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Cleaning Up/Old filmy windows

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Expert: - 3/27/2011


Question
Hi. I live in my grandmothers old house. It was built in 1964. Most of the windows are the originals and single pane, although there are a couple double paned. When I wash them there is always a not-so-clear look to them when they've dried, especially along the edges and corners. They look absolutely amazingly clear when they're wet however. Is there a way to get the film, or whatever it is, off of them or a product that will keep them looking like they do when they're wet? The only thing is I really don't want to use anything that is highly toxic and will poison my soil or insects or birds, etc.
Thank you so much for your time.
Kayleen

Answer

Glass restored on the
Kay,

It is a little difficult to tell you exactly what is wrong with your windows without seeing them in person, but from what you are describing, the windows sound like they are abraded (or etched) either chemically or mechanically.

If that is the case, you will need to have the windows more than just cleaned. They will need to be restored either mechanically or chemically.

A mechanical restoration would mean buffing the windows out with an abrasive pad. A chemical restoration would mean using a chemical that effectively does the same thing, remove a very fine surface layer of damaged glass.

Chemical restoration can be done without damaging the environment although one of the best chemicals to restore this kind of damaged glass has hydrofluoric acid in it. A chemical formula that works really well in these types of damage is Crystal Clear 550. Home owners can use it effectively with proper precautions. This is a link to CC550's website: http://www.winsol.com/550intro.htm You may also want to watch this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpjFoN-kqIk

Let me know if this is helpful.

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb
270-704-9303
Window Mastes
http://www.window-masters.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 9Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for your time. I wasn't expecting you to answer back so quickly. I really appreciate all the information you gave me.


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Robert Lamb

Expertise

I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding the cleaning and restoration of your windows. I can also view your pictures via email and give you advice on what you can do yourself and what needs to be left to the pros. I can also give advise on scratched glass, how to repair it & what caused it. Pressure washing and gutter cleaning are other areas of expertise.

Experience

Over 20 years in the window cleaning industry, owning and operating two window cleaning companies, Rob's Window Cleaning http://www.robswindowcleaning.com and Window Masters http://www.mywindowmasters.com and http://www.robscleaningservice.com

Organizations
IWCA, window cleaning network, chamber of commerce

Publications
"Window Cleaner" magazine

Education/Credentials
International Window Cleaning (IWCA) training on man lifts, awning cleaning and window cleaning.

Awards and Honors
Voted best window cleaner in Western Kentucky.

Past/Present Clients
Applebee's, Cracker Barrel, CVS Pharmacy, Dairy Queen, Dollar General, Edward Jones, Enterprise Rent A Car, Ethan Allen, Fashion Bug, Fazoli's, FYE Music, GNC, H&R Block, Hardee's, Hot Topic, Kentucky Dam Village, Kroger, Logan's Roadhouse, Market House Museum, O' Charley's, Radio Shack, Rafferty's, Remax, Sirk & Co., Stanley Steamer, State Farm, Steak N Shake, Talbots, The Buckle, The Gap, The Outback, Toys Are Us, Victoria's Secret, and hundreds of others.

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