionally, when cleaning commercial glass, keep a smaller window squeegee on hand to remove leftover water from sills.

3. Use the correct squeegee technique

To achieve optimal results, when using a squeegee, remember to pause for a brief moment to let extra water run down the blade. Removing the squeegee from glass too quickly will result in splatters of water on your cleaned glass.

4. Use a sea sponge

Prior to squeegeeing, a sea sponge can be a great tool for wiping up water from sills and frames. In addition, a sea sponge can be used to wash surfaces around the windows that are not made out of glass like dirty frames.

5. Don’t use too much soap

Using too much soap is a common mistake made by newcomers to office window cleaning. Madison Window Cleaners strongly urges against this; whether dish soap or detergent, when it comes to window cleaning, less is more. Additionally, too much soap can cause windows to dry out quicker and will leave a film on glass.

…

Newcomers who are passionate about a career in commercial window cleaning should continue learning. Years of hands on window cleaning experience is important but it will only take you so far. New products and equipment are being introduced all the time. We highly recommend joining organizations like the IWCA (International Window Cleaning Association). They will help separate you from the competition. The IWCA offers window cleaning training and commercial window cleaning certifications. The knowledge you gain there will be invaluable as you build your business.

If you are a business in Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Monona or elsewhere in Dane County and you would like to learn more about the commercial services offered at Madison Window Cleaners, explore their website at http://madisonwindowcleaning.com/ where you can get an instant online bid, or contact a professional team of window cleaners directly at:

210 S. Dickinson St.
Madison, WI 53703
PH (608)256-7632
Fax (608)256-0483

Madison Window Cleaning Participates in International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) 2014 Safety Training Seminar

Madison, WI – Madison Window Cleaning, a leading cleaning company based in Madison, WI that has been specializing in professional window cleaning services for three generations, is proud to announce their participation in the 2014 Oconomowoc Safety Training Seminar. As board members of the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA), Madison Window Cleaning will also assist in IWCA’s Safety training on July 25th, 2014 in Oconomowoc, WI, in conjunction with the annual Window Cleaning Network (WCN) Picnic. The event is intended for experts who are committed to learning more about the safety aspect surrounding professional window cleaning; Madison’s extensive 80 year history makes them a logical choice for assisting with organization of this seminar.

Presented by Stefan Bright, the event will be hosted at the Olympia Resort & Conference Center. From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., attendees will be educated on important information, including safety training and tips on how to succeed in professional window cleaning. If you are committed to growing your business this is event you don’t want to miss. Regional and Wisconsin window cleaning professionals are encouraged to attend and begin their day with a breakfast and brief review of the efforts of the IWCA toward the development of safety programs by the IWCA Safety Director, Stefan Bright. At 10:00 a.m., breakout sessions will cover High Rise RDS and Route/Residential that will last until lunch, followed by hands-on demonstrations from 1:45p.m., until 4:00 p.m., reviewing rope access rescue, ladder safety, and aerial lift safety. Additionally, from 1:45 p.m., until 3:00 p.m., an IWCA Certification final exam will be offered to anyone who is interested.

All window cleaners in the cities and states near Oconomowoc in Waukesha County, WI are welcome to attend, whether specializing in residential or commercial window cleaning. Madison Window Cleaning encourages window cleaners to come out because proper training will not only reduce liability and prevent accidents, but also improve worker performance and the quality of their workmanship. Registration fees are $129 for IWCA members and $189 for non-members; additional attendees and groups qualify for a discount. You can read more about the event at and register at http://www.iwca.org/.

About Madison Window Cleaning

Madison Window Cleaning is a cleaning company serving commercial businesses and residential homeowners in Madison, WI and the surrounding areas of Dane County. They specialize in residential window cleaning and office window cleaning including high rise buildings but provide speciality services as well. Madison Window Cleaning offers snow removal during the winter season, all year gutter cleaning, and of course a full range of commercial window cleaning.

The Secrets of Professional Window Cleaning – Madison Window Cleaning Offers Homeowners Advice on How to Expertly Clean their Windows

The best way to achieve pristine results on your home windows is to call in experts who have had years of practice in professional window cleaning. Madison Window Cleaning is a family-owned operation that has been offering window cleaning services throughout Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie and the neighbouring Dane County area for over 80 years. As professionals, they guarantee spotless and long lasting results, but homeowners looking to clean their own windows can benefit from several pieces of advice.

Particularly, Madison Window Cleaning encourages homeowners who want to achieve the best results to purchase all the necessary tools from a local hardware store.

Necessary Tools for Residential Window Cleaning

A Bucket

Professional window cleaners often use a large bucket to quickly and simply wash multiple windows at once, but the truth of the matter is that homeowners do not require a large bucket. Any size of bucket will work when washing the glass on a single home, as long as it can fit a squeegee and a mop.

A Squeegee

The squeegee is the most important tool for washing glass surfaces, which is why it is crucial to purchase a high quality squeegee. Madison Window Cleaning recommends using brands such as Unger, Ettore, or Sorbo. If a squeegee has three unassembled pieces: a handle, a channel, and the rubber, it usually means that it is a well-made tool.

A Mop

Mops come comprise two separate parts: the sleeve (the mop part) and the t-bar (where your mops hooks on). The sleeves on a mop can often get very dirty, if this happens simply put it into the washing machine. A quality window cleaning mop can be reused multiple times.

A Sea Sponge

Detergent

Window cleaners often use their own secret concoctions for detergent like vinegar in warm water. The problem with mixtures like this is that they do not create enough suds. Suds lubricate the rubber on a squeegee which helps the squeegee turn. Moreover, suds make it easier to see where there are excess water marks that need to be wiped off. Just try a little DAWN dish soap it works very well to cut through the dirt and grime on windows.

The Proper Window Washing Technique

Homeowners who have all the proper tools can take the following steps to properly use them:

1. Fill the Bucket

Fill your bucket halfway with water. Make sure to use cold water as hot water will evaporate the water too rapidly. Next, add a few squirts of detergent to the water; make sure not to add too much or your windows may dry out too quickly.

2. Use the Wet Mop

Once your mop is wet and covered in detergent, rub it around the window until you are sure that all stubborn dirt has been completely removed. If there are any marks that cannot be removed by your mop, use a little triple fine bronze or steel wool, a little elbow grease and plenty of soapy water on the window.

3. Bring out the Squeegee

To properly hold the squeegee, place your thumb half way between the top and the side of the handle. The proper squeegee technique requires maintaining a 45 degree angle while adding just the right amount of pressure to the glass. Not pressing down hard enough will not collect all of the water; however, pressing down too hard will make it too difficult to move the squeegee freely.

4. Clean the Water off

Use your squeegee to clean off all the excess water right to the edges of your window, at first you may notice some leftover watermarks in the middle of the window. With more and more practice, these watermarks will cease to appear but it is a good idea to purchase a micro-fiber cloth or chamois to get rid of any watermarks that may surface.

5. Wipe the Frames, Tracks & Sills

You’ll want a nice finished product so make sure to use a clean towel or the sea sponge wrung out to wipe the frames, tracks and sills as there will be dirty water from cleaning the windows that now rests on the sill and frame edges. This will also help prevent runs and drips from occurring on the clean glass from the top sill.

6. Clean your screens

Screen cleaning is relatively easy. Remove your screen from the window opening. Take your t-bar that is still wet and soapy and gently rub it from top to bottom and side to side on both sides of the screen. Take your towel and gently wipe the screen mesh and frame until dry and reinstall the clean screen. If you fail to clean your screen and you leave a dirty screen on a clean window it will contaminate the freshly cleaned window.

…

Sounds easy right? Well as you can probably guess residential window cleaning is more challenging than it sounds. Proper window cleaning is a bit of science and knowledge and experience make a huge difference. In order to achieve the best results it is a good idea to contact a company with years of experience in professional window cleaning. Madison Window Cleaners offer convenient and cost-effective services to homeowners the most immaculate results.

Homeowners living in Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie or elsewhere in Dane County who would like to learn more about the residential window services offered at Madison Window Cleaning can explore their website at http://madisonwindowcleaning.com/ to get an instant online bid. Alternatively, homeowners can contact them directly at:

210 S. Dickinson St.
Madison, WI 53703
PH (608)256-7632
Fax (608)256-0483

IWCA SAFETY TRAINING – CALLING ALL WINDOW CLEANERS!

Event date: July 25 2014

Join IWCA for Safety Training in 2014. Invest in your employees with IWCA Safety Training on July 25 in Oconomowoc, WI in conjunction with the Window Cleaning Network Picnic. The days event begins with breakfast and a brief review of the efforts of the IWCA toward the development of safety programs by the IWCA Safety Director Stefan Bright. Breakout sessions covering High Rise RDS and Route/Residential will begin at 10:00 am and lasts until lunch. Hands-on demonstrations take place from 1:45 pm until 4:00 pm reviewing rope access rescue, ladder safety and aerial lift safety.

The IWCA Certification final examination will be offered from 1:45-3:00 pm. Click here to Register now! for this great event.

Top 5 Reasons Why Choosing a Professional Window Cleaning Company will ultimately benefit your Commercial Business

There are numerous studies that make a direct correlation between the environment in a business and productivity. A clean, well-organized office improves employee morale, attendance and employee productivity. Business owners and office managers interested in hiring an office cleaning company should not stop at dusting and vacuuming. The windows of your business deserve more than a spray bottle cleaner and an old towel. They deserve the attention of the commercial window cleaning professionals at Madison Window Cleaning.

A sparkling clean window not only greatly enhances the curb appeal of your business it also allows the maximum introduction of natural sunlight. Anyone that has worked indoors for long periods of time can attest to the tremendous difference between natural and artificial light. Those corner offices are not in high demand because florescent bulbs, people want a view of the outside and real sunlight. Well trained commercial window cleaners will maximize these benefits and help enhance the benefits of regular office cleaning. Many people believe that dirty windows attribute to an unprofessional atmosphere; a company like Madison Window Cleaning will not only clean to spotless perfection, but also provide so much more than just aesthetics.

1. Spotless Results
In order to achieve optimal results it is important to use more than the simple Windex and paper towel approach. Windows require thorough cleaning both on the inside and the outside; an unexperienced office employee could not clean the outside of a high rise commercial building as successfully as a professional company could. Anybody is capable of cleaning windows but professionals produce superior results because of their top of the line equipment, products, and years of experience.

2. Safe
Moreover, it is dangerous for someone who does not have the proper training or equipment to even attempt cleaning the outside of their commercial building.Window cleaning services are licensed, insured and have expert technicians, armed with years of experience and safety training. At Madison Window Cleaning our technicians are trained through the IWCA’s Window Cleaner Safety Program as well high rise window cleaning through S.P.R.A.T (Safe Practices for Rope Access Work). The IWCA safety and participation program, in particular, requires educational training and three exams at the end that need to be passed with a score of 90% or higher.

3. Convenience
Hiring professional window cleaners instead of using an employee to clean windows also saves time. Many companies also provide round the clock service calls as well as scheduling plans to suit the specific needs of any office. Additionally, window cleaning companies will work with the owner or manager to ensure they meet every business’s unique requirements and fit every budget. Furthermore, a professional company will not only have the right experience for the job but they should offer the option of a free onsite proposal because they know each work site is different. By enlisting in the services of an expert, your employees can concentrate on their own work in a clean and bright workspace.

4. Protection
The exterior glass surface of a commercial building can often come in contact with many harmful airborne substances that may cause damage over time. Someone who is not properly trained cannot prevent these damages from occurring or effectively clean them. Routine cleaning by professionals can prevent expensive repairs or replacements of glass and windows.

5. Cost-Effective
Finally, everything usually comes down to cost. While it is completely possible for employee to clean their office windows what is that cost to the business? In many cases these “soft cost” expenses fly under the radar. In most cases when a business factors in time, materials, equipment and results hiring a commercial window cleaning professional is actually a cost reduction. A window cleaning company with trained technicians will use the latest tools and techniques to achieve results in the most effective manner possible. They know that doing the work a second time is not cost effective so doing the job right the first time is paramount.

A professional window cleaning company can provide spotless results, a safe environment, convenience, protection to glass surfaces, as well as a cost saving alternative. An inexperienced window cleaner using the Windex and paper towel approach, on the other hand, can leave unwanted streaks, put them in a dangerous and unfamiliar environment, damage glass surfaces over time, and will cost far more in the long run.

If you are a business or resident in Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie or elsewhere in Dane County and you would like to learn more about the services offered at Madison Window Cleaners, explore their website at http://madisonwindowcleaning.com/for an instant online bid or contact them directly at:

210 S. Dickinson St.
Madison, WI 53703
PH (608)256-7632
Fax (608)256-0483

Madison Window Cleaning Provides Tips on What You Should Look For When Searching for a Residential Window Cleaner

For some homeowners, it may be difficult to choose a residential window cleaning service because the home is a private setting. Homeowners fear that an unreliable company can potentially prove to be invasive, inexperienced, or untrustworthy. Residential window cleaners, thus, must be both dependable and courteous when arriving at a home to provide services. Madison Window Cleaning professionals are just that; they are respectful, professional, and courteous. In addition, as a company they have over 80 amassed years of window cleaning experience. Madison is third generation, family owned company providing cost-effective services and convenient scheduling to suit homeowners living in cities throughout Dane County Wisconsin.

Professionalism & References
When searching for a window cleaning professional, it is wise to examine their credentials and experience. However, it is important to note that although experience helps, it does not guarantee that the service and finished product will be up to par to with the homeowner’s standard. Professional experience is where the search should begin, but not end.

In addition to experience, homeowners should ask window cleaning companies for references in order to confirm that they have provided trusted service in the past and have satisfied the needs of many customers.

Moreover, if homeowners are still unsure as to whether or not the residential window cleaning company is reliable, they should ask about professional affiliations and accreditations. For example, Madison Window Cleaninghas been accredited by the Better Business Bureau and are members of the IWCA (International Window Cleaning Association).

Finally, make sure that each window cleaning company under consideration can provide proof of current liability insurance. This will help narrow the search to true professionals and protect your estate and property should an injury or damage occur.

Cost-Effective Services
Often times, customers look for the least expensive residential window cleaning service. Choosing a company based solely on price is the wrong move because just like anything else you get what you pay for. It is wise to look at the services and frequency provided for the quoted price and also how problems are resolved. You will often find the least expensive option is more expensive in the long run.

A good company will ensure that customers only pay for the work that they require and provide pricing structures for all types of budgets. Additionally, a reliable company will provide free estimates and never overcharge after the service is completed.

Convenient Scheduling
Many window cleaning companies work to a certain schedule, which is why it is important to find a company that suit the homeowner’s scheduling needs. In addition, it is good practice for these companies to document each client’s schedule and pre-book their services, so that homeowners never have to worry. Moreover, a reliable company will often provide customers with a reminder in the form of a phone call or email prior to their scheduled appointment.

Choosing the right window cleaners for your home is an important decision. The right company will have a combination of prior experience, cost-effective services for all budgets, and scheduling that suits all needs and demands.

If you are a resident of Madison or the neighbouring areas in Dane County and you would like to learn more about Madison Window Cleaning, explore their website at http://madisonwindowcleaning.com/where you can submit an online instant bid or contact them directly at:

210 S. Dickinson St
Madison, WI 53703
PH (608)256-7632
Fax (608)256-0483

Madison Window Cleaning ExplainsWhy it is Important to Care for your Vacation Home Windows

Now that it is almost summer and that means vacations, boating and fun in the sun. Lakefront residents of Madison, Shorewood Hills, Maple Bluff, Monona, Middleton, McFarland and surrounding Dane County are heading back to their lake homes to enjoy hot summer nights, family, and most importantly leisure time. For many, their vacation home is their second home; a secluded oasis that should deliver great memories and relaxation.

That is why, just like with any home, the summer home requires care on the inside and the out. Madison Window Cleaning leads the way in providing window cleaning services just in time for summer, because nobody wants to take their family and friends back to a cabin in the woods without a great view.

Moreover, if you have never cleaned the glass on your summer home, now is the perfect time. Beautiful and clear windows present an unforgettable getaway experience that begins with waking up each morning to behold a beautiful sunrise and ends with falling asleep looking up at the star-filled sky.

Damage
Neglecting to clean the glass surfaces on the exterior of your summer home, can also result in damage to the glass, frames, screen and sills. The purchase of a home is a significant investment and unfortunately comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance. We find that most residential window cleaning clients, require between 2 and 4 cycles per year. We always recommend cleaning interior and exterior windows cleaning be done at the same time to provide the greatest benefit but we can customize a program to fit. At Madison Window Cleaning we realize each home is unique and has a variety of environmental factors that can influence how dirty the glass becomes. Moreover, because vacation homes are generally set in forest environments, the windows are more likely to be influenced by the elements and require more care.

Common Culprits
Damage done to windows is generally caused by natural, everyday factors. These can include airborne soil and debris, or spotting from hard water sources like the over spray from watering your lawn. Professional window cleaning companies like Madison Window Cleaning who are members the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) are experienced in the restoration of windows, so whether a vacation home needs cleaning or restoring, a crystal clear view is just a phone call away.

The maintenance of exterior glass surfaces, whether in a commercial location, in a residential home, or a vacation home, requires regular and effective cleaning and maintenance. Proper maintenance can save the property owners from expensive restoration repairs in the future. A beautifully cleaned vacation home, with clear windows will impress neighbours, friends, and family.

To learn more about the services offered from Madison Window Cleaning, explore the website at http://madisonwindowcleaning.com/where you can get an instant online bid, or contact a professional team of window cleaners directly at:

Madison Window Cleaning Co Inc.
210 Dickinson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 256-7632
Fax: (608) 256-0483