THE EVOLUTION OF WINDOW CLEANINGWe formed Presto Restoration Products, Inc. because we were dissatisfied with the products available to the building restoration and maintenance industry. Additionally, we wanted to simplify how businesses perform cutting-edge restoration and preservation services. We discovered that many of the products and techniques used by companies in the industry were outdated, and did not take advantage of the newest advances in chemical technologies. We also began to discover how many products and techniques actually caused problems through their use instead of solving them.Initially, the use of ammonia to clean windows was common. Oily surfactants and ammonia helped lubricate the squeegee and prevent streaking. Eventually, building managers realized that ammonia was staining the exterior surfaces of the building, which are composed of materials such as limestone and precast. Next, the use of ordinary household dishwashing detergent became popular, and it continues to be used by most window cleaning companies today. In professional high-rise window cleaning, this detergent is applied to the building’s glass with a mop and a squeegee. As a result, it runs onto window frames and other building surfaces, including precast and ledges. As the water evaporates, a dirty, soapy, oily mixture is left behind to attract additional environmental contaminates and cause ugly, hard-water stains. Newer, safer window cleaning detergents have been developed as a result of a "Green Frenzy" that puts environmental and employee safety as the number one concern. Dishwashing detergents are designed to aggressively fight grease and oils commonly found in cooking applications. These products are meant to be used with protective gloves. Within the professional high-rise maintenance industry, most window cleaning professionals do not wear gloves since it tends to hinder their ability to do the job. View Before & After Photos Photos of glass stains on commercial multi-story buildings WHERE DO GLASS STAINS COME FROM?This is a common question for property owners, managers, contractors and suppliers all over the world. Many factors can cause glass stains. Every building is exposed to a distinct combination of elements for differing lengths of time, resulting in varying types and levels of staining on its surfaces. Some of the factors that contribute to glass staining are as follows:
After more than a decade of research and product development, Presto Restoration Products, Inc. has worked through every possible cause of glass staining and has created a complete line of products to not only attack the problem, but prevent it from reoccurring. Below are 12 pictures of different examples of glass stains that Presto has removed using its own line of products. GLASS REPLACEMENT VERSUS GLASS RESTORATIONProper glass restoration can be an expensive investment, but one that should not be disregarded or postponed. The longer glass containing stains is subjected to the cause of the problem, the higher the cost to repair the problem. Replacing windows is an even more costly alternative. The cost to replace most exterior windows is anywhere between $350 and $8,000 per window. Restoring these same windows is roughly $5 to $20 per window in product costs.WHY MOST GLASS RESTORATION PRODUCTS AND METHODS DON’T WORKMany companies solve glass staining problems by using abrasive techniques that scratch the glass and/or harsh acid products that leave burns on the glass and surrounding surfaces creating a hazed look (see image below).Acidic products that have hydrofluoric acid can be harmful to both employees and structures since they are normally washed down the sides of the building, damaging window frames and precast surfaces. After over a decade of research, Presto has developed methods that use no harsh abrasives or acids yet still leave glass distortion-free. Click to view more pictures of window glass damage
RESTORE, PROTECT, MAINTAIN
PRESTO’S RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEIt is essential that a strict maintenance schedule be kept after restoration is complete to ensure that your property remains stain-free.
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