Category Archives: Uncategorized

DIY Gutter Cleaning Dangers

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It is advisable to have your gutters cleaned often. The key to knowing the frequency of cleaning your gutters depends on the age of your house and its gutters. The older type which are totally open are particularly prone to collecting leaves. If there are big deciduous trees, it’s especially important to clear out debris often. Even if the new type of gutters have been installed with the grates over them, debris and small leaves still collect.

People often forget to clean out the downspouts. That’s a big mistake as water will just back up under roof tiles. It’s a messy job, that’s for sure. Those of you in the Los Angeles area should check your gutters every four months for signs of blockages, leaks and possible overflowing. If you live in an area with high rainfall, checking your gutters may need to be more often. As you check your gutters and track the need for cleaning after a season or two it will be pretty clear to you what your gutter cleaning frequency should be

Once you know when your gutters need attention, you may opt to do it yourself, or call a professional such as Larsen Window Cleaning. When you clean your gutters yourself, do note that there are some dangers attached to it:

1. Gutter cleaning inevitably involves ladders. Make sure that your ladder is stable and well maintained when you clean your gutters. According to the United Press Institute (UPI), there are 187,000 ladder-related injuries a year in the U.S. The most common injuries are a result of ladder instability, poor ladder maintenance, contact with electrical wiring, improper clothing and/or vertigo issues. Those with 2 story homes and above should refrain from DIY gutter cleaning and gutter installation projects. Call Larsen.2. Gutter cleaning requires you to go up and down the ladder several times to complete the task of cleaning your gutter. This causes fatigue and can increase the possibility of an accident.
3. Gutter cleaning requires you to bring several items up with you as you climb the ladder – such as a scoop and bucket, hose or other cleaning materials. Balancing these items while you are up the ladder is a dangerous task and may lead to an accident if you don’t balance yourself well.
4. Some gutters, such as aluminum rain gutters, have extremely sharp edges. You may get cut with these edges and these cuts may lead to infection.

With all these dangers, it is advisable that you call a gutter cleaning professional. The pros have the training and the right tools to get the job done for you without the danger and headache a DIY gutter cleaning project may entail.

Call us at Larsen Window Cleaning and let the pros handle your window care! Give us a call at 626-303-3664 and we will give you an estimate tailored to your needs.

Solar Panel Cleaning

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People say that an occassional rain will clean out your solar panels. But, here in California, it rarely rains so you do need a professional to have your solar panel cleaned.Industry reports say the lack of scheduled cleanings can cause solar panels to lose 15 – 25% of their efficiency and increase a solar cells pay back time by 3 – 5 years.There are some self=cleaning systems out there but they leave water deposits on solar panels that could lead to damage.

How often should you have your solar panels cleaned?  That depends on where you live—if there is a lot of construction in your area, if you live in a windy desert or if you have lots of particulates in your air you will probably need to clean more often. Some areas need a weekly washing, while other areas can get away with every other month. Keep an eye on your panels and when they look like they have a dusty film on them, you may need to call your solar panel cleaning professional.

Although it may be possible for you to clean your solar panels yourself, I highly suggest calling a professional, like us at Larsen. Getting on the roof when it’s all slippery from the washing that you do may not be worth the trouble.

Call us at Larsen Window and let the pros handle your window care! Give us a call at 626-303-3664 and we will give you an estimate tailored to your needs.

Do it Yourself Window Cleaning “Solutions”

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Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to prepare for your annual spring cleaning! Cleaning your whole house, especially your windows, requires some prep so that you can do things more efficiently when you are ready to get your hands dirty and do the job.

Make sure to wipe down the window sills and to remove any blinds you might have covering the windows. Put towels below the windows so the cleaning solution does not destroy carpets or wood floors. Using Dawn dish soap and water work just as well as the leading window cleaning solutions that are sold in the stores.

Who really has the time to do this job the way it should be completed? Work, kids, and other day to day activities are keeping you busy. Call us at Larsen Window and let the pros handle your window care! Give us a call at 626-303-3664 and we will give you an estimate tailored to your needs.

Check Your Gutters

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The end of winter is just around the corner and it will soon be time for you to get your gutters cleaned.

When you can, you need to check your gutter for the following:

1) Leaks – You should check for leaks when there are there areas that are dripping down against the foundation of your house. You need to scrutinize joints and corners. Caulk can seal the joints and corners, which can lead to the deterioration of your gutter over time.

2) Overflowing – If water is accumulating in your gutters, then you need to call us at Larsen Window immediately. Water should flow freely in your gutters. If you see water overflowing anywhere in your gutter system, there is a blockage somewhere that needs to be removed.

3) Downspouts – If it’s raining and your downspouts aren’t releasing any water, there is blockage or leaking somewhere in your gutter system.

If you think there is anything wrong with your gutters, call us immediately 626-303-3664. We at Larsen Window will be ready to help you check and clean your gutters so you won’t need to do them yourself and go through all the hassle.

 

How Often You Should Have Your Windows Cleaned

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Now that the holidays are over and you just had your windows cleaned, you might be wondering when the next time you should have your windows cleaned again. The answer may be really up to you, but here are some things you might want to consider:
1. Do you live in the city or somewhere more rural? In the city, dust and dirt are more prominent and your windows get filthier faster. While cleaning windows just twice a year (in the fall and in the spring) works for rural areas, it may not work in residential neighborhoods in the city. If you live in the city and you want your windows to sparkle, you will need to have your windows cleaned more than twice year.
2. Do you entertain at your house often? Clean windows can make your home look brighter and present your house better to your guests.
3. Do you live near a construction area or in a place where constant construction is going on?  Needless to say, if you happen to be in a new development or close to construction areas, you will need to have your windows cleaned often because your windows get dirtier much quicker than normal.
Many have their windows cleaned at least 2 or 3 times a year.  Early spring, mid-summer, and late fall are the most common window maintenance schedules requested.  Book your appointment with us now to get your windows cleaned by a professional window cleaning service. Give us a call at 626-303-3664 and we will be happy to help you with your window cleaning needs.

Ladder Safety

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‘Tis the season for gutter cleaning again! One of the most important things you need to consider before cleaning your gutters on your own is ladder safety. Sure, ladders could be dangerous, but there are measures you can take ensure your safety.

Before even considering to clean your gutters yourself, the first thing you have to consider is that you have a ladder that is of sound quality. You don’t want to climb a ladder that doesn’t look sound. So make sure you have a ladder that is properly taken cared of to ensure your safety.

Then, you need to consider yourself and what you wear when using a ladder to clean your gutters. You should be mindful of your footwear. It is pretty obvious that footwear such as flip flops are unsafe when climbing a ladder. Wear the proper shoes, such as work boots or sneakers, and make sure that the laces are tied properly. You also need to consider is wearing a proper tool belt if you are working with tools. It is not advisable to carry tools with your hands when climbing a ladder.

Now for the ladder itself. The first thing you should do is get some ladder mitts.  Ladder mitts are a soft rubber mitt that fits on the top of the ladder.  They  protect the ladder from scratching the siding of a house and they grip to the surface they are leaning against and prevent the top of the ladder from sliding while climbing or working.  You can also purchase a ladder stabilizer if you wish.

You can also add adjustable leg extension to a ladder. These attach to the feet of the ladder and extend to about a foot.  The great thing about this type of device is that you are able to adjust one leg longer then the other which is great for uneven ground or working on stairs.

You should also know where to place your ladder. You want to make sure that the ground is as level as possible. You don’t want to position it on a slippery surface. Carrying the ladder upright is also the easiest way to transport it.

These are just a few tips to ensure your safety wen you clean your gutters, or maybe some tall windows. But, if you don’t have the time to do this yourself, we at Larsen Window Cleaning can do it for you at a very affordable price. Just give us a call at 626-303-3664.

How to Choose the Best Window Cleaning Company

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It’s important to consider and ask when choosing a window cleaning company

1. Know what previous customers say (Testimonials)

A lot of companies will say they are reliable, but until you talk to the owner or other customers of that company, you can’t be so sure. It would be a good idea for you to ask for your potential window cleaning company‘s testimonials or check them out online

Home Advisor is one online source for testimonials from home owners.  We are pleased to say that Larsen Window Cleaning is Home Advisor certified.

2. Make sure that the company has proper liability insurance

It is very important for you to see your window cleaning company‘s coverage.  ALL companies need commercial liability insurance. Be sure to ask if they have at least a $1M commercial general liability insurance policy.

3. Ask about experience & length of time in business

Asking about their experience will give you an idea of how knowledgeable they are about what they do. And, the longer they have been in business, the more reliable they are apt to be.

4. Ask them who actually does the cleaning

Will it be the owner? Or, does he have a staff or crew?  If his employees will clean your windows, how did he train them? What are their credentials?

These questions are important for you to ask so that you know who is coming to your home or business.

We at Larsen Window Cleaning always strive to provide the best to our customers. We have a lot of satisfied customers, serving them for over 25 years.

Book your window cleaning services now. Call us at 626-303-3664.

 

 

Window Cleaning Tips

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Thanksgiving is a week a away and this means that the holidays and winter is just around the corner! Perhaps now is the best time to schedule the cleaning of your windows with Larsen Window Cleaning to make sure those windows are spic and span when your guests pour in.

If you want to clean your windows yourself, we do have some tips for you.

1. It’s all about the tools you use. Using a a microfiber window washing cloth (usually available in auto stores), newspapers, coffee filters and using car window solutions on home windows are highly recommended in cleaning windows. Microfiber window washing cloth, using newspapers instead of paper towels, and using coffee filters instead of towels ensure that your windows will be streak free

2. Make sure you clean both the inside and the outside of your windows. To get your house party-ready for the holidays, it is important to keep the windows clean on the outside to make a good impression.

3. Don’t ever scrape your windows with a knife when cleaning them. This will just damage your windows.

But we know that most people are becoming busier and busier as the holidays approach. If you have too much on your plate, we at Larsen Window Cleaning can definitely come to your aide. Just give us a call at 626-303-3664 and book your next appointment today.

 

It may also be the best time to schedule the cleaning of your gutters.

Let there be Day-Light

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Let there be day-light

 

This is the time of year we put our clocks back an hour.  How did this get started?  Well, Ben Franklin first suggested Daylight Saving Time in 1784 as a way to save on electricity.  But it wasn’t until 1895 when George Hudson got the movement implemented.

 

Proponents of DST generally argue that it saves energy, promotes outdoor leisure activity in the evening, and is therefore good for physical and psychological health, reduces traffic accidents, reduces crime, or is good for business.

 

Opponents argue that actual energy savings are inconclusive, that DST can disrupt morning activities, and that the act of changing clocks twice a year is economically and socially disruptive and cancels out any benefit. Groups that have tended to oppose DST are farmers, transportation companies, and the indoor entertainment business.

 

It can certainly complicate our computer driven world we have now.  The actual time, 2:00 a.m., over a weekend was selected so as to lessen the impact on people’s schedules.  Imagine the change happening at 3:00 p.m. and you needed to catch a 3 p.m. bus.

 

Many of our customers schedule their residential window cleaning to coincide with Daylight Saving Time changes.  It’s a good reminder.  How ’bout you?  Give us a call at 626-303-3664

Tips for Gutter Cleaning

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It’s fall again and for all of you homeowners out there, now is the best time to clean your gutters. It may be tedious, disgusting and possibly a dangerous task (one misstep and you’re on your way to the hospital) but someone has to do it.

The things you would need in cleaning your gutters are: a garden hose with normal pressure with a grip trigger spray nozzle, a sturdy ladder, a bucket (for collecting debris),  gutter scoop, gloves, protective eyewear, rubber shoes, downsprout chain and gutter guards.

Our first tip is for you to use a garden hose with normal pressure (30-40 psi) and attach a pistol grip trigger spray nozzle into it. You can use just one hand with this type of nozzle, and you can easily hang it on the front edge of the gutter while moving the ladder or using a gutter scoop.

Our second tip is to use a sturdy ladder. We advise against wooden ladders because they are very unstable. We highly recommend that your ladder has a shelf strong enough to hold a 5 gallon bucket to collect gutter debris.

Before going up the ladder to clean your gutters, inspect the ladder for defects and make sure that you set it on firm ground (make sure that there are no holes on the ground). When climb the ladder, always remember the “three point rule”. First point: try to have both hands and legs firmly on the ladder to ensure stability. Second point: never lean out from the ladder and balancing out of one leg to clean the debris. Third point: if possible, let someone hold the ladder base for additional stability.

Our third tip is to use “gutter getter scooper”, which is available in most hardware stores. This tool makes it easy to scoop out the toughest debris because the front scooping edge is very thin.

Our fourth tip is to use gloves and protective eyewear. Gloves protect your hands from dirt and bacteria that you get from all the animal droppings that are trapped in your gutter. Protective eyewear is equally important because you never know what comes out of the downsprout when cleaning your gutters.

Our fifth tip is to use rubber shoes. Rubber soled shoes are the best type of shoes to wear when you are going up the ladder and walking on the roof. It can help prevent you from slipping and falling because it tends to adhere best.

In gutter cleaning, you also need to unclog your downsprouts. Once you have ensured that your downsprouts  unclogged (by running the hose down the downsprout at full pressure), Our sixth tip is to use a downsprout chain instead of a traditional downsprout. The rainwater runs down the chain gracefully.

Our last tip is to use quality gutter guards. Using a quality gutter guard can help eliminate the need to clean out gutters often.

We know, this is a lot of work. But, cleaning your gutters is imperative before winter comes. Cleaning your gutters twice a year is actually preferable. But if you don’t have the time to clean your gutters, or see it as such a daunting task, you can always call the professionals at Larsen Window Cleaning Service to the job. Call 626-303-3664 to set an appointment. Winter is around the corner and there is no better time to do it than right now!