posted Mar 14, 2012 8:37 AM by Justin McGarty
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updated Mar 20, 2012 8:57 AM
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We were asked by a client whether it was important to use protective treatments after the restoration process. While we are well aware of the many benefits stemming from the addition of protective treatments to a recently restored surface, it is apparent that some industry professionals are still questioning their usefulness. It follows that protective treatments are probably more important to a restoration project than you may think. In fact, there are many benefits to applying protective treatments after the restoration process.
The most important benefit would most likely be protecting the restoration investment. After a costly restoration of glass, metal, or stone, the application of a protective treatment helps to ensure that the restoration is never required again. This has far reaching positive consequences for the clients checkbook, the environment, the appearance of the building on a regular basis.
The client, while paying more upfront, will save money in the long run because the building can be maintained instead of restored. In reality, the addition of a protective treatment after restoration is a fraction of the cost of the actual restoration service, especially while the service companny is allready mobilized, and accessing the very area in which the protective treatment is to be applied. This benefits the service company as well since the additional work brings in increased gross revenue for the project.
The environment will benefit due to the fact that less cleaning chemicals will be washed down the outside of the building. Since protective treatments help water run down the builiding instead of soaking into the stone, the building stays cleaner for longer, which helps both the property owner and the reputation of the service company who performed the restoration.
As you can see this is a definite victory for both the building owner and the restoration company.
We offer protective treatments for Glass, Metal, and Stone.
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posted Jan 11, 2012 10:22 AM by Justin McGarty
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updated Jan 26, 2012 12:59 PM
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Our product line is specifically formulated to deal with flush mount window and precast systems which suffer problems due to minerals leaching from the precast down onto the glass and frames. This system while providing a beautiful architectural presence, is often plagued by glass stains. Typically this is due to improper or inadequate building maintenance.
Presto's product line is perfect for the flush mount system. We provide the products to restore and protect the architectural glass, precast, and anodized aluminum window frames, leaving them as beautiful as the day they were installed. However, the real test, and measure of the effectiveness of our protective treatments and maintenance recommendations is whether or not we are able to keep the stains from coming back.
In our experience, many buildings go through the process of glass restoration every 3 to 5 years in order to keep the windows free from glass stains. We are here to tell you that this is not a necessary process.
Presto Property Services restored and installed protective coatings to every architectural surface on 1100 Peachtree Street in 2007, and have maintained the materials and protective coatings for the last 5 years. In accordance with our recommendations, the building was rinsed off using Green-Kleen after 5 years in order to properly maintain the stone surfaces. Additionally, we have cleaned the windows with Scumfrees Window Cleaning Concentrate and de-ionized water every six months since the restoration process. This maintenance protocol has allowed the windows and precast to remain stain free for the last 5 years.
As can be seen in the slide show below, this building is in perfect condition. It is most noticeable when comparing the "before" pictures during the first part of the slide show to the after pictures which can be seen at the end.
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posted Jan 10, 2012 12:58 PM by Justin McGarty
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updated Jan 26, 2012 1:02 PM
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When we first started learning about glass restoration, over a decade ago, we quickly realized that all glass restoration products do not produce equal results. Our Glass ReSurfacer Final Polish was produced as a result of our critical eye, and attention to detail.
As we began marketing glass restoration services to commercial buildings, we realized that the majority of the glass restoration products available to us actually produced fine scratches in the surface of the glass. This is most noticeable when looking at the glass in direct sunlight, and from an angle.
The problem is that when we did a test area at ground level with an abrasive product, the window looked great. We were excited, and our client was expecting all of the windows to look great. However when we were restoring architectural windows 5 stories up in the air, and the sun would come up in the morning, the windows looked scratched. This presents a problem when trying to explain to our client the difference in the two windows was not in the quality of our workmanship, but in the way that light reflects off of the scratches as you are viewing the window in certain sunlight.
In order to understand what is occurring, it is important to understand how glass restoration products work. In order to remove hard-water stains from glass, you actually have to remove some glass or the stain won't completely come out. This is due to the fact that glass stains are adhering to both the high points, and the low points in the glass - on a microscopic level. In order to remove the stains from the low points, you have to remove the high points of the glass and get down to the lowest point in which a stain has formed. Glass restoration is achieved through removal of glass, and stains, by either an acidic or an abrasive product - or in the case of Glass ReSurfacer Stripper, and Glass ReSurfacer Final Polish - a combination of the two.
Certain abrasive products, like our EnviRestore Glass Stain Remover and pretty much any other abrasive product on the market, which are used by hand in order to remove glass stains scratch glass surfaces. This is not a scare tactic. It is a fact. In certain circumstances this is an acceptable outcome. These products are typically less expensive to purchase and use, so industry professionals are able to pass lower glass restoration costs on to their clients. These products work well for ground level glass restoration, or to restore windows which are never viewed in direct sunlight. It is however important, as a contractor, to make sure that your company is covered from liability through educating your client on the results which will follow from the use of these type of abrasive glass restoration products.
All to often Presto is contacted as a result of contractors using abrasive glass restoration products, actually finishing the job, and the client realizing that there are scratches on all of the windows which can only be seen during a certain portion of the day. The good news is that you are reading this article, and will never find yourself in this position - and if you are currently in this position, we know how to repair scratches caused by abrasive glass restoration products. While it is a slow process, and requires a very keen eye for detail, we have helped contractors repair glass scratches resulting from abrasive products for years.
Order The Glass ReSurfacer System, and use it in accordance with our published instructions in order to remove fine scratches caused by abrasive glass restoration products. In some cases we have been called in to provide consulting on the effective use of this product in order to help train contractors and their agents. This service is available, contact us for additional information.
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posted Feb 2, 2010 8:21 PM by Judah Clark
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updated Mar 22, 2011 5:53 AM by Whitney Marshall
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Presto Property Services, Inc. completed the exterior restoration of Lake View One & Two at Sanctuary Park in Alpharetta, Georgia. The project was managed by Jones Lang LaSalle and Choate Construction Co. The entire project was performed using high performance building restoration products created by Presto Restoration Products, Inc.
The two buildings were built in 1996. Despite standard building maintenance the window glass, precast concrete, and aluminum mullions became severely stained.
The exterior glass surfaces were most likely stained as a result of a combination of the following issues: - Minerals leaching from the precast onto flush mounted window systems.
- Dish Soap used during the window cleaning process
- Tap water used during the window cleaning process
- Unprotected glass surfaces
- Failed water repellents leaching onto the glass
- To learn more about how and why glass becomes stained, follow the preceding link
Please view our slide show demonstrating the condition of the building surfaces prior to restoration, the test areas that were performed to secure the project, and the finished results.
Challenges facing successful performance of this project included cold winter weather, more than average precipitation, and a two month time frame for end of the year completion. Due to exceptional coordination by Choate Construction, and Jones Lang LaSalle's commitment to an end of the year finish date, our restoration contractors were able to work nights and weekends, in order to get the project finished on time.
The Glass was protected with Glass Defender® MD a high performence silicone protective treatment.
The precast was sealed using Elasticone Stone Sealant. This product helps to protect the precast from further staining, damage, and helps to prevent leaching onto flush mount window systems.
These two properties now have the option to use Presto Property Services to perform scheduled maintenance, and receive a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty guarantees that as long as these properties are properly serviced and maintained using Presto, any stains forming on the glass will be removed free of charge. To learn more about Presto's specialized maintenance recommendation after restoration visit Increase Your Return on Investment
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posted Jan 21, 2010 3:51 PM by Judah Clark
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updated Feb 3, 2010 11:17 AM by Justin McGarty
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 In most situations anodized aluminum window frames should not be painted. Typically the only time we recommend painting anodized frames is when the anodized coating is pitted, and is allowing corrosion to form on the surface; corrosion that once removed, is unacceptable. If you can live with the pitting once the surface is restored, an invisible protective coating can be applied in order to help prevent further deterioration of the aluminum.
Most of the time anodized aluminum window frames can be restored using EnviRestore Metal Stain Remover or Metal ReSurfacer and a white non abrasive synthetic pad. Either of these products remove surface staining in order to reveal the durable anodized aluminum window frame surface. Both products utilize abrasive and chemical technology in order to restore the surface; However, the abrasive particles are small enough that you cannot view the scratches they produce with the naked eye.
The anodized aluminum coating on window frames is an extremely durable surface, and can last for a long time in most situations; especially if installed and cared for properly. Products can be used to protect the anodized aluminum window frames and to prevent damage. Metal Protector MD is one such product, which installs an invisible, high performance, silicone coating to the surface. This coating helps to prevent damage due to contact with water and salts in the environment. The Metal Protector HD installs a thick acrylic coating, creating a glossy look; However, it will need to be reapplied approximately every 5 years, similar to paint.
Why painting anodized aluminum window frames may not be the best option
 If you do decide to paint anodized aluminum window frames, maintenance will be required every couple of years when the paint starts to break down. Loose paint will need to be removed, and the surface will need to be repainted.
If a decision is made to paint anodized aluminum window frames, it is important to use a high performance coating that will last for as long as possible. Typically more expensive industrial type coatings will cost more money, but they may last for up to 20 years.
We have successfully restored anodized aluminum window frames which were stained by rusting window lintels. Here you can see the rusting lintel above the frame, running down onto the frame, producing years of building up. (See picture below)
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