Keeping your house extension clean and maintained is very important if you wish to keep your new conservatory in the best shape, and looking brand new all year round. As we are experts in double glazing and house extensions, we wanted to provide you with some cleaning tips so you can look after your new conservatory, double glazed windows, and doors.
FRAMES
To maintain the smart appearance of PVCu frames a simple routine of cleaning is necessary. All types of product can be wiped down occasionally with warm soapy water (using a mild household detergent) and a soft cloth.
If marks are stubborn a non-abrasive cream cleaner, suitable for plastic, can be used. Ensure this procedure is only carried out when necessary, avoiding glazing gaskets, as the surface finish and colour can be affected (especially with foiled products). Do not apply any solvent based material.
Due to weathering, the mastic seal can become discoloured; this is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided. This compound can be cleaned down with a soft damp cloth, again avoid solvents. Where located, any drainage hole should be inspected and kept clear of blockage for optimum performance.
Check/Inspect for removal of debris & grime from various rebates, gaskets, weather-strips and door thresholds & tracks. A small soft paint brush is ideal. Please note that most dislodged seals can be slid back into position. The drainage slots can clog up, this is easily remedied by blowing air through a straw, followed by pouring a few tablespoons of water into the slot so as to flush out any particles.
After a heavy shower of rain, you may find some water lying in the bottom of your frame. This is a normal occurrence and will drain away in due course.
GLASS
Firstly if the outside surface is soiled, use warm soapy water with a basic type of sponge. Any proprietary brand of household glass cleaner is then suitable for finishing the outside & inside areas. Be careful of excessive pressure where lead work & bevel designs have been applied. (When exposed to rain, oxidation occurs forming white/mottled staining on the surface of the lead strips)
The same procedure must be followed when cleaning Astragal Georgian bar, this feature is positioned on to the glass face via special security tape. With enough force the individual sections can be moved out of line. Note: the tape does not run the full length of any bar. Removal of hand jewellery prior to cleaning is always recommended.
COMPOSITE DOORS
The main outer frame & cill can be treated and attended to as described above, however, it is imperative to only use a much diluted household washing up liquid to wipe down the internal and external skins to maintain a clean appearance, do not use any kind of solvents or abrasive cream to the grained surfaces and please bear in mind points listed above.
PANELS & CANOPIES
Decorative door panels & GRP canopies can be cleaned in conjunction with the main PVC framework; warm soapy water is best recommended. Do not use any form of cleaning agent or polish on the door panel furniture only a wipe with a soft damp cloth, if soiled.
ROOFS
Conservatory roofs either made using a polycarbonate sheets or glass units can be treated as stated above for general cleaning and removal of grime & atmospheric deposits. Take care not to walk directly on to the roofing material, if this is necessary, use timber boards resting on main rafter sections to spread loading. It is advisable to avoid leaning steps/ladders on certain components e.g. guttering.
Do not use high pressure washers over any section of the structure even for rinsing off. The guttering should try to be cleaned on a regular basis, every four to six months, ensuring joints, down pipes & box gutters do not have build-up of debris. In most instances, it is not uncommon for a small amount of ‘standing water’ to remain present within the main guttering system.
CONSERVATORY ROOF GLASS
If any form of “self-cleaning” (aka ‘Active’) Blue, Aqua, Neutral or Clear glazing has been specified and installed the following details should be adhered to:
Initially allow a week prior to cleaning the product for the first time, this is for all sealants to cure fully & to progressively activate the self-cleaning property, this is triggered by exposure to UV light. Begin with a rinse or hose-down starting at the top & zig-zag to the bottom (not in direct sunlight). Although the glass has a special property, allowing it to remain cleaner for a longer period than ‘normal glass’, it still requires maintenance.
By using a combination of fresh clean water (soft water is ideal, but in hard water areas a small amount of washing-up liquid can be added), and a soft clean lint-free cloth, chamois leather, soft non-abrasive sponge or a non-metal window squeegee all areas can be rejuvenated. It is also possible to use branded goods such as Mr Muscle Window Cleaner or Windowlene Wipes for glass / shiny surfaces where certain areas are soiled more than others.
After a cleaning cycle, the re-activation of the coating may take 5-7 days.
If you have any additional questions, please send us an email at info@conservatech.co.uk
