Bird poop, also known as bird droppings, refers to the feces of birds. Birds poop multiple times a day, and the buildup of their droppings can become an nuisance if they are pooping on your home, car, or outdoor furniture. Aside from being unsightly and smelly, many people wonder if bird droppings can cause damage, especially to windows.
Can bird poop damage windows?
The short answer is yes, bird poop can damage windows. Here’s a quick overview of how and why this happens:
– Bird poop contains acids that can eat away at the glass and finish of windows over time. The uric acid in bird droppings can corrode and pit glass.
– As bird poop accumulates on windows, the material starts blocking sunlight which can lead to an etched appearance on glass.
– Bird droppings provide a food source for insects, which can then create nests and debris directly on windows.
– Bird poop can carry bacteria, fungi, and parasites, some of which can be transferred to windows and degrade the glass.
– Dried bird poop is difficult to remove from windows and requires scrubbing, which can scratch and damage the glass.
So in summary, the combination of acidic chemicals, debris, insects, and scrubbing required to clean dried bird droppings can all take a toll on window condition over time. Preventing bird poop buildup through various deterrents is key to avoiding potential window damage.
Chemical composition of bird poop
To understand why bird poop can damage windows, it helps to know what’s in bird droppings:
Uric acid
– All bird species excrete uric acid in their poop. Uric acid is a product of protein metabolism.
– Uric acid is corrosive and can eat away at materials like glass, metal, paint, and stone.
– On windows, uric acid leads to pitting and etching effects over time.
Ammonia
– Bird poop contains ammonia, which is formed when bacteria in the feces break down uric acid.
– Ammonia is a harsh, alkaline chemical that can damage surfaces.
– On glass windows, ammonia will cut through built up grime but can also chemically attack the window.
Bacteria and fungi
– Bird droppings harbor bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Fungal spores may also be present.
– As these microbes grow on accumulations of bird poop on windows, they produce acidic waste products which can degrade glass.
– They also create biofilms and colonies that are difficult to remove without scrubbing.
Debris and insects
– Dried bird poop contains seeds and insects that can colonize the feces.
– Nesting materials, cocoons, dirt, and debris cause a abrasive effect on glass windows.
– Insects attracted to the bird droppings spread acidic excretions onto the window surface.
So in summary, the combination of caustic uric acid, ammonia, microbes, nesting materials, and insect secretions within dried bird poop deposits can damage window glass and finishes.
Specific types of damage
Here are some of the specific problems bird poop can cause to windows:
Etching
– As bird poop coats the outside of glass and accumulates, it blocks sunlight while producing acidic secretions.
– This leads to “etching” which looks like a frosted film. It results from chemical corrosion of the glass surface.
– Severely etched glass looks permanently cloudy or foggy. Mild etching causes a hazy, greasy appearance.
Pitting and cavities
– Uric acid and ammonia chemically attack glass, eroding tiny pits and cavities in the surface over months or years.
– These indentations distort reflectivity and clarity of the glass.
– Pitting damage makes glass more prone to cracking since it weakens the integrity.
Stained or yellowed glass
– Organic compounds, fungi, algae, and bacteria that colonize accumulated bird droppings can leach into glass.
– This causes stubborn yellowish, brownish, or greenish stains.
– Stains that permeate deeper into the glass are difficult to remove even with scrubbing cleaners.
Residue buildup
– Dried bird poop leaves behind chalky white residues even after cleaning attempts.
– These residues include uric acid salts, unset bacteria films, and other stubborn deposits.
– Residue buildup clouds reflectivity and clarity of glass.
Cracks and scratches
– Dried caked bird poop requires heavy scrubbing and a hard-bristled brush to remove. This can scratch glass.
– If the glass already has pits and cavities from etching damage, heavy scrubbing can worsen cracks along those compromised areas.
Factors influencing damage
Some conditions and factors can make windows more vulnerable to damage from bird droppings:
Frequency of pooping
– Some birds poop up to 20 times per day. Constant bombardment with fresh acidic droppings accelerates window corrosion.
Overhanging location
– Windows directly under trees, wires, or ledges where birds perch will receive more splatterings of poop compared to sheltered windows.
Surface area and slope
– Large windows provide more surface area for bird poop accumulation compared to smaller windows.
– Flat or horizontal windows allow the mess to puddle versus vertical surfaces where it may run off.
Window material and age
– Older single pane windows are more prone to etching and pitting than modern insulated windows.
– Plastic, fiberglass, or acrylic glass is less vulnerable than real annealed glass.
– Coated glass with films or chemical treatments can withstand damage better.
Cleaning habits
– Windows cleaned frequently to remove fresh bird droppings resist damage better than neglected windows where mess builds up over weeks.
– If bird poop is wetted by rain or sprinklers, the diluted mixture becomes more damaging to the glass underneath.
So windows already compromised by aging, coating failures, neglected maintenance and cleaning, and constant bird bombardment will deteriorate faster than well-maintained windows rarely hit by droppings.
Window damage case studies
Here are some real world examples illustrating how pervasive and destructive bird droppings can be on windows:
Office building windows
In 2008, the windows of a six story office building in Sacramento, California became severely damaged and pitted due to pigeons repeatedly pooping on them. The building owner had to replace all 1,350 windows on the building at a cost of $250,000.
University library windows
The large windows of the main library at Stanford University in California were etched and dulled by years of bird poop exposure. The 25 foot tall windows required restoration work in 2013 that cost the university $165,000.
Home skylight domes
Skylights on houses are prone to bird poop damage since they face upwards where birds perch and poop overhead. The plastic dome material of skylights can become pitted and etched over time, reducing light transmission into the home. Replacing dome skylights costs around $200-300.
Solar panels
Research by the National University of Singapore found that bird droppings reduced solar panel output by up to 50% within just 9 weeks of exposure due to corrosion and accumulation. Bird deterrents saved millions in solar energy production.
These examples demonstrate the widespread susceptibility of windows and glass to bird dropping damage ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Preventing bird poop damage
To maximize window lifespan, preventing heavy buildup of bird droppings is crucial:
Daily cleaning
– Wipe fresh bird poops daily before they dry using a vinegar or ammonia based cleaner. This prevents residue buildup and etching effects.
Block preferred perches
– Use tacky gels or spikes to deter birds from perching on ledges and roof peaks above windows.
Regular window washing
– Every 2-3 months, thoroughly wash windows with bird droppings accumulation using a pressure washer or hose. Avoid scrubbing hard.
Bird repellents
– Products like Bird-X Transparent Bird Repellent make windows uncomfortable resting spots for birds. Reapply every 6 weeks.
Pest control
– Hire a pest control professional to install bird spikes, netting, slope modifications, and other deterrents.
New window materials
– When replacing windows, choose impact-resistant glass or multi-layered panes which withstand etching better.
With diligent prevention, bird poop doesn’t have to be an inevitable window damaging nuisance.
How to remove dried bird poop safely
To remove dried-on bird droppings without causing scratches or cracks:
– Wear gloves to protect hands from bacteria in the poop.
– Soak dried poop thoroughly with hot water or a vinegar solution to rehydrate and loosen the mess.
– Use a plastic scraper, squeegee, or credit card to gently lift off soaked poop residue without abrasive scrubbing.
– For stubborn spots, use a non-abrasive sponge rather than stiff brush.
– Rinse cleaned area with water and wipe dry with microfiber cloth.
– Repeat process as needed while avoiding excessive pressure.
Being patient and using proper tools prevents window damage during the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Bird poop can definitely damage windows when allowed to accumulate through etching, pitting, staining, and buildup of abrasive residue. The organic acids, bacteria, and debris in bird droppings chemically corrode glass over time. Preventative deterrents and gentle cleaning practices are key to avoiding permanent disfigurement or replacement of windows. Stay vigilant against bird poop buildup to protect your windows.