America's Best Window Cleaning

Get Sunnier Energy Bills with a Professional Solar Panel Cleaning

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:01:37 +0000

Because they sit almost flat on the top of your roof, it is easy to forget all about your solar panels. Because of the way they are installed, your panels are vulnerable to everything from dust, to leaves, to birds with tummy trouble!

Even if all of that grime doesn’t cause any permanent damage, it is going to get in between your panels and the sun — meaning your home will not be as energy efficient as it could be. In fact, dirty solar panels can lose 25% of their efficiency, or more!

Even if it has been sunny for weeks and weeks, have you ever noticed how the windshield on your car still gets dirty and has to be cleaned? That windshield that just gets dirty all by itself is just like your solar panels. They get dirty all by themselves and they must be cleaned or the sun cannot “see” through and you will lose power.

OK, so your solar panels need a good cleaning, but have you ever thought about how difficult it would be to actually clean them?

First, in order to avoid permanent damage, you’d have to get a special cleanser or de-ionized water. America’s Best’s water-fed tucker poles provide safe scrubbing with purified water to prevent bristle damage and mineral deposits which can seriously, and sometimes permanently, lower the efficiency of your solar panels.

And speaking of roofs, you will have to figure out the best way to reach your panels. Since you are not Spiderman, you will have to trust the ladder in your garage and hope that your fear of heights disappeared for the afternoon.

Seems like a real pain, huh?

Thankfully, America’s Best’s professional solar panel cleaning can be your “Knight in Shining Armor”!

With America’s Best, the only thing you will need to plan is when you want the pros to come over. You will not have to mess with cleaning solutions, scrubbing, and a less-than-sturdy ladder.

In the end, your energy bills and your life will be a whole lot sunnier!

(866) 946-2532

Click here for more information on solar panel cleaning with America’s Best.

Once Upon A Gutter Cleaning

admin — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 22:50:40 +0000

Once upon a time there was a very industrious lady who enjoyed working on her home. She learned how to drywall, paint, and even replaced a tub surround. One day, she decided her gutters needed to be cleaned. Standing above her garage was a 75’ tall Hemlock tree that shed needles and cones relentlessly. Her poor gutters were overflowing with debris. How difficulty could it be?

Using a ladder, this lady climbed onto her garage roof with the aid of her adult son. Discovering how slippery a roof covered in needles can be, and ignoring her fear of heights, she made her way over to the side of the garage with the gutters. What she found there was a rain gutter packed from end to end with dirt, needles, and cones. Reaching in to grab some of the debris, she discovered how sharp dry hemlock needles can be. Taking a screw driver, she thought she would easily be able to dislodge the debris. It is amazing how rock hard a little dirt and debris can become. Needless to say, the screw driver didn’t do much good. After getting cut on thousands of little spikes, she surrendered the job to her son. Several hours later, the gutters were clean with a big mess to be cleaned up on the ground.

I hope you were able to guess that I was that lady. Gutter cleaning was the one thing that stopped me in my home improvement efforts. I wish I had known about America’s Best at that time. It would have made our lives a lot easier and a lot less painful.

So why rain gutters? Other than diverting the rain over the front door so that we can come in and out without being drenched, why would we submit ourselves to having something on our home that is so difficult to clean? I mean, a little water never hurt anyone, right? As I began to look into the reasons for gutters, I discovered that water can cause A LOT of damage to your property. I knew that water inside the home is a big no-no, but I had no idea that water falling off our roofs could cause damage to the home.

Although there are several different types of rain gutters, they all are used to divert rain water away from your structure. With the use of downspouts, gutters feed the water down to ground level and away from the building. Without this diversion, water can cause serious damage to a structure’s exterior walls, window frames, foundation and footing. Damage to the foundation and footing can weaken the structural integrity of your building. Water may also leak into the interior of the basement or crawl space causing further damage.

Ok, so now that we know gutters are important, we’re faced with the dilemma of cleaning them. If we don’t face this issue, we will end up with clogged gutters which can cause other problems such as stagnant mosquito-breeding water, ice dams during winter, and even dry rot in the wood roof deck, fascia boards, and supporting rafters. If the damage goes so far as to allow water into the interior of the home, you could be facing anything from damaged drywall and flooring to mold abatement. Weeds and saplings are commonly found growing in clogged gutters. The sooner we get those out, the better.

Experts suggest that you have your gutters cleaned twice a year as a norm. This can be adjusted depending on your climate. If you live in the high or low deserts, having them cleaned once a year may be enough. Those who live near trees, or in places subject to sand storms, should have their gutters cleaned several times a year to prevent blockage. America’s Best offers high quality gutter guards that help prevent large debris from getting in your gutters. Even with these in place, you will still need to have your gutters maintained periodically.

The good news: America’s Best has been cleaning gutters for over 30 years and is available in many states. When our crew arrives, they will scoop out the debris and flush the gutters and downspouts to ensure water is free flowing. We also carry a $2,000,000 worker’s comp and liability insurance policy in the event there are any accidents.

So, there is a happy ending to my tale. Now that I know America’s Best cleans gutters, I can schedule a crew to come out and battle the hemlock needles while my son and I relax inside the house with sweet tea. It is truly a “sweet” solution. Give America’s Best a call today for more information regarding gutter services they offer or to schedule an appointment.

(866) 946-2532

Click here for more information on gutter cleaning, gutter installation, and gutter guard services offered by America’s Best, Inc.

The Many Benefits of Window Film

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:21:58 +0000

Now that we are well in to spring cleaning, we thought it would be a good time to write about window film. The spring months are a perfect time to install window film in preparation for the hot summer just around the corner.

Before doing research for this blog, the only things I knew about window film were that it blocks extra sunlight and heat from entering your home or office, and prevents unwanted eyes from seeing in. I discovered that these are only a few of the many purposes for window film.

Beauty: First impressions are important. Besides adding color enhancement, window tint provides uniformity and can hide unsightly clutter from passersby. Those with an artistic flair can install decorative films in a wide range of colors and designs including frosted glass, and faux stained glass. Many architects incorporate window film in to their designs both for its protective quality and beauty.

Economic: In our difficult economic climate, many people are searching for ways to cut costs. Tinted window film blocks up to 80% of the sun’s heat from entering your home or business and its insulating properties reduce heat loss through the glass. Reduced air conditioning and heating costs allow you to keep more money in your bank account. Commercial customers have experienced greater productivity in their employees as they experience greater climate control while maintaining natural sunlight without the glare. The more windows you tint, the greater potential savings. Window Film Magazine reports in their May-June 2011 edition that they “have seen paybacks often range in the 2-5 year period, with some reported to be even less than 6 months.” In many areas where government regulations require the use of tempered glass, SafetyShield® films can bring these buildings up to regulation standards at a fraction of the cost of replacing existing windows. Many rebates are available to consumers who install window tint. Click here for a list of those available within the United States.

Green Living: In February of 2012, the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a non-profit group, issued a press release confirming that window film is one of the most cost-effective solutions for energy savings for Californians. The study found that in comparison to other energy savings techniques (HVAC systems, air sealing and caulking, and adding R-38 ceiling insulation) when installing window film to existing structures, window film came out ahead. Click here to download the study.

Health Benefits: Most window film is built with ultraviolet inhibitors to protect the polyester base from destruction by UV light. While that is good for the durability of the film, the benefits to consumers are far greater. The window film we use at America’s Best, Inc. blocks up to 99% of these dangerous rays. Prolonged exposure to unfiltered sunlight may cause cataracts, eye inflammation, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Skincancer.org reports that UVA protected films “can be lifesavers for people with diseases involving dangerous photosensitivity, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and lupus.” Consumers with heightened photosensitivity due to medications will greatly benefit from installing window film as well.

Protect Furnishings from Premature Aging and Fading: As damaging as ultraviolet light can be to the human body, it also causes damage to our homes and belongings. Consistent exposure to UV radiation, visible light, and heat are contributing factors to premature aging and fading of artwork, carpets, fabrics, furnishings, and flooring. The Louvre, Smithsonian, and Guggenheim have protected their valuable museum pieces by installing the same window film offered to you by America’s Best, Inc.

Anti-vandalism: Taggers today are in competition with each other as they etch and spray paint surfaces in their neighborhoods. All it takes is one instance of graffiti to begin an escalating competition amongst fellow vandals resulting in wide spread defacement of property. For this reason, it is very important that each instance of graffiti be removed quickly. Graffiti-Free® film is a multi-ply film designed to protect glass and polycarbonates by acting as a barrier between the vandal and the glass eliminating the need to replace costly glass. As demonstrated in the above photo, simply peel the film away and install a fresh layer of film to protect the glass from future vandalism. Graffiti-Free® film is currently being used worldwide by many transit authorities as well as the Smithsonian, the Louvre, New Scotland Yard, and many other landmark structures.

Safety: Security and safety films may be used to protect against break-ins, accidents, and natural disasters. Even the most basic window film will help prevent accidents from broken glass by holding the glass together.

In addition to preventing unwanted eyes from seeing in, installing window film helps to prevent intruders from breaking in to your property. Many intruders choose windows as a means of quick and easy entry. When security film is installed, intruders find that windows are not the easy entry way they imagined allowing law enforcement more time to avert the crime. Click here for a demonstration of how Madico safety film can help protect you from accidents and break-ins.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, it is crucial to reduce the amount of falling, flying, or broken glass. OSHA reports that “most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects…” Hurricane force winds turn shards of glass in to deadly missiles. Madico carries “the most tested safety and security window films” by meeting and exceeding “more test standards than any other, including meeting categories B & C large missile impact criteria for ASTM E 1886/E 1996 as required by the strict Florida Building code for hurricane mitigation.” Click here for a demonstration of how Madico safety film can help reduce loss caused by natural or man-made disasters and accidents.

Made in the U.S.A.: While there are many window films available for sale, America’s Best, Inc. uses high quality, globally recognized, Madico films which are made in St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.A.

There is so much to offer in window films and new products are constantly being developed. Window film is inexpensive, easy to install, easy to clean, does not require any chemicals, is durable and stands up to extreme weather conditions. We have come a long way from the days of purpling window tint and vapor deposition aluminum or silver films. Window films are about a lot more than shielding from the sun or styling your vehicle. Give us a call to discuss how America’s Best, Inc. can help you with your window film needs.

(866) 946-2532

History of Spring Cleaning

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:54:39 +0000

It’s spring time and after all the rains and cold weather, nature is calling to all of us to come outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. I imagine that every year, for thousands of years, it has been the same. Spring comes and all we want to do is take time off to go outside and enjoy. If this is the case, then why has mankind, rather than answering this call to make the great escape, chosen to engage in furiously cleaning everything they own from top to bottom every time spring rolls around? What is “spring cleaning” and who came up with it?

I have to admit that this year, as much as I want to get outside and enjoy the birds singing and the sunshine, I also have an urge to empty everything out of my closets and paint my master bath! I began to do some research as to where this “spring cleaning” comes from and found that there does seem to be some logic to it. After all, who wants to paint their house when it is snowing? Spring seems to be the perfect time to get all of that work done. The weather is neither freezing nor roasting. In the sunny Southern California mountains where I live, the weather ranges from over 110 degrees Fahrenheit to 12 degrees. Spring and fall seem to be the only times of the year where it is comfortable to do any sort of house work without the aid of air conditioning and heating.

So why spring and not fall? Some have suggested that the reason we clean in the spring is biological. Because of the reduced sunlight we are exposed to during winter, we have more melatonin that is produced by our pineal glands resulting in sleepiness. When spring rolls around, the extra sunlight causes a reduced melatonin level allowing us to “wake up” and desire to do the things we’ve been putting off all winter. That certainly rings true for me. This spring I suddenly have an urge to get out and run in the field across the street from my house, break out the jet ski, and sand blast the peeling texture coating from my house.

The wisdom of cleaning in the spring rather than the fall is partially because you have just come out of the cold of winter. Historically, during the cold months, the yuck and muck would have been building up in mattresses, rugs, drapes, blankets…you name it. Imagine yourself, in the dead of winter, washing these items without the convenience of electric dryers and vacuum cleaners? Mattresses once upon a time were made with straw tick or other natural materials. In order to clean these, they would typically wait for spring to replace the old fillings with fresh dry hay, etc. Rugs would be taken out in the sunshine and beaten to loosen the debris and expose them to fresh air. Laundry would be washed and hung out to dry. I imagine it was much more comfortable to clean any number of things in the temperate weather of spring. In 2012, it’s difficult to comprehend cleaning without Windex, Pledge, Easy Off, vacuum cleaners, or electric washers and dryers. I have a great respect for our ancestors who did this work day in and day out, year after year, without the aid of modern conveniences. I certainly respect their wisdom to save the bulk of it for the right time of the year.

There appear to be some religious and cultural ties to spring cleaning. From ancient times in Israel, just prior to Passover (Pesach), the people would rid their homes of any leavened food products as a remembrance of their hasty flight from captivity in Egypt. Observant Jews continue today to thoroughly “spring clean” their homes followed by a removal of even small crumbs of leavened food on the evening before Passover begins. The ancient Catholic tradition of thoroughly cleaning your home the first three days after Palm Sunday seems to have been converted from the Jewish tradition. In Greece and other Orthodox nations, many observe Clean Week, a week of spring cleaning occurring before the first week of Great Lent. In China and Iran, spring cleaning was observed in connection with their new year. The Iranian practice, literally translated, means “shaking the house.” I do not know whether or not our “spring cleaning” comes directly from these cultural and religious practices, but it is fascinating that so many different places and peoples value cleaning at this time of year enough that it has become part of their tradition, both modern and ancient.

So here we are, during the week between Palm Sunday and Easter according to the Gregorian calendar. What better time to break out the cleaning tools, dump out those closets, fill up those bags for the Salvation Army, paint that master bath, and sandblast that house! While you are at it, why not give us a call at America’s Best and have us come out to make those windows sparkle and freshen that house or pool deck with a pressure wash in preparation for all the fun you are going to have during the hot months ahead. Let us come repair or replace your missing screens so you can fling wide those windows and doors and enjoy this beautiful world God has made for us.

- Happy Easter and have a blessed Passover from America’s Best, Inc.

Services we offer: window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, screen re-screen, screen rebuild, window tinting, housekeeping, gutter installation, and more…