2 Effects of Hard Water on Windows
Hard water is water that is full of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, limestone, chalk, and dolomite. Many people have hard water in their homes, but more and more are switching over to soft water to prevent damage to their pipes, water heaters, and other equipment. While there are many regulations to prevent hard water from causing damage, the high mineral concentration still eats away at materials over time. So what kind of damage might it be doing to your windows?
Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains are caused when mineral deposits of calcium and magnesium are left behind after water evaporates. Spots accumulate on your windows from carbon dioxide filled rain, sprinklers, hoses, and more, and they can be very difficult to remove. Because hard water spots are full of minerals and metals, they require something stronger than water to remove them. The best method is prevention, using strong, commercial-grade products to keep hard water stains from forming; however, sometimes the spots are unavoidable. When they do occur, solutions such as vinegar, lemon juice, and toothpaste may work for smaller stains. It may require the services of a professional window cleaner to remove the toughest stains or spots that have been untreated for an extended period of time.
Glass Corrosion
Keeping your windows clean and clear of hard water is not just for appearances. The alkaline metals in hard water can soak into porous glass and cause corrosion, which can lead to expensive repairs. Again, prevention with professional glass cleaning is the best solution, but if you already have glass corrosion, you will need to chemically treat your glass. If the glass is still damaged after the treatment, you can either try grinding and polishing the glass to remove the problem area, or replace the glass altogether. Replacing the glass is the most expensive option, however, so you will want to try the other methods first to try to minimize your loss.
Investing in a good window cleaning can help prevent water stains, remove them, and prevent damage and glass corrosion. Paying a little bit more now for a professional window cleaning can save you potentially hundreds of dollars down the road. Make sure to keep your windows clean and free of hard water damage.
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