Hard Water Removal
Glass is becoming one the most popular materials used
in modern architecture. While this extra glass is great
for window cleaning companies, many building owners
don’t understand that glass is an extremely porous
substance that requires substantial maintenance to keep
its sparkle and its protective qualities. Often times,
building owners underestimate the amount of regular
maintenance needed to maintain that pristine appearance.
Glass maintenance is important for aesthetic purposes,
but equally important, it is necessary to protect and
enhance the value of your property. Glass that is not
regularly cleaned can often become stained; occasionally
staining occurs even if the glass is maintained. Staining
left untreated, can turn to corrosion (see glass restoration
below).
The exterior glass and frames of commercial buildings
are exposed daily to misdirected sprinkler heads, ultraviolet
rays, precast leaching & runoff, metal oxidation,
glazing breakdown or acid rain. All of which leave damaging
deposits on the glass and frames, becoming deeply imbedded
and baked by the sun. When these conditions occur, routine
maintenance cleanings WILL NOT remedy the situation
and VIP’s Stain Removal Process must be used.
Most companies advertising “hard water removal”
are utilizing a technique referred to as “acid
washing”. Typically this employs the use of harsh
and dangerous acids called Hydrofluoric, Hydrochloric,
Phosphoric or Muratic acids in an attempt to dissolve
the mineral build-up off the glass. However, many times
the various acids are misused by novice or rushed employees,
in these cases, the acid not only dissolves the minerals
but also dissolves the surface of the glass causing
“acid burns” and distortion. The other negative
aspect of using these types of acids is that they are
dangerous to humans and the environment. Hydrofluoric
Acid is the most popular agent used in hard water removal.
Below are three links that each tell about the hazards
the Hydrofluoric acid. (WE DO
NOT USE HYDROFLUORIC ACID)
http://www.udel.edu/OHS/hfsop.html
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Hydrofluoric%20acid
http://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemsafety/Equip/hffacts2.pdf
VIP window cleaning has devoted tremendous amounts of
time to testing chemicals and techniques in order to
find out which are most safe and effective. We
discovered that there are chemicals and agents available
which are not corrosive and hazardous. The compound
we utilize is completely safe to humans, glass, painted
walls, animals and the environment, (even when used
incorrectly). Instead of “dissolving” the
mineral deposits, our formula softens the minerals allowing
us to manually scrub off the hard water scale, restoring
the glass to its original luster and clarity. While
this may indeed be labor intensive, our customers enjoy
the peace of mind knowing that dangerous chemicals are
not being used around their buildings. In the event
that etching or corrosion of the glass surface exists,
see our section on glass restoration.
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Glass Sealing
Before glass is damaged or after it is restored, VIP
recommends sealing your glass to minimize future damage.
We utilize revolutionary hydrophobic sealants that protect
glass and other hard surfaces. It chemically bonds to
surfaces at the molecular level eliminating microscopic
peaks and valleys where corrosion starts.
This creates an ultra-smooth transparent barrier that
protects glass, granite, ceramic tile and porcelain
from the harmful effects of sprinkler overspray, environmental
pollutants, precast leaching and corrosion.
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Structural
Pressure Washing
VIP Window Cleaning uses the latest in Pressure Washing
Technology. We will safely remove dirt, mold
and stubborn stains due to atmospheric pollution, bringing
new life to your exterior surfaces. We specialize in
“the hard to reach places”, utilizing advanced
rigging techniques and aerial lifts to reach where others
can not.
See the difference VIP’s Pressure Washing can
make on your exterior building facades.
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Bird Control
VIP Window cleaning can offer consulting and installation
of the latest equipment and techniques found to be effective
in the ongoing battle against pigeons and other fowl.
We have the background and expertise to effectively
assess and remedy the situation. Accessing the
problem areas is often the most difficult challenge
for most bird control contractors; this happens to be
our forte’. Please call for information specific
to your situation.
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High dusting and cleaning
VIP employees are trained in the use of all boom lifts/ personnel lifts available, and can access hard to reach windows, ledges and lighting. VIP does not take safety risks with our employees, always utilizing OSHA and ANSI regulations for our standard of safety. This includes the use of fall protection equipment, safe workplace inspection, proper barricading and protection of floors.
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Specialty Lift Rental
VIP is proud to announce it has purchase a Teupen Leo GT23 aerial spider lift which has capabilities unrivaled by any lift in the Southwest.
Applications:
- Interior atrium lobbies
- High Cleaning
- Lamp/ballast replacement or repair
- Window/Skylight Cleaning
- Exterior Building Maintenance
- Signage Installation
- Painting
Specs of lift: 78' working height, Fits through an opening 40" wide and 78" tall, Working footprint- 13.5' x 13.5', Weight- 6,834 lbs, Maximum applied load on working surface- 20.94psi
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Window Cleaning