Post Construction Window Washing on the Big Island of Hawaii

Post Construction Window Cleaning

Construction on the Big Island of Hawaii, from North Kohala to Kailua-Kona.

Kohala Coast Window Cleaning has decades of experience with post-construction window cleaning, and are true experts at this specialized service. We will clean your windows after your construction project so your new space is visually beautiful. The process is very different from routine window cleaning

You want a company that has years of experience. You have found the right window cleaning company for your job.

Glass Surface Protection During Construction

During all phases of construction, we highly recommend following the guidance of the Glass Informational Bulletins provided by the National Glass Association (NGA) and the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). Here are links to those bulletins.

• Construction Site Protection and Cleaning of Architectural Glass FB03-03 (2018)
  https://www.iwca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Updated_protection_document.pdf
• Proper Procedures For Cleaning Architectural Glass Products FB01-00 (2016)
  https://www.iwca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Updated_proper_procedures_bulletin.pdf

Kohala Coast Window Cleaning can provide expert advice on effective ways to protect the glass surface and minimize or eliminate glass surface scratches.

Routine Window Cleaning of Protected Glass

When glass surfaces are properly protected during all phases of the construction process then glass can usually be cleaned using routine window cleaning methods. After removing the protection a simple soap & water cleaning will be effective.

However, sometimes the glass has not been properly protected. What then?

Post Construction Window Cleaning of Unprotected Glass

When glass has not been protected during construction, various materials such as paint, varnish, silicone, concrete, stucco, mortar, tar, adhesives and other tenacious construction materials may adhere to the glass. The dust created when workers cut and sand the wood framework for a new home or commercial building, as well as from the sanding of drywall in preparation for paint can be hazardous to glass because of being more abrasive than standard household dust. These conditions may require specialized cleaning techniques and Kohala Coast Window Cleaning are experts in this service.

North Kohala and Kailua-Kona Post Construction Window Cleaning Involve The Following:

Removing tape, stickers, glue, silicone, paint overspray, drywall mud, wallpaper adhesive, mortar, brick sealer or any other construction-related material from a new window and much more.

This will likely not be the builder’s last project. A skilled window cleaning company, like Kohala Coast Window Cleaning, will motivate builders to be very loyal to those who help them complete their projects with superior results, on time, and on budget.

That is why Kohala Coast Window Cleaning is the company you want to call. We are skilled, knowledgeable, reliable and dependable.

We transform very dirty construction-site windows into showroom-ready pieces of transparent art while preserving the integrity of the glass surface.

Specialized techniques to prevent scratched glass

First, we pre-clean the glass and adjacent areas with dust brush and high powered vacuums that remove as much construction debris as possible from glass and adjacent surfaces.

Next, we use detergents and surfactants that lubricate the glass and gently remove any debris before a final rinse, squeegee, and final detail. Our detergents are concentrated commercial grade and designed to loosen dirt and hold it in suspension so that it can be removed before it re-deposits on the glass surfaces.

If the glass was left unprotected during construction more aggressive cleaning techniques may be required such as the use of solvents, non-abrasive scrub pads and wools, degreasers, and other specialized techniques. We will choose the least invasive but most effective method to clean and restore your glass surface.

Give Kohala Coast Window Cleaning a call today for the most professional and experienced window cleaning company in the area. 808.885.7600

How We Remove Construction Materials

How do we remove dried concrete and stucco?

To remove dried concrete from glass we use phosphoric acid based cleaner to break down dried concrete. The silica particles in concrete chemically bonds to the silica in the glass surface making it challenging to remove. Phosphoric acid is used to chemically break these bonds so that the concrete and sand particles can be rinsed away without dragging them across the glass surface.

Ideally, concrete should be removed from glass surface immediately and before it dries and bonds with the surface. Mechanical removal of concrete with only a scraper may cause the abrasive particles create glass scratches. This extreme care must be used in this process.

How do we remove stickers from windows?

We remove manufacturers stickers by first soaking them with water and detergent to soften the paper and adhesive. Our detergent contains agents to help dissolve the adhesive glue. Once the sticker has softened, we carefully remove use a plastic scraper designed for use on glass and lift the sticker off the glass followed by a white nylon pad to remove any remaining residue.

How do we remove silicone and vinyl film residue from glass?

Window manufacturers and commercial installation companies seal windows into their frames using silicone and caulking. Sometimes smears of silicone and caulking can get on the glass surface. Silicone can be one of the most difficult substances to remove from glass. First any large globs are removed using a plastic blade. Then we use a specialized melamine foam pad and old fashioned elbow grease.

How do we remove dried paint from glass and windows?

Small amounts of paint can usually be removed with a non scratching white nylon pad. Larger amounts of dried paint may need a more aggressive technique, including solvents and razor blades, depending on the amount of paint and the type.

Are there any special precautions for working on heat strengthened or fully tempered glass?

All types of glass are susceptible to surface damage if they are not properly protected during all phases of construction. Heat strengthened and fully tempered glass appear to be more prone to damage than annealed glass. While the reason for this is not fully understood it is currently being researched at the Penn State Materials Science lab and through the cooperative efforts of The Glass Institute.

Heat strengthened glass is designed to break into smaller pieces than normal annealed glass. Fully tempered glass is designed to break apart into small cubes in the case of breakage and is also commonly known as safety glass.

Laminated glass is fabricated by taking two or more pieces of flat glass, either annealed, heat treated or fully tempered and then joining them together with a plastic sheet in the middle. This creates an even stronger and safer glass unit.