Frequent Questions

Serving the Detroit area: Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties

Frequent Questions

WINDOW GENIE S.E. MICHIGAN

Q) Can you clean the inside of my windows, or just the exterior?

A) We can clean both, whichever you prefer. Our technicians are trained to work carefully and safely on the interior of your home. That means your furnishings, floors and window treatments will be left just the way we found them.

Q) Are your cleaning products safe?

A) All of our products are home-safe and biodegradable. We do not use any ammonia or alcohol-based solutions that could affect fabrics or flooring.

Q) What is your "3-step cleaning process"?

A) While most companies in Michigan just wet your glass and squeegee it dry, our process includes a third process which involves scraping of the glass. This removes the build-up of tree sap, mulch spores, and bird droppings etc. that sticks to the glass. This leaves your windows looking not only cleaner, but most of our customers agree it helps them stay cleaner longer. If other companies perform this work, it is usually at an extra charge. This exterior process is standard on all first-time cleanings from Window Genie.

Q) How often should I clean my windows?

A) While we do accept once a year customers, most of our customers select our twice a year, interior & exterior cleaning or our quarterly exterior only cleanings.

Q) What is your "Window Care®" program?

A) This is a window cleaning program that offers discounts based on frequency. The more you use our window cleaning service in a 12-month period, the lower the price per cleaning. Discounts can be as much as 30% off regular prices. A Window Care® program can be designed just for you to meet your individual needs.

Q) Does the weather affect the service?

A) Window Genie S.E. Michigan is a year round service! We clean in cold, snowy weather, as well as, hot and humid weather. We are also still able to clean on rainy days as long as it is not a blowing, driving rain. A light rain will not affect our technicians or your windows. Remember, it is not the rain that spots the windows, but a driving rain hitting a dirty window screen! It is our year round service that lets us retain our qualified technicians so that we can keep the quality of your cleanings consistent.

Q) What about my grids or curtains, do I need to take them down?

A) While any assistance is welcome, it is not necessary. It does facilitate the process though and many customers do prefer to help out, especially with the removal of window grids. Typically, our technicians can work around most everything in the house!

Q)    Does window film affect my view?
A)    NO. Unlike many other products on the market, our films use a "glueless" adhesive system. This allows for an optically perfect film that enhances, not impairs your view. Based on the film you select, it may be impossible to tell visually that the film was ever installed.
Q)    Does window film really control the heat I feel coming through my windows?
A)    Based on the film chosen, a properly selected film offers tremendous heat reduction properties. You can still maintain your beautiful view while at the same time creating a room that is significantly cooler and more comfortable.
Q)    Can window film help my fading problem?
A)    While no product can STOP fading, our films do block out 99% of the damaging rays from the sun. There are other contributing factors that lead to fading and with the correct film, your problems with fading can become a thing of the past.
Q)    How do I clean the windows?
A)    Just like you always did. By using films with a "glueless" adhesive system, you can continue to use the same household cleaners you have always used. Alcohol and ammonia-based cleaners do not affect our films, so clean away! And with our scratch-resistant coating, cleaning is safe and easy.
Q)    Will the film break my glass?
A)    With a properly selected film by your Window Genie professional, your windows are safe. All installers follow factory recommendations on film-to-glass. When this is done, the likelihood of breakage is minimal.
Q)    What is the warranty?
A)    There is a lifetime warranty on residential installations and a 10-year warranty on commercial installations. Our manufacturers warranty against bubbling, cracking, delaminating, crazing or peeling for the specified period.

Q)    How long will my deck be protected after it is sealed?
A)    The amount of direct sunlight the wood receives will affect the longevity of the sealer. While the sealer will gradually lighten and fade over the years, each deck will be different. Most decks should last 18-24 months before retreating and fences every 3-4 years. If your deck is shaded or in a heavy construction area, a light soap and water cleaning once a year will brighten and improve the look of the flat surfaces.
Q)    What about my windows, plants, etc.?
A)    From our window cleaning service, we have seen the large number of windows that have been over-sprayed with sealer from previous companies. Before we begin sealing your wood, we take the time to carefully cover the surrounding windows, plants, flowers, furniture, concrete, siding, etc. This is a crucial preparation step, because once the sealer has cured, it is very difficult to remove from the WRONG surfaces.
Q)    What about the items on my deck?
A)    In general, we will try to remove as much as we can. However, since we often send only one technician, we might ask that you remove some items that would require two people. After the sealer is dried, which is normally 12-24 hours, you will be able to replace all of these items that were carefully placed near the deck.
Q)    Do we have to be home for the service?
A)    With our specially designed equipment, you do not have to be home for any part of the service. All we need is a working outside faucet.
Q)    Do I have to use a colored sealer?
A)    No, however, we recommend one. It is the colors that provide the UV protection necessary to fend off the sun's rays and slow the graying process. When selecting a color, remember that the darker the color, the longer the UV protection for your wood. Clear sealers are available, but remember that they will go to gray much quicker because of their lack of effective UV inhibitors. You capture the "natural" look of the wood right away with clear, but the gray returns much faster.
Q)    Do I need to pay for the service ahead of time?
A)    If you are paying by check, we ask for a deposit of 1/3 before the job begins. The remainder is due after the deck is sealed. If you are paying by credit card, we ask for a credit card number before the job begins. Your card number will be checked to see if it is valid, however your card will not be billed until the service is complete.
Q)    What kind of training do your technicians have?
A)    As part of a national franchise, our Michigan technicians have been trained by both the corporate office and by our local franchise. Just as we never recommend that a homeowner try the cleaning and sealing process of their deck for the first time, we never let our "new" technicians begin work before they have been properly trained. You have the comfort and assurance that comes with a national leader that our employees are trained to be "deck experts".