Category Archives: Blog

5 Common Reasons for Window Streaks

Everyone enjoys the look of sparkling clean windows. Even so, getting them to shine without leaving streaks behind is something that’s easier said than done. Here are five reasons you might notice window streaks after cleaning them.

5  Common Reasons for Window Streaks

#1. Washing in direct sun

If the sun is beating down on your windows, this could cause the cleaning solution to evaporate before you get to a certain section. The area where the cleaner has evaporated will be noticeable by its streaks.

#2. Using the wrong tools

Soft cloths, newspaper, and even paper towels are not absorbent enough to prevent streaks. For best results, use a long-handled squeegee with a sponge on one side. Clean your windows first with the sponge then squeegee your windows dry.

#3. Making your own window cleaner

Window cleaner must contain just the right formula if you are to avoid leaving streaks. In particular, vinegar-based solutions are notorious for streaking. If you don’t like the idea of harsh chemicals, use a solution of mild dish soap and water instead.

#4. Not dusting your windows beforehand

If your windows are covered in cobwebs, you will need to remove them with a broom first. Simply spraying the cobwebs and then wiping the window will leave obvious streaks. Likewise, if your windows have a layer of dust, you could benefit from using a chamois cloth to lightly dust them just prior to cleaning.

#5. Not performing touch-up cleanings

Bird droppings, fingerprints, and other spots should be removed from your windows at least weekly. If you do this, you’ll find it easier to achieve streak-free windows when you do clean the entire surface.

These are just a few reasons you may have window streaks despite vigorous cleaning. Of course, if you are looking for streak-free windows, you can always contact us instead. We use professional techniques to ensure your windows are streak free and sparkling clean.

What Happens if You Don’t Clean Out Your Gutters?

Leaves, twigs, seeds, dead insects and other debris often accumulate in rain gutters. It’s easy to overlook them until serious problems develop. Be sure to clean out your gutters to avoid these consequences:

What Happens if You Don't Clean Out Your Gutters?

1. The detritus will prevent troughs from drying out in the sun, so they might grow mold. This substance is unsightly and difficult to remove. Clogged gutters can also promote indoor mold growth.

2. Troughs will overflow when it rains, and the excess water may find its way into your home. A variety of problems could result from this. For example, the roof might leak and stain or destroy ceiling tiles.

3. Neglected guttering has the potential to create ice dams. Water may freeze at the edge of your roof because it can’t enter the clogged troughs. This often triggers shingle damage and further leakage.

4. Rainwater might run down the side of the house. Frequent exposure to excessive moisture will cause siding, window frames, decks and doors to rot. Exterior paint could also decay prematurely.

5. Overflowing water may harm your home’s foundation and flood the basement. If it freezes, it might create harmful cracks. Some homeowners have to spend thousands of dollars on foundation repairs.

6. Wild animals or insects might build nests in the clogged troughs. Ants, bees and rodents have been known to inhabit guttering when it provides them with shelter, food, water and easy access to your house.

7. The weight of an overloaded gutter can cause it to collapse and fall to the ground. This may damage brackets, windows, siding, doors or light fixtures. The troughs could also break in the process.

If you’d like to avoid these negative outcomes but prefer to forgo messy, dangerous tasks, hire a gutter-cleaning professional. If you’d like help to clean out your gutters, please contact us today for further details!

Professional Christmas Light Installation

Illuminating. Twinkling. Festive. Inviting. Outdoor lights can add more magic to the holiday season. And, now is the time to plan for your outdoor holiday lighting display. Hiring a professional to install your lights is a smart investment. It can save you time and will ensure a beautiful, functional display of holiday fun and cheer.

Professional Christmas Light Installation

Convenience In A Smart Investment

The emergence of professional holiday light installation has afforded previously limited homeowners the opportunity to enjoy seasonal outdoor lighting. Past limitations may have involved:

  • time
  • physical ability
  • tools, including access to ladders, clips and satisfactory string lights
  • or simply patience (See below)

Professional holiday light installers are trained and experienced. They know the equipment and tools, and have knowledge of which string lights will work best where. Many professional holiday light installers offer sourcing and purchasing-direct options for their customers, allowing the owners to keep their lights for use in successive years.

Are you one who likes to change it up from year to year? Professional lighting installation companies generally own various lighting products and displays they can use on your home for just the season, allowing you to opt for something new the next season. These professionals have all the tools – including safe, quality extension cords – needed to complete the job quickly and safely. They have the training, along with the accompanying patience, to get the lights up and glowing, usually within a couple of hours if no Clark Griswold design is at play (though that is an option many can pull off, too, if desired!).

Hiring a Christmas Light Installation Company

When hiring a professional to install holiday lights, take a look at their business ahead of time. Many companies provide holiday lighting installation as a seasonal component of a larger business. They often do landscaping, gutter and window cleaning, pressure washing, or the like, year round. Does your potential pro have recommendations from previous clients? Do they make available pictures of previous holiday lighting work? Are they licensed to conduct work in your area? Have they earned reputable awards or certifications? CLIPA is a national Christmas light installer certification program. Hiring a professional who has earned membership in CLIPA provides the homeowner with greater peace of mind. Attainment of the certification requires testing and training; a proven history of experience; proof of commercial liability insurance; and vetted letters of recommendation.

Holiday Trends and Inspiration

The options available for outdoor holiday lighting have grown exponentially over the years. What we grew up with might have simply involved large, colorful bulbs in primary colors. These types of lights are still around for all of us retro-loving folks; but, today we can also find LED lights in a rainbow of colors and pre-planned color schemes, including blues and silvers, gold and red, color-switching and blinking options and more. A popular modern trend is all-white lighting and, again thanks to LED technology, you can pick the warmth of your white, i.e., warm cozy cream, cool icy white, nearly-blue white, etc.

Delight Your Family, Friends and Neighbors

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Seeking to brighten up your street for your friends and neighbors? Want to surprise your family with a light-up display they’ll remember for years to come? Consider partnering with a professional holiday lighting installer to get your twinkle going.

Patriot Services an experienced professional Christmas light installation company based in the DFW suburb of Grapevine, Texas. In addition to dependable professional holiday lighting installation, they offer window and gutter cleaning and power washing. We love delighting customers with beautiful light displays available in easy and affordable price packages. Contact us today for a quote.

5 Ways Professional Window Washing Gives Your Open Properties Extra Curb Appeal

Getting a home ready for an open house can be stressful. Cleaning and improving the interior radically improve prospective buyers’ first impressions of the house. Creating good exterior curb appeal matters just as much for setting the right tone. Here are five ways that professional window washing can help:

5 Ways Professional Window Washing Gives Your Open Properties Extra Curb Appeal

1. Clean windows are immediately noticeable as visitors drive up.

Prospective home buyers’ first impressions start forming the second they see the property. Having gleaming, highly reflective windows makes the whole face of the building look cleaner and well-maintained. That immediate association with cleanliness starts the interaction off right.

2. Emphasizing the windows makes the house look larger.

People want larger houses, and the windows can make the property either look smaller than it is or larger than it is. Making small adjustments like adding decorative shutters, features above the windows, and shallow window flower boxes make the windows look larger. Cleaning the windows and the seals and profiles also emphasize the windows.

3. Improve the interior natural lighting.

Natural lighting makes any home interior look more beautiful. The last thing you want is to show a dim property with lots of shadows. So open the curtains and make sure the windows are crystal clear so even cluttered layouts feel more open.

4. Make the house look move-in ready.

Homebuyers usually want properties that are move-in ready, and they like properties they can picture themselves living in. Dirt, stains, and other buildup on windows are a barrier to that, even if the prospective buyers love all of the features of the house.

5. Professional washing can make old windows look years younger.

Replacing old windows might not be in the renovation budget. But professionals can remove years of embedded dirt and dust is impossible to remove with general cleaning tools. Just restoring the seams to a bright white can take years off the windows and make them look much more appealing.

Schedule a window cleaning appointment with Patriot Services today. We can also pressure wash and soft wash the rest of the house’s exterior.

Start Off Your Fall Cleaning with a Soft Wash

Fall is right around the corner. Even though it’s still hot outside, it’s time to start cleaning your home’s exterior and clearing away all of the leaves, pollen, and debris from the spring and summer. One of the best ways to deep clean your home’s exterior in preparation for fall and winter is with pressure washing. Here are three reasons why you should hire a professional instead of adding it to your to-do list:

Start Off Your Fall Cleaning with a Soft Wash

1. Different surfaces need different pressures and different cleaning agents.

Hard surfaces like concrete and brick can handle a lot of pressure. Depending on how much your driveway has absorbed the rubber and road chemicals from your cars’ tires, they might need that high level of pressure to get clean. But grout lines and siding are more fragile. Using the same pressure can make them crack or crumble. Your roof is even more vulnerable and needs soft washing techniques to keep the shingles sealed and in place. Professionals can methodically clean your home’s exterior from top to bottom without either damaging softer surfaces or leaving hard surfaces partially dirty.

2. Precision matters.

The different surfaces on your home’s exterior need different pressure levels to really get cleaned. But those different materials are right next to each other: your garage door’s weatherstripping is right next to the driveway, the roof line is right up against the gutters, and your garden beds touch the edge of the sidewalk. Trained professionals can clean all of these different surfaces without accidentally cutting into a fragile surface. They can also ensure every surface gets cleaned right up to the edge instead of leaving the edges with a gradual gray fade-out.

3. Heights can be hard to reach.

There’s a lot of pushback on even the best pressure washing tools you can find in big box stores. Climbing a ladder and turning on the pressure washer wand is incredibly dangerous. But the force weakens over distance, so pressure washing from the ground can leave the siding splotchy or grayed out.

Contact Patriot Services today to schedule an appointment for a soft wash. We can pressure wash your home’s exterior to make it ready for the fall and holiday season.

How to Avoid Damage While Power Washing Your Concrete

Power washing is a great way to clean the concrete surfaces around the exterior of your home. Oil spills from your car and other types of grime penetrate the surface of driveways, walkways, and sidewalks. They leave undesirable stains that can typically be removed with a proper power washing. How to avoid damage while power washing your concrete should be the next concern.

How to Avoid Damage While Power Washing Your Concrete

Can power washing damage your concrete?

If a power washer is used correctly and the concrete around the exterior of your property is in decent condition, then it should not damage your concrete. Although power washing seems straightforward, several factors could affect how it should be done to avoid damage.

What you can do to avoid damaging your concrete surfaces

It is best not to power wash new surfaces. With new concrete, it will need time to bind before it is strong enough to handle a heavy power washing. Older, low density or damaged surfaces could get ruined by a power washer because it is easy for water to get between the cracks. It is essential to use the correct power washer in these situations to make sure that you don’t ruin your concrete.

What type of power washer should you use?

Power washers come in different strengths, which are measured by pounds per square inch (PSI). A washer with a high PSI has a lot of power and should only be used on good quality concrete, while a lower PSI machine is suitable for when there may be issues. It is important to read the instruction that comes with the device because the PSI level of your washer affects how close to the ground you are supposed to hold it.

Power washing often requires the work of a professional. Patriot Services has been providing professional power washing services in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area for several years. Feel free to contact us for an estimate so we can help beautify the exterior of your home.

Unexpected Effects of Not Cleaning Your Gutters

When you neglect having your gutters cleaned, there are a few things you can expect. You can expect it to not look great. You can expect water to overflow from the gutters, causing roof and other home damage. You can expect your drain spouts to become clogged up and rust after being full of wet debris. However, there are some unexpected effects of not cleaning your gutters.

Unexpected Effects of Not Cleaning Your Gutters

Increase in Pests

When your gutters are dirty, it provides the optimal moist, warm environment for pests to breed.  Not only will you probably see an increase of mosquitoes and other bugs near your home, but because the moisture will degrade your roof, other pests like mice or carpenters ants may find a way inside your walls.

Allergies

Damp gutters attract pest, but they also attract other bacteria as well. If left long enough, mold and algae will begin to form. It essentially creates a barrier of allergens that skirts your home. A nice day on the patio can turn into a fit of wheezing for those most sensitive to the presence of mold.

It Could Void Your Home Warranty

You may not realize it, but a lot of home warranties have specific stipulations that you have to clean your gutter regularly for the warranty to be valid for roof repairs. As a roof can be quite the expense, you not only want to take care of it, but will want that warranty if you do actually manifest a problem with it.

While these are lesser know effects, all the known effects of putting off gutter cleaning are reason enough to have it done. If you have dirty gutters, but hate cleaning them yourself, contact us today. Patriot Services can help you make sure this dirty, but necessary job is done quickly to keep your home safe and sturdy.

How Long Does Pressure Washing A Home Take?

You have a busy schedule, and as such, you need to be able to work appointments into it. Pressure washing a home should be one of those appointments. It not only makes your home look great, but it can help keep it healthy as well. Unfortunately, the time it takes to pressure wash your home will vary. A solid pressure washing company can give you an accurate estimate, but there are factors that can help you anticipate the time. How Long Does Pressure Washing A Home Take?

How Long Does Pressure Washing A Home Take?

Size of Your Home

Obviously a 1,000 square foot home can be pressure washed much faster than a two-story 4,000 square foot home. There is just more surface area that needs to be done. Furthermore, if a home has more than one story, the technician may need to get ladders out in order to reach certain areas. This takes time.

How Dirty Is Your Home?

If your home hasn’t been pressure washed in 20 years, for example, it will take much longer to get it clean. This is why pressure washing companies can’t honestly say that ever five square feet can take five minutes. It also depends on how much dirt needs to be removed from those five square feet. The longer that mildew and dirt has been on your siding, the tougher it can be to wash away.

Environmental Factors

Every single home is unique in its own way. Every home has landscaping in different places and architecture can vary. Environmental factors that can add onto time include:

  • Type of siding on a home
  • Areas of heavy soiling like algae growth
  • Difficult to reach areas of siding
  • Trees or tall landscaping located near the home

All the above will add on time, but the best answer to this question is to talk to a pressure washing company. They will give you a solid estimate on how long pressure washing a home take. If your home needs pressure washing services, contact us today to see what Patriot Services can do for you.

The Need for Window Cleaning is Crystal Clear

Whether you own a business, a home, or both, proper window washing goes beyond a squeegee or the right bottle of cleaner. While we can agree that dirty windows are unsightly, there are other reasons to have your windows cleaned regularly and by a professional. The need for window cleaning is crystal clear.

The Need for Window Cleaning is Crystal Clear

Business

Dirty windows cost your business money. Especially with the rise of online shopping, the need for clean windows is higher than ever. Customers can’t see your display through smudges, fingerprints, and exterior grime, not to mention the impression this leaves about your business. Clean windows, along with a tidy environment in general, also improve employee morale.

Home

Not only do clean windows allow you to enjoy the view outside your home, but leaving dirt and debris on your windows for too long actually shortens their lifespan. Over time, the build-up weakens the glass, and some substances such as sap and bark cause small pits or indentations. Cleaning your home’s windows regularly also keep insects out of window channels. Dead insects can build up in those places, making the windows harder to open and unsafe in an emergency. Additionally, frequent cleaning keeps pests such wasps from taking up residence there.

How Often Should I Clean My Windows?

Windows should be cleaned no less than once every two months. If you live in a forest, especially during pollen season, or in a city, which is subject to dust and pollution, it’s best to wash them every month. Discuss your needs with a professional to establish the best window-cleaning schedule for your home or business. Keep in mind that regular cleanings are easier and more cost-efficient than waiting to do a yearly scrub down.

DIY Versus Hiring a Professional

It’s time to ditch that paper towel and bottle of ammonia-based cleaner. Especially on the exterior, this usually only pushes the dirt around, leaving you with streaky glass and a sore arm. A professional window cleaning service uses effective, industry-standard products and equipment which leave windows crystal clear and don’t damage glass or panes. After all, windows are an investment and it matters who you’re entrusting with their care. Patriot Services uses a purified water system and glass-safe, abrasive scrubbers which don’t leave any spots or streaks behind. If you have a two-story home or multi-floor business, paying someone else to climb a ladder or scaffold is well worth it for the peace of mind alone. Window cleaning is a tough and physically demanding job, and hiring a professional ensures it will be done properly and safely.

At Patriot Services, your windows are in good hands. Give us a call today and let us shine for you!

Do You Have to Be Home During Power Washing?

Maybe you’d like to have power washing done on your home, but you’re not sure how to work it into your schedule. Our soft washing technique is designed to clean your home without any damage from excess pressure so you can feel secure going to work or taking care of other responsibilities on the day of service. All you need to do is take a few simple precautions, and then come home and enjoy your freshly cleaned home.

Do You Have to Be Home During Power Washing?

Doors and Windows:

Double check any opening where water could get through. That includes securely closing and locking your doors and windows, and letting us know about any leaks.

Pets and Plants:

Our cleaning products won’t cause any chemical damage to plants, animals or people. However, you’ll want to remove any potted plants from the area where we’ll be working. Landscape plants can be watered or covered with plastic. If your pets will be at home, keep them inside and away from doors and windows to minimize any stress. This may be a good day for doggie day care if you know your dog tends to get anxious around strangers or noise.

Other Objects and Devices:

Inspect the area for anything that should not be exposed to water and the assorted debris that will be getting cleaned off the outer surfaces of your house. Move your things out of the way or cover them carefully with plastic if they’re fixed in place. Be sure to clear your driveway too. Put electrical devices and fragile porch decorations in the garage for the day. Roll up your rugs and take down your door wreath. Unplug electrical cords and cover up the outlets.

Contact us at Patriot Services if you’re interested in power washing and other services for your home or business in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Read our testimonials and see why we’ve earned more than 200 five star reviews.