POLICIES, TIPS, & MORE
The standards, terms, and care behind every Glass House service.
This page lays out the full picture before you book: how payment works, how scheduling and cancellations are handled, what each guarantee covers, what we need from you on service day, and where each service starts and stops. It is written to keep your appointment smooth, your expectations clear, and your property protected.
Honest expectations are part of the service.
We would rather tell you what is realistic up front than overpromise and disappoint. That honesty runs through every policy on this page.
Owner-operated
You work directly with the owner Carson, from start to finish.
Insured to $2M
Fully insured, 6+ years full-time experience
North Metro focus
Written around Minnesota homes and seasons
ON THIS PAGE
HOW WE WORK
Glass House is owner-operated, fully insured, and built around honest expectations.
Glass House Window Cleaning & Seasonal Services is an owner-operated exterior cleaning, window cleaning, seasonal, and specialty cleaning business run by Carson Brenny across Ham Lake and the north metro. When you book, you work directly with the owner — the same person responsible for the result. We are not a franchise, a bargain-cleaning outfit, or a repair or handyman service. The standard is professional, personal, detailed, and honest.
Care before perfection
We push for the best result a surface can realistically support, but never at the cost of damaging your property. It is better to leave behind a small amount of staining than to harm aged siding, fragile screens, or old finishes chasing a perfect result.
Clear communication
If conditions on site differ from what was quoted, we will talk through any change in price or scope before doing the work, whenever it is reasonably possible. You should never be surprised by your invoice.
Fair, transparent pricing
We charge what the work is worth, keep maintenance cleaning separate from specialty restoration, and explain why pricing changes when scope, access, square footage, or stain severity changes.
PAYMENT
Simple payment, no card fees, no surprises.
Payment terms are kept straightforward so the end of every job is easy. Any deposit, late fee, or special term that applies to your job is always stated on your estimate, invoice, or booking confirmation before you commit.
How to pay
Glass House accepts check, cash, Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle. We don't accept cards — as a small owner-operated business, card processing fees just don't make sense to put onto us, or our clients.
When payment is due
Payment is due in full upon completion of service, unless your estimate, invoice, or booking confirmation states otherwise. Any deposit you've already paid is applied to the final total.
Late payments
Invoices left unpaid more than 7 days past the due date may accrue a $50 late fee for each additional 7 days they remain unpaid. We'll always reach out before this applies.
DEPOSITS
When a deposit is required, and why.
Some jobs reserve significant time, custom materials, or specialty planning. A deposit confirms the appointment and covers what has to be ordered or set aside in advance. Any deposit is shown clearly on your estimate before you commit.
When deposits apply
Deposits typically apply to larger jobs, bundled services, specialty restoration, commercial and HOA work, holiday lighting, and any job that requires custom materials or a large reserved time block.
Large jobs
A 20% deposit may be required on subtotals over $5,000. This reserves the work and the time block, and is applied to your final invoice.
Holiday lighting
Holiday lighting requires a 50% deposit each season, since lights are custom-cut and ordered specifically for your property before installation.
SCHEDULING, CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING
Smooth scheduling, fair notice, and weather rescheduling.
Exterior work depends on weather, safety, access, and route efficiency. Clear scheduling rules keep appointments running smoothly for everyone and make sure reserved time is respected on both sides.
Weather rescheduling is free
Weather-related rescheduling is always free and never counts as a customer cancellation. For safety and quality, exterior work may be delayed by lightning, high winds, ice, snow, heavy rain, freezing temperatures, or extreme heat.
Cancellation & reschedule notice
Please give at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Rescheduling within 48 hours may incur a 10% fee, and canceling within 48 hours may incur a 25% fee. Higher fees may apply once materials are ordered, a large time block is reserved, or we've already arrived on site.
Arrival windows
Appointments are scheduled as a morning arrival (around 8:00 AM) or an afternoon arrival (around 12:00 PM). Exact timing can shift with weather, job size, and route, and we'll keep you informed.
GUARANTEES AND SERVICE STANDARDS
Strong guarantees where we can give them — and honesty about where we can't.
Glass House stands firmly behind its workmanship. Routine cleaning carries clear guarantees, while specialty and material-sensitive work relies on honest scope boundaries, because age, severity, and surface condition change what is realistically possible. Each guarantee below covers workmanship — not pre-existing damage, failed materials, or new debris that lands after we leave.
Streak-Free Guarantee
If streaks or workmanship-related spotting show up after we clean, let us know within 72 hours and we'll come back and correct the affected glass at no charge. This does not cover new dirt, pollen, sap, bird droppings, hard water, irrigation overspray, or debris from dirty screens or frames.
Solar Panel Guarantee
Residential Solar Panel Cleaning includes our Satisfaction Guarantee and a No-Scratch, Spot-Free Finish Guarantee — pure-water cleaning is designed to leave panels free of wash-process spots and scratches. It does not cover pre-existing scratches, cracks, failed seals, or performance issues unrelated to cleaning.
Honest result expectations
House washing targets roughly 90% improvement on normal organic buildup; roof washing typically lands at 70–90% and keeps brightening over the following weeks as growth releases. We won't risk damaging your property to chase the last few percent.
10-Day Rain Guarantee
Premium Window Cleaning and qualifying bundles include a 10-Day Rain Guarantee. If rain causes noticeable spotting on recently cleaned exterior glass within 10 days, we'll return for a complimentary exterior touch-up of the affected panes.
Roof Washing Warranty
Roof Washing is backed by a warranty on treated organic growth: if growth returns within the first year, we re-wash the affected areas free. If it returns within two years of service, we re-wash at half cost.
Workmanship corrections
If we miss an area or leave normal cleanable residue, we'll re-clean or touch it up. Guarantees cover the cleaning result — not repairs, replacements, permanent stains, or conditions that can't be safely corrected through cleaning.
CUSTOMER PREPARATION & ACCESS
A little prep keeps your day of service fast, safe, and thorough.
The smoother the access, the better the result. Before your appointment, please get the property ready and make sure we can safely reach every scheduled work area.
Before we arrive, please
Unlock gates and move vehicles away from work areas.
Secure pets and close all windows being cleaned
Move patio furniture, grills, planters, rugs, and decorations
Move electronics, fragile items, and personal belongings near siding, or exterior surfaces being washed
Tell us about sensitive plants, gardens, ponds, or landscaping
Tell us about known leaks, damage, or electrical concerns
If access is blocked or items aren't moved
If a work area is blocked, locked, unsafe, or items that should have been moved are still in place, we may clean around them, skip the affected area, reschedule that portion, or charge for the reserved time if a preparation gap prevents completion.
If you'd like us to work around items that should have been moved, that's fine - but the added risk to those items is accepted by the customer.
SAFETY & PROPERTY PROTECTION
Safety comes first, and the property comes before cosmetic ambition.
Glass House reserves the right to skip, refuse, delay, modify, or reschedule any portion of work that can't be performed safely or without unreasonable risk to people or property. This isn't about avoiding hard jobs — it's about doing right by your home.
When conditions are unsafe
Unsafe ladder placement, excessive height, steep or fragile roofs, ice, lightning, high winds, freezing temps, extreme heat, unstable terrain, or compromised fixtures can all make a portion of work unsafe. We'll adjust, protect differently, postpone, or decline that portion rather than force it.
Property protection principle
On aged siding, oxidized or painted surfaces, older decks, fragile shingles, loose gutters, brittle screens, or delicate landscaping, we prioritize the integrity of the property. A small amount of remaining staining is better than damage from chasing perfection.
Pre-existing conditions
Glass House isn't responsible for pre-existing damage, weak materials, improper installation, or hidden conditions — like rotten wood, failed caulking, broken seals, scratched glass, brittle screens, loose gutters, or failing shingles. We'll flag obvious concerns when we notice them.
ELECTRICAL & WINTER POLICY
Exterior washing assumes outdoor fixtures and outlets are properly installed and weather-appropriate.
During services like House Washing, water is intentionally applied to exterior surfaces. We use a careful, property-aware approach, but outdoor electrical components still need to be correctly installed, sealed, and built for exterior conditions.
Exterior outlet & fixture policy
Glass House assumes exterior outlets, light fixtures, doorbells, cameras, and similar components are properly installed, sealed, and safe for outdoor exposure. If they aren't, water-intrusion risk can exist no matter how careful the washing process is.
Not an electrical inspection
Glass House is not a licensed electrician and does not verify, certify, or inspect that exterior outlets, fixtures, covers, seals, or wiring are up to code or properly installed. If there's any doubt about condition or installation, a qualified electrician should inspect before washing.
When scope may change
If an outlet cover is loose, a fixture looks compromised, wiring appears exposed, seals are missing, or a component appears unsafe, the scope may be adjusted, protected differently, postponed, or declined until the condition is corrected.
SCOPE & EXCLUSIONS
What's a cleaning service, what's specialty work, and what we don't do.
Most Glass House services are maintenance-level cleaning. Only the services listed on your approved estimate, invoice, or booking confirmation are included — anything requested on-site may need separate pricing, approval, or an appointment.
Cleaning, not repair
We clean, maintain, and improve surfaces. We are not a repair, replacement, construction, roofing, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, installation, or handyman service, and routine cleaning does not include repairs, resealing, repainting, re-pitching gutters, or structural correction.
What routine cleaning improves
Standard services remove or improve dirt, algae, mold, mildew, pollen, cobwebs, bug residue, organic growth, and surface grime. They don't guarantee removal of oxidation, rust, iron, artillery fungus, paint, adhesive, silicone, efflorescence, oil, graffiti, mineral deposits, or permanent staining.
Specialty is separate
Hard water, iron, rust, oil, oxidation, efflorescence, graffiti, and construction debris each have their own process, pricing, and expectations. These improvement-focused services may not fully remove every stain, and results depend on surface, age, depth, and porosity.
SERVICE-BY-SERVICE POLICIES
Where each service starts and stops.
Every service has its own boundaries. Pricing lives on Schedule & Pricing — this section is about scope: what's included, what isn't, and what to expect. Quote-required services are noted because access, size, severity, or logistics vary too much for honest flat pricing.
Window Cleaning
3 Packages
Basic is exterior-only glass. Standard adds interior glass plus screen removal, and reinstallation. Premium is the most complete, full service package. Premium window cleaning includes interior, and exterior glass, screens, and the tracks. Premium window cleaning also includes our 10-Day Rain Guarantee. We offer a courtesy wipe of all frames and sills, with every window cleaning package. For Basic window cleaning, we require screens to be removed before our arrival.
Regular window cleaning excludes specialty conditions unless quoted; hard water, paint, silicone, adhesive, stucco, mortar, construction debris, scratches, and failed seals. Storm panes and French, or gridded panes are counted, and priced differently due to the added handling, detail, liability, and labor involved.
Gutter Cleaning
Maintenance
Includes removing and hand-clearing debris, blowing and flushing gutters where appropriate, clearing accessible functional downspout blockages, and hauling debris away when practical (or relocating it neatly on site when hauling isn't practical). Before-and-after photos when practical.
Excludes repair, replacement, installation, re-pitching, sealing leaks, heating-wire work, underground drain repair, and gutter-guard removal unless agreed in advance. Cleaning clears functional debris — it doesn't remove exterior black streaks or tiger striping unless brightening is separately quoted.
House Washing
Soft Washing
A maintenance soft wash for siding, soffits, fascia, eaves, and trim that targets, algae, mold, mildew, organic growth, dirt, pollen, cobwebs, and bug residue - roughly 90% improvement on normal buildup. We take reasonable precautions around plants and landscaping; please flag sensitive areas in advance.
Does not guarantee removal of oxidation, rust, iron, artillery, fungus, paint stains, sun fading, failed coatings, or deep porous staining. Those are specialty treats with separate pricing.
Roof Washing
Soft Washing
A no-pressure, soft-wash treatment for black algae, lichen, moss, mold, mildew, and dark streaking - not pressure washing, and never meant to damage shingles. Growth often keeps dying and releasing for several weeks after treatment, so the roof continues to brighten over time.
We back all Roof Washes with our Roof Washing Warranty. The warranty states that we will re-treat completely for free if growth comes back any time within one year of the first application, and we will re-treat at half cost in year two, if growth is present. Roof washing is not a substitute for roof, shingle, flashing, ventilation, or drainage repair, and some staining or regrowth risk may remain without those corrections.
Concrete, Deck & Patio Washing
Surface-aware
Surface-appropriate cleaning that removes dirt, algae, grime, and organic buildup. Decks use an eco-friendly, insurance-approved soft wash to avoid high-pressure damage. Porous surfaces - concrete, brick, stone, pavers, wood, composite - may need stronger treatment and may not return to a perfectly uniform finish.
Excludes specialty stains (oil, rust, iron, efflorescence, paint, graffiti, oxidation, unless separately quoted.)
We are not responsible for rot, loose boards, failed stain, paint, splintering, or pre-existing structural weakness.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Seasonal
Pure-water cleaning with dedicated brushes made for solar panels. Available May through September, and backed by our No-Scratch, Spot-Free Finish Guarantee. Best treated as part of a bi-annual maintenance package, rather than waiting until the panels look obviously distressed.
Hard debris and construction debris are not removed from panels due to scratch and liability risk. We are not responsible for pre-existing scratches, cracks, failed seals, manufacturer defects, mounting, or performance issues unrealted to cleaning.
Specialty Stain Removal
Quote Required
Hard water staining, iron stains, rust, oil stains, oxidation, efflorescence, and graffiti removal are all seperate from routine cleaning, each with their own required chemistry, tools, and expectations. We're honest about likely results before we start - as these services improve stains significantly, but may not fully remove them.
Efflorescence treatment, like all of our services is cosmetic, and does not fix the underlying moisture that is causing the problem, so it can return. Oxidation is surface breakdown, not dirt, and normal washing will not remove it. This requires an abrasive, with a unique chemical to fully remove. Construction, and hard debris removal requires a waiver because removal can risk, or reveal scratches.
The Works
Flagship Package
Our flagship bundle pairs the services that naturally improve each other: Premium Window Cleaning, House Washing, and Gutter Cleaning. Cleaning upper surfaces, and lower surfaces together avoids freshly cleaned areas from being dirtied by ones nearby.
The Works does not include downspout clearing, or deck / patio washing. Those services can be added separately.
All policies that apply to Premium Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, and House Washing apply to The Works.
Commercial & HOA
Quote Required
Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure & soft washing, roof washing, concrete cleaning, solar field cleaning, specialty stain removal, and recurring maintenance plans for HOA's, offices, retail, multi-family, senior living, and managed communities. We work with many property management companies, and realtors to achieve this, and build our processes with seamless planning, low disruption, documentation, clear property-manager, and board communication.
Winter Services
Seasonal
Ice Dam Removal is steam-only. No Chopping, chiseling, or aggressive pressure that could damage your property, or roofing. Ice Dam Removal includes winter gutter cleaning as part of the process. This service does not prevent future ice dams unless a written prevention agreement is included, and it doesn't address pre-existing roof, insulation, ventilation, or structural causes of any kind.
Holiday Lighting includes a design consultation, custom presentation, deluxe C9 bulbs in the color of your choice, cut to your home. It includes instillation, takedown, and storage, along with a season long warranty that applies to our three-year contracts, which includes seasonal bulb replacement if they go out, excluding cases of customer-caused damage, faulty outlets, GFCIs, or electrical-supply issues.
DAMAGE WAIVER
For fragile or high-risk surfaces, we may ask for a waiver to be signed first.
Some surfaces are already degraded enough that even careful, correct cleaning can expose or worsen a pre-existing condition. When that's the case, we'll talk it through and may ask you to sign a damage waiver before we proceed.
When a waiver may apply
Common cases include oxidized or loose siding, aged paint, brittle screens and old screen tabs, failing coatings, rotten wood, fragile trim, old caulking, damaged glass, and construction debris on glass. Older screen tabs and sun-damaged frames can break during normal removal due to pre-existing condition.
Why it exists
A waiver isn't about shifting blame — it's about being honest before we start that a fragile surface carries real risk, and making sure you can decide whether to proceed with that understanding. Construction and hard-debris cleaning carry their own waiver because removing hardened debris can reveal or create scratch risk.
DISCOUNTS
The standing discounts Glass House offers.
A few honest discounts that reward service, loyalty, and ongoing care. Seasonal promotions come and go, but these are the ones here to stay.
Veterans
We appreciate those who have served our county. We recognize those who took an oath to protect us and our freedom, and deeply respect the sacrifices those individuals have had to make for all United States citizens.
We offer 10% off for our veterans always, as a thank you. Just let us know when you reach out.
Recurring service
Customers who schedule service 2 or more times per year receive 10% off on the second appointment, and any additional services.
Regular maintenance keeps your property in better shape, and costs you less in the long run.
Seniors
Seniors aged 65+ are eligible for $50 off. Just ask about the senior discount when you're booking.
SEASONAL PLANNING
Minnesota homes move
through the year in patterns.
Exterior maintenance should too.
The most useful maintenance advice is usually seasonal. Thinking in this rhythm — instead of treating every service as a one-off — keeps your property ahead of buildup and damage, and it's also where seasonal policy boundaries change the booking path.
Spring
A common time for windows, gutters, house washing, concrete cleaning, deck washing, and solar maintenance — clearing winter buildup before the busier summer season.
Summer & fall
Strong seasons for roof washing, house washing, stain treatment, and pre-winter gutter maintenance. It's also when people notice most clearly what they want corrected before winter sets in.
Winter
Winter changes the conversation. Winter Services split cleanly into Ice Dam Removal and Holiday Lighting, and winter gutter clearing is handled within ice dam removal.
FAQ
The questions people ask when they want the real terms.
Straight answers on payment, scheduling, guarantees, and service boundaries — for anyone who wants the details before booking.
How do I pay, and when is payment due?
Glass House accepts check, cash, Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle. We don't accept cards — as a small owner-operated business, card processing fees would mean raising prices, and we'd rather keep pricing fair. Payment is due in full upon completion of service unless your estimate, invoice, or booking confirmation states otherwise.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Please give at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Rescheduling within 48 hours may incur a 10% fee, and canceling within 48 hours may incur a 25% fee. Higher fees may apply once materials are ordered, a large time block is reserved, or we've already arrived on site. Weather-related rescheduling is always free and never counts as a customer cancellation.
When is a deposit required?
Deposits apply to larger jobs, bundled services, specialty restoration, commercial and HOA work, and holiday lighting. A 20% deposit may be required on subtotals over $5,000, and holiday lighting requires a 50% deposit each season since the lights are custom-cut for your property. Any deposit is shown on your estimate before you commit and applied to your final invoice.
What guarantees does Glass House offer?
Window Cleaning includes the Streak-Free Guarantee (report within 72 hours). Premium Window Cleaning and The Works include the 10-Day Rain Guarantee. Roof Washing is backed by a warranty — free re-wash if growth returns within the first year, half cost if it returns within two years. Residential Solar Panel Cleaning includes the Satisfaction Guarantee and the No-Scratch, Spot-Free Finish Guarantee. More technical specialty work relies on honest scope boundaries, because material and condition can change what's realistic.
What's included in The Works?
The Works bundles Premium Window Cleaning, House Washing, and Gutter Cleaning — the services that naturally improve one another. It does not include downspout clearing or deck/patio washing, though those can be added separately. The older "Works Plus" bundle has been discontinued.
What do I need to do to prepare for my appointment?
Please unlock gates, move vehicles, secure pets, close windows, and move patio furniture, grills, planters, decorations, and fragile or personal items away from work areas. Let us know in advance about sensitive plants, known leaks or damage, or electrical concerns. If items aren't moved, we may clean around them, skip the blocked area, or reschedule that portion.
What's your policy on exterior electrical outlets during House Washing?
Glass House assumes exterior outlets, fixtures, covers, cameras, and similar components are properly installed, sealed, and appropriate for outdoor exposure. We're not licensed electricians and don't inspect or certify those components. If something appears loose, exposed, unsealed, damaged, or unsafe, the scope may be adjusted, postponed, or declined until it's corrected.
When will a service be adjusted, postponed, or declined?
If access is unsafe, conditions are too severe, a surface condition changes what's realistic, exterior electrical components appear compromised, roof conditions are unsafe, or weather makes the work less safe or less reliable, the scope may change. We'd rather be honest than force a bad decision.
Which services are quote required, and why?
Commercial and HOA services, specialty stain removal, construction cleaning, graffiti removal, roof washing, ice dam removal, and large bundled or multi-story work are quote required because size, access, severity, logistics, or material conditions vary too much to make flat pricing honest.
What happens if I use the quote form because I'm unsure?
That's completely fine. If you use the quote form because you have questions, need help deciding, are unsure which service fits, or want a professional opinion, Glass House will still touch base to confirm exactly what you're looking for and help point you in the right direction.
Best next step
If you already know the service you need, head straight to that page. If you want help sorting out the issue, use the quote form or call / text for guidance.
Most useful companion pages
Schedule & Pricing, Meet The Owner, House Washing, Stain Removal, and Winter Services pair well with this one.
A note on terms
The exact deposit, fee, and notice terms that apply to your job are always shown on your estimate, invoice, or booking confirmation before you commit.
WHERE WE SERVICE
Policies and guidance written for the north metro.
Glass House serves Andover, Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Cambridge, Centerville, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Hugo, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, North Oaks, Ramsey, St. Francis, Stacy, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, and Wyoming — and surrounding communities. The guidance here is written around that property type, weather, and maintenance rhythm.
Homeowner-first
Most of the educational guidance here is written for homeowners, since that's where most of the work lives — but the same standards carry over to commercial and HOA clients.
Minnesota-specific patterns
Snow, dirty rain, heavy tree coverage, winter roofline issues, and spring cleanup all shape how these policies are written and how we plan the work.
Still not sure what fits?
Call or text if you'd like help deciding, aren't sure what you're looking at, or want a professional opinion before choosing a service.
KEEP EXPLORING
More services, pricing, and helpful next steps.
We recommend these pages next to keep learning, compare related services, and reach out whenever the timing feels right for you.
Schedule & Pricing
See how our guarantees, starting prices, and booking paths fit together for you and your property.
Meet The Owner
Understand how we got here, why our standards are so high, and why we care so much.
Window Cleaning
See where our reputation comes from, and where our strongest packages, and guarantees live.
Pressure & Soft Washing
Learn about the differences between soft washing, and pressure washing, what applications they're best used in, and how we utilize both to deliver the results homeowners desire, with surface specific approaches.
Stain Removal
See how Glass House handles hard water stains, oxidation, iron staining, efflorescence, oil staining, graffiti, and other tough surface issues.
Winter Services
See how seasonal services split into winter help, and holiday lighting displays.