Friday, September 28, 2012

Repairing Your Screens

Yes, it is possible to repair your screens, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do the job. A do-it-yourself handyman can accomplish the job easily, but it does take a bit of patience and skill. A few simple tools will help as well and get them before you even start the job. You won’t want to leave the window open minus the screen, so prepare in advance and your local hardware store should have what you’ll need.

For any size hole whether large or small you should be able to make the basic patch. Cut the replacement screen, and pick up the large sewing needle. You’ll need that needle to darn the new screen into place. While you’re sewing think of your grandmother or great grandmother. Chances are they used that process all the time to repair clothing or even socks. Just because clothing had a hole in it was no reason to throw it away, they darned everything. However instead of string or thread, you’ll use a piece of the new screen to sew the new patch into place.

There comes a time when the entire screen needs replacing. If the frame is still in relatively good condition, you’ll need to buy a roll of screen large enough to cover the entire area. Cut it a bit larger than the frame of the screen. You’ll also need spline material and also a spline tool. You’ll find it easier to use a little glue that will hold the screen in place. Just in case you’ve never heard of spline or a spline tool, it is a rubber material that will fit in the groove that will hold the screen in the frame securely.

Now, we got the cart before the horse, and we’re going to tell you the necessary tools to get the job done. Surprise, you’ll need a new piece of screen for the smaller repairs, and a much larger piece to replace the entire screen that probably comes in rolls. You’ll need the spline, the spline tool, a bit of glue, that large sewing needle, and you’ll need something to cut the new screen material to the correct size.

If you still don’t want to tackle the job, go online and you can find a window screen repair contractor. They can get that job done easily, and will do other things around your home that you’ve been putting off. They’re worth every penny they charge, but usually it’s more like dollar. Does anyone use pennies anymore?

Stanley Window Care specializes in screen repair Orange County, and Orange County window cleaning prices  and Orange County CA window cleaning.

Don't Forget Your Awning

Now that the weather is beginning to cool many homeowners have began spending more time indoors and less time on their patios under an awning. While the weather in some locations still permits outdoor relaxation, the vast majority of homeowners have already begun to ignore their patio and awning.

Before any homeowner completely forgets that their awning is there and all of the relaxation and it provided them with, homeowners should remember to have their awnings cleaned before winter sets in. A summer's worth of usage means it's likely that an awning will show signs of wear and tear. Things like debris fallen from trees, dirt and dust that have settled or been blown there by summer winds, and even children's toys may all be present on an awning at the beginning of autumn.

Cleaning awnings however is a chore and one that most homeowners wish to avoid whenever possible. Some downright ignore their dirty awning and let winter take its toll, rendering an awning almost useless the following spring. The good news is that homeowners don't have to dread cleaning their awnings and don't even have to put any effort into it at all. By simply contacting us today for a free estimate we can give you a good idea what it will cost and how quickly we can clean your awning and even help you preserve it for next spring and summer.

Stanley Window Care specializes in hardwater stain removal Orange County, and Orange County window cleaning and Orange County CA window cleaning.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Prepare Your Building For Fall And Winter

Although the calendar says that autumn has arrived, summer is still with us though this doesn't mean that home and business owners shouldn't worry about things like windows, rain gutters, and even screens.

The nights and the mornings have already begun to cool considerably which means it won't be long before home and business owners begin opening windows during the day to let in some fresh cool air. These people cannot do that however if screens are broken or in need of repair. Calling in a professional to have screens repaired and replaced on-site will save time and hassle and allow for immediate usage.

Home and business owners with rain gutters on their property should use this time of year to have their rain gutters examined and cleaned. Rain gutters that are full of debris or broken can be detrimental to a home and even a commercial structure. The results from clogged or damaged rain gutters is often water damage to the exterior of a building and sometimes the interior is well. Flooding is also not an unlikely scenario

The beginning of autumn typically represents a time when temperatures begin to cool and there is very little precipitation to worry about. This makes it a great time for home and business owners to have their windows cleaned by a professional. A professional window cleaning also give windows a protective coating which will go a long way in helping them so great throughout the late fall and winter.

Should you have any questions about our services or should you wish to contact us for a free estimate please be sure to contact us that we may be of assistance.

Stanley Window Care specializes in hardwater stain removal Orange County, and Orange County window cleaning and Orange County CA window cleaning.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Easy Methods of Cleaning Glass Shower Doors

Pick a chore that you least like to do, and cleaning glass shower doors would be right at the top of the list. Especially if you have never been in the habit of cleaning it right after you take your shower. If more than one person showers in the stall or tub, you’ve got a problem.

First you’ll have to tackle the job from a professional’s point of view, and you’ll need to know what you’re up against.

Do you have hard water? If so you probably have hard water stains. There are products at your grocery or hardware stores. One is called CLR, it is powerful, and hopefully you’ll only have to use it once. Just follow the directions, or if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, try lemon oil. It works well to remove those stains. Then go to the next step.

Soap scum and grime or just plain dirt. Again there are products that work to remove the scum and dirt. They are available at those same stores mentioned above. Again, if you prefer more natural products, not to mention cheaper, try mixing ½ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of hot water. Run the hot water in your bathroom to create steam. Then apply the mixture on your glass shower doors and let it sit for a minimum of five minutes. Wipe it down with a clean wet sponge or if you prefer, use a squeegee.

You can continue using these methods every time you can’t see through the glass shower door. Or a much easier process, and one that will keep the door and the walls of your shower clean, wipe them down every time you or someone else uses the shower. Insist that everyone in your family does the same thing.

After you’ve cleaned the shower with those harsh chemicals, wipe it thoroughly down with the lemon oil, and apply it regularly. Then all you’ll need to do is rinse the glass shower door and the walls in your shower with a clean damp cloth or squeegee. You’ll be amazed how much easier it is to keep the glass shower door clean.

There is another way though. If you hire a professional to clean the windows in your home, ask how much more it would cost to clean your glass shower doors. Surely there is someone who will do it for a price.

Stanley Window Care specializes in hardwater stain removal Orange County, and Orange County window cleaning services  and Orange County CA window cleaning.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Regular Cleaning Prevents Gutter Repairs

Remember that old saying ‘a stitch in time, saves nine?’ The same rule applies and the easiest way to prevent gutter repairs, that could be costly, is to hire a professional to take care of the smaller details in the care of your home. You may be saving a great deal of money in the long run.

Your house gutters are designed to catch rain on the roof of your home, take it off the roof, down the downspout, and away from the home. An extension may be necessary in order to keep the water from collecting by at least 5 feet from the foundation. When the gutters get clogged with leaves, clutter and possibly even dead birds you’ll have problems unless the gutters are cleaned before the next rainfall.
The resulting water settling on your foundation can cause innumerable damage to wood siding, brick, and may even flood basements. That is why regular gutter cleaning is advantageous.

Those clogs will act like a dam and instead of the water running off the roof, it will run right into your attic and you’ll see it running down your walls and onto your floors on the inside of your home. If the downspout is damaged or is no longer attached it may need to be replaced. In some instances new longer screws may take care of the problem. Those screws or brackets can also be used to repair sagging gutters, and seam sealant can often seal a leaking gutter. If the rain has damaged wood it may need to be replaced, and rotting wood attracts termites.

Older homes that have not been cleaned or serviced regularly may need the entire system replaced. The necessity of taking care of problems as they surface will keep the gutter system working sufficiently.  

Neglect is the biggest cause of damage in house gutters. No one wants to deal with them; they are out of sight and often out of mind. Some leave them alone until the destructive water forces them to either do the work themselves or hire a professional.  

There are professional cleaning services that will take care of your house gutters on a regular basis. They will find and repair many problems without the costs of replacing the entire system. Once or twice each year should be enough to clear out the debris, and regular cleaning results in the gutter system working properly.

Stanley Window Care specializes in gutter cleaning Orange County, and Orange County window cleaning and Orange County CA window cleaning.