Windows should be properly inspected before being professionally cleaned. That is the very reason that I am developing NEGSA. The New England Glass Smart Association. Which is built on a network of professional window cleaners who are glass smart. These companies have access to Glass Smart Products, the knowledge of how to use them, and especially the knowledge of how to safely clean and maintain windows without doing damage.
Glass Smart Window Cleaning companies are in fact very well informed as to which abrasive products can cause scratches. Which acid based products can etch glass. And how to identify factory coatings that must be cared for in a special way. Plus much more.
As has been stated windows should be inspected before they are cleaned. Also;...once the windows have been safely and properly cleaned they can be "individually" inspected again. Inspections involve a close analysis of glass, coated glass, plastic, and solar film surfaces. There are many problems that involve scratches, etching, blemishes, crazing, hazing, and even micro PIFs. Point Indent Fractures (PIFs) can have legs that are easy to see with a hand held 40 power microscope. If the window has a PIF it is subject to unpredictable breakage. Windows should always be cleaned by a NEGSA Company.
Investigative Inspections go much further. Because this involves Comprehensive Glass Insurance. This subject can get VERY complicated very fast. But I will simplify by focusing on just one particular problem at this time. That being scratches.
The question that must be answered is rather simple. Who did it? But it is most of the time rather difficult to answer. When glass windows are usually handled at least seven times from manufacture to installation how is it possible to pin the blame? When I first arrive on site I start by asking questions. Such as when were the scratches discovered? This is usually right after the windows are cleaned. The next question is what tools were used to clean the windows. I will look for raised glass inclusions. Then I will determine what the patterns of the scratches are. Also if allowed I will use the same exact tools that were originally used. But in a different direction. If a metal razor blade was used then I should be able to create a new scratch pattern. If this cannot be done the razor can be ruled out. Next we can move on to a microscopic analysis. Most people do not know but different objects like aluminum, glass, and diamond rings, will show different scratch trails. So I keep a list of these on my phone. Another matter involves an analysis of certain acids that etch. Simply because these acids are used to remove hard water spots. If there were scratches that were covered over by such hard water spots, the acid will remove the spots and enhance the scratches also at the same time. Which scratches will then become quite visible. Another situation can involve just dirt. Someone could have bought the house with rather dirty windows. No hard water spots, just a lot of dirt. Dirt covers scratches making them impossible to see. Screens will do this too. Therefore if the new owner calls in a window cleaner who does an excellent job, these scratches will likely become very visible. Especially in the direct sunlight. This is just the beginning of an explanation of the incredibly complicated investigative inspection techniques regarding scratches on glass. I know insurance companies are usually interested in timing to help pin the blame on certain individuals. It is very difficult if not impossible to date a scratch. But layering as I explained regarding etching and dirt does help.
I will be discussing this matter of Investigative Inspections with Insurance Companies that sell Comprehensive Glass Insurance. And will be writing about the results here. Which I am sure many people and companies will be interested in.
Written by Henry Grover Jr.
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