To the untrained eye, all glass looks the same. To window cleaning professionals in North Royalton, OH, there are clear differences. The method used to create the glass directly affects how it should be cleaned. Special care must be taken with different types of panes. To avoid damaging your glass with unsightly scratches, be sure to use the proper method with each kind of window. Either contact the pros, or follow these guidelines when window cleaning in North Royalton, OH.

Annealed Glass

This is a very common type of glass. Most likely, your windows are made of annealed glass. To create annealed glass, it is slowly cooled to relieve internal stresses. If not annealed, the glass may crack if exposed to severe temperature changes.

This glass usually has a flat surface and is very easy to clean. It is very hard to scratch. While it may be possible to use a razor blade to scrape this type of glass if needed, it is not recommended that anyone but professional window cleaners try this. The best method to clean annealed glass is water, dish soap and a squeegee.

Low-E Glass

Low-E glass has gained popularity in window panes as homeowners seek energy-saving measures. This type of glass includes a specialized coating that is applied to block ultraviolet rays. This reduces the amount of heat that enters, creating cooler surroundings in the home without overworking the A/C.

When cleaning Low-E glass that has coating on the surface, do not use window cleaner that contains ammonia. This can leave deposits on the surface and make the glass look milky. The best method for cleaning Low-E glass is to use a microfiber towel and an ammonia-free cleaner.

Heat-Strengthened Glass

When heat-strengthened, glass is twice as strong and safer than annealed glass. When produced, this glass goes through a slower cooling process, which creates a lower compression strength. It can tolerate extreme swings in temperature, but it often has blemishes.

Never scrape heat-strengthened glass with a razor. Clean this type of glass the same way you would annealed glass. Use water, dish soap and a squeegee, as well as a microfiber towel, if desired.

Tempered Glass

Tempered, or safety glass, is toughened by thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength. It is four to five times stronger than annealed glass. If broken, tempered glass fractures into small, harmless pieces (unlike annealed glass, which shatters into jagged shards.)

Tempered glass is very easy to scratch. It is one of the most difficult types of glass to clean. Use a microfiber towel and a high-quality cleaner. Don’t scrub. For this type of window cleaning in North Royalton, OH, it might be easiest to contact professional window cleaners.

Call the pros for all your panes

For any type of glass, the easiest method is always to let the pros handle it. If you need window cleaning in North Royalton, OH, contact Central Window Cleaning today. Let your panes be our problem. We’ll provide a free estimate and have all your glass sparkling in no time.