Author: smallbizdrs

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Window Cleaning 101

What Do You Need to Know About Window Cleaning?

If you have your own property, then you need to clean your windows professionally every once in a while. That’s why there are professional window cleaning services out there. But there are some certain questions you need to ask yourself so you can hire the best window cleaning service.

Window cleaning service professionals washing interior windows
Window cleaning professionals washing interior windows
  • The first question you should ask is whether the window cleaner is insured and licensed, or not. The best professional window cleaner must be insured and licensed. The insurance is to protect its employees in case they get injured while working. It’s also to protect your property in case accidents happen. Having a license means they are authentic and know how to provide window cleaning services professionally.
  • The second question you should ask is how long they have been in this business. The longer the service provider has been in this field, the better. Experience is everything in this line of work.
  • The third question you should ask is their price. Does the window cleaning service fit in your budget? If so, choose them. If not, you can go for some other window cleaning service provider as per your convenience. 

How often should windows be cleaned?

It does not matter how many windows you have in your house. You need to clean them every once in a while to keep your property presentable. It might differ from property to property as to how often they hire professional window cleaners to clean their windows. But on average it’s recommended to properly clean your windows twice a year, if you can afford it. However, some people prefer to wash their windows once a year, while others prefer to do it weekly.

The location of your house is also a factor in determining the frequency of cleaning your windows. If you happen to live in the hustle-bustle of the city, then it would be better for you to clean your windows often. But if your house is located in some rural area, then it would be enough for you to hire a window cleaning service once or twice a year.

What is included in Window cleaning? 

Each window cleaning service provider is different from others. Therefore, they offer you different things with their services. But there are some common things that you can expect from almost all the professional window washing service providers.

The work begins with a basic introduction to their service. Once the cleaning process starts, there are different kinds of tools and equipment that they are obligated to use. Some of the types of equipment they use are shoe covers, drop sheets, squeegees, and dusting equipment. They remove cobwebs, clean window glass, and sliding doors. They remove, clean, or replace window fly screens, and brush the window tracks, and sills.

Upon the completion of their work, if they happen to inquire about customer satisfaction, and leaving a review, it’s a good idea to provide this as a simple gesture. This is how window cleaning service providers get better at their job, and pulls in more clients.

What is the best way to clean windows without smearing? 

Cleaning the windows without smearing is not as easy as it sounds. The first thing is to use high-quality cleaning products in the process. In this case, good commercial products or natural homemade solutions can be used. In short, poor quality products or materials are not supposed to be used. The second thing is to handle the windows carefully. Rough handling can damage and scratch them. If you’re concerned, let a commercial window cleaneror a residential window cleaner do the job for you.

Keeping all this in mind will help you choose the best window cleaning service possible. This will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. Once your windows are sparkling clean, it is time to move on to your next home improvement project. If you are considering adding a patio, check out this article on concrete patios.

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When Should You Call a Stucco Contractor?

How Bad Are My Stucco Cracks?

Nowadays, many people are reading misleading information about the cracks in their stucco.  Because of this, even a small crack can cause people unnecessary stress.  In this post, we will show the difference between normal cracking and excessive cracking, as well as reasons why they form.

Stucco contractor making repairs to a wall
Contractor using stucco to refinish and repair an exterior wall.

Why Does Stucco Crack More On Modern Houses?

Since it’s a cement product, it is prone to cracking.  However, if mixed correctly, it is a very durable substance, and in a lot of cases, will stay in tack for longer than the actual structure. Even though some stucco contractors may say otherwise, having it crack free is impossible.

Sometimes people notice an older home, made before the 1950’s, that miraculously have less cracks.  This is true. However, there are some reasons why.  When these homes were built, their studs were 2×4 inches, rather than the smaller size that is used now.  These studs were also kiln dried.  Additionally, the wood in construction came from trees that were much larger than the trees we have now, due to deforestation.  Therefore the amount of distortion in the lumber was way less compared to what is used in modern times, due to its size.  

When Do I Need Stucco Repair?

Small cracks do not indicate a problem.  This is a natural phenomenon. The California Contractors Licenses Board laid out a craftsmanship guide that covers cracks.  Its guide stated, “Hairline cracks if not excessively numerous are acceptable. If cracks exceed 3/32 inches, it is unacceptable and should be repaired”.

What Is The Most Common Reason For Needing A Restucco?

Cement stucco fractures for a lot of reasons.  The main cause of this is usually plywood installation.  First, they appear similar to a spider crack.  They don’t form at plywood joints, basically since the cracks form where there are weak spots in the stucco.  These may be located anywhere on the plywood, and necessarily on the edges and ends of it. 

Even though the American Plywood Association recommends otherwise, the majority of plywood sheathing has its ends and edges stuck directly together, rather than leaving the 1/8th of an inch space between them to account for movement caused by weather and other natural phenomena.   Additionally, this 1/8th of an inch is recommended since a hydrogen bond is used to adhere plywood to its surface, and just a little bit of water can negatively affect this bond.  Naturally, since the adhesive is exposed to elements more predominantly at the edges of plywood, the adhesive loses its bond here, and causes the plywood to disconnect from the surface it’s applied to. This disconnection causes the plywood to jut outward, creating force that causes cracks. 

What Other Cracks Require Stucco Repair?

Inadequate moisture curing could require you to need a stucco contractor.

Additionally, if the contractor does not apply the proper thickness of stucco, then it becomes more susceptible to cracking.  Tests have demonstrated that just by adding another eighth of an inch, it will require twice the amount of force to cause it to crack. 

If you live in a place where the soil around your residence becomes constantly dry and then wet, this can move your structure enough to form cracks.  A common place for these to form is at the edges of doors and windows, which are traditionally weaker parts of buildings.  These, however, are considered commonplace, and shouldn’t be a huge cause for concern.  In Santa Fe, due to elevation and desert environment, weather can change rather dramatically, going from hot to cold within a short period of time.  This leads to wood framing to expand at a rate that is different than stucco, and this irregularity could require stucco repair. If you are thinking about cleaning your windows to complete your home improvement project, see our window cleaning article.

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Concrete Contractor or DIY project?

DIY Concrete Patio and Concrete Foundation

Whether you decide to create a basic rectangle, or something more ornate, concrete patios are a super versatile way to create a durable, long lasting structure in your yard. By constructing one, you will have a new place to enjoy outdoors, which adds a lot of aesthetic and monetary value to your property.  Because of its durability, these structures are super versatile, and can be used for a myriad of activities, from sports, to leisure. You can either do it yourself, or hire a concrete contractor to construct it.

Concrete Contractor pouring a foundation
Contractor pouring a concrete foundation

Outline Your Concrete Patio

You will need to survey the area that you’ve selected for your patio before you start. If you choose an area that isn’t level, you will need to flatten the site.  This can be accomplished with or without an excavator.  However, even if it appears flat, it’s best to use tools for measurement, since your eye can be deceiving.  A simple way to do this is to place stakes around the perimeter where you want it to be, which you will fix with mason’s strings between.  Then, take a line level, and make sure the strings are all at an equal height.  Evaluate the line-to-ground measurements of two of the stakes, and divide the difference in inches by the distance between the two stakes in feet.  If this results in an angle of more than one inch per foot, then you will have to flatten the area.  However, to keep rain from pooling, it’s smart to leave a slight angle away from any structures, so that it doesn’t result in flooding.

Create A Concrete Patio Foundation

Once you have done all the measurements, it’s time to start digging.  You will want to dig 6 inches into the ground below the area that you have stringed off.  This can be super laborious, so be patient.  For the most intense dirt, a square-end shovel is your best hope. 

Once you have dug this out, add a layer of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel to provide a solid foundation.  Add this gravel at a thickness of roughly 5 inches, and compress it down to 4.

The next step is create the wooden frame, also known as the form, that will contain the mix when you pour it.  Align 2×4 boards on the stone, on the edge of the string barrier.  Because the wooden form has to be equal to the dimensions of the project area, you will want to place the 2×4’s so that their inner edges are placed right below the strings.  To secure the boards, hammer in a foot long stake every 3 feet or so on the outside of the boards.  You will want to secure the stakes to the form with screws. Once everything is level, screw everything together. 

Before you begin pouring, you will want to coat the wooden boards with a commercial release agent, so the mix doesn’t bond with the wood.

Pour Your Concrete Foundation

Now that you have set your guides for pouring, it’s time to actually set the patio.  Mix following the instructions from the manufacturer.  Next, pour the mixture in mounds separated evenly from one another.  Once this is done, use a hoe to spread the piles evenly over the dimensions set by your form.  Leveling it out doesn’t require any special tools except for another 2×4.  Drag it over the spread out mixture, using a level to make sure it fits the correct parameters.  Make sure to fill any holes that arise during this process by shifting it around with the 2×4. 

Level Your Concrete Patio

After your everything is leveled, you will want to use a stiff-bristled broom to brush over the area, creating contours that make the surface not slippery.  In order to allow for the expansion and contraction that will come from seasonal change, you should use a groover in order to create control joints.  These should be placed every 10 feet in every direction, and cut to a quarter of the depth of the slab.  To prevent water from eroding and staining your concrete patio, it’s smart to apply an acrylic cure and seal.  This also eliminates the need to do a water cure on your patio. If you’re thinking of adding a stucco wall as a finishing touch, see our blog post about stucco repairs.

Consider A Concrete Contractor

If this is laborious, it would be smart to hire a concrete contractor. If you have concrete repairs or need to do something additional, like a concrete driveway, a contractor is a good move.