My window cleaner say that they cannot clean the windows because we had aluminum screens on the windows for an extended period of time and the aluminum has attached itself to the glass preventing cleaning unless an acid was is used. Has anyone heard of this?
It hard to tell from what you are saying, but I will say that sometimes the screens are so old and have attached themselves to the surface around the windows. This will require some method of removal that can be difficult or potentially damange the home. If it were me, I would let you know this and probably increase the estimate because of the increased difficulty in cleaning the windows, this is difficult to see during a initial estimate. Also I would probably let you know that some of your windows might be damaged, and get your approval before I clean them to make sure you understand that I will clean them, but because of the high level of risk , I can’t be held financially responsible if some screens, or windows are damaged.
What they are referring to is commonly called screen burn. The metal screens when it rains releases deposits onto the glass which get baked onto the glass by the sun. Over a period of time they build up on the glass. This can be removed by a restoration process. Here are some of the chemicals to remove them.<a href=“http://shopwindowcleaner.com/soap-chemicals/stain-removal/slayer-powder-by-mr-squeegee.html?a_aid=jelm3257&a_bid=cc9f2458” target=“_top”><img src=“http://www.shopwindowcleaner.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/hard-water-slayer-powder.jpg” alt=“” title=“” width=“220” height=“220” /></a><img style=“border:0” src=“http://www.shopwindowcleaner.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=jelm3257&a_bid=cc9f2458” width=“1” height=“1” alt=“” /><a href=“http://shopwindowcleaner.com/crystal-clear-550.html?a_aid=jelm3257&a_bid=cb9a8e53” target=“_top”><img src=“http://www.shopwindowcleaner.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/winsol cc550.jpg” alt=“” title=“” /></a><img style=“border:0” src=“http://www.shopwindowcleaner.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=jelm3257&a_bid=cb9a8e53” width=“1” height=“1” alt=“” />
Along with what John said, if you rescreen with vinyl/fibreglass screening , it will mitigate against it happening again
And get your windows cleaned more often
Yep. John is right. Screen burn. I will take a wild guess and say that they are Andersen windows too! These windows are notorious for doing this. I have had great success with oven cleaner and a 0000 steel wool pad. I get the EZ -OFF fume free kind. Spray it on, work into the window with a litte pressure. You will feel it start to break down and the glass will get a slick texture to it. Immediately apply a mix of dawn dish detergent and water, soak windows down with dawn & water solution. Immediately rinse everthing with a water hose. Dry everything around the window (frames) then clean it like you would normally clean a window. You’re done! The key is to do all of the above steps rather quickly and right after each other. Dont let anything dwell on the glass for too long!
Other important tips when doing this:
1).Try to pick a cool overcast day if you can. Cool glassis the best.
2).Wear gloves (Duh)
3).Make sure its not windy out
4).Wear safety goggles (especially if youre not following #3)
The above chemicals mentioned have the same acid as oven cleaner unless they changed their formula.
Good Luck! Steve
For screen burn ( over time the aluminum in the screens oxidizes and some attaches to the glass) I’d suggest - OneRestore
CC-550 or even oven cleaner can be extremely dangerous. As w/ all chemicals use the proper PPE
Nice post Steve!
newer windows w/ the fiberglass or cloth screens will keep or turn the glass it covers hydrophobic as well
Here’s another option - Nano Ultra
Many seem to be having success w/ it. Plus you can add this to make cleaning the windows w/ a wfp easier in the future.
Thanks Tory,
The steps I listed were exactly how I have done it with excellent results. Most of the time I was able to use 0000 steel wool to cut a light residue but if its the first time around and the windows have Andersen 1977 stamped in the lower corner, I pretty much know what im up against. I tried using MDR back in the day and I compared the the two and noticed that they have the same active acid ingredient in them. The only dangerous thing I can think of that is different in this case is that oven cleaner is a spray. A windy day could pose a threat to your skin. As with any chemical, you have to be smart about using it and take all precautions.
Steve
Here is a picture of a customer’s windows we did last month. If you look closely, you can see the mesh imprint on the glass.
Steve thanks for your great wisdom hehe. I’m sure gona get a oven cleaner and use the same steps when I have to remove screen burn from glass.
when windows are oxidized like this i use bon ami it usualy takes it all off and polish’s it back to looking brand new. but make sure you use the right bon ami because theres two kinds one you can use on glass and one you cant. wet the window and get a wet rag pour some bonami on it and polish window in circular motion. this works almost every time unless the windows are to far gone then chemicals are needed.
