How to clean conservatory roof glass
Got a glass conservatory roof and wondering how to keep it clean? Join us for handy tips and tricks.
Ever sat upstairs on a double-decker bus and seen the top of a bus shelter? Many of them are miniature landfill sites heaving with leaves, moss, bird droppings and other detritus.
We hate to be the ones to break it to you – but if you invest in a glass conservatory roof, its pristine surface might start to look like one of those grimy bus shelters.
Like all outdoor furniture and structures, conservatories are vulnerable to grime from above. Twigs, leaves and other debris get blown by the wind onto the roof or block the gutters. Moss and algae thrive in the damp. Glass discolours in the Great British weather.
And it's not just that these dreary deposits make your conservatory
look
bad. Over time, they can lead to water pooling, ingress and leaks, too.
So, what's to be done? The answer is, of course, to give your glass roof a clean. But unlike cleaning your conservatory windows or running a Hoover around the interior, it's not immediately obvious
how.
Well, before we get into the "how", let's think about the "when". How often, you may be wondering, should a glass conservatory roof be cleaned?
How often should I clean my glass conservatory roof?
Some aspects of conservatory maintenance can be done little and often: wiping down window frames and sills, say, or freshening up the furniture.
Cleaning a conservatory roof takes a bit more effort. It's not something many people are doing once a week or even once a month.
There's no right or wrong answer. It partly depends on where your conservatory is located. A conservatory under a shady bough, for instance, will need more regular cleaning than one with nothing but sky above.
You could do it once every few months or twice a year. If you go for the second option, you might want to undertake the task in spring or autumn to avoid weather-based woes.
So, while there's no scientific answer to the question, common sense tells us you should clean your conservatory roof at least once a year. This will keep it looking good, increase its longevity and make it more energy-efficient. After all, the more sunlight that gets through, the less you have to spend on artificial lighting.
What do you need to clean a glass conservatory roof?
When it comes to cleaning a glass roof, mildness is key. Harsh chemicals and abrasive tools are a no-no. They can lead to scratches and other kinds of damage.
Instead, you want to use a mild detergent or, if you prefer, a specialised glass cleaner. This can be applied with an extension pool to reach those tricky spots.
Before you apply the detergent, however, you should use a soft-bristled brush or broom to loosen up the gathering muck.
If mildness is a key priority, so too is safety. First and foremost, you should
not climb onto the roof. Conservatories aren't built for walking on – and you're only putting yourself (and your conservatory) at risk.
Instead, use a ladder. If working alone, you could use a safety harness. But whether you're going solo or working with a maintenance buddy, you should wear non-slip shoes, gloves and eye protection.
And before you start climbing the rungs, make sure the weather is suitable. A wet and windy cleaning session will only sour your mood and reduce your chances of doing a good job!
How do I remove algae from a glass conservatory roof?
Algae on a glass roof isn't just an eyesore. It can also make your conservatory less energy-efficient by reducing the amount of sunlight getting through.
To remove it, you should follow the method we outlined for cleaning the roof, making sure to rinse the roof with clean water.
If the problem is persistent, you may want to invest in specialist algae cleaning solution.
What is self-cleaning glass?
These days, some conservatories use self-cleaning glass. This is a type of glass with a special coating that prevents the buildup of dirt, grime and water discolouration.
Its photocatalytic coating means it's most effective when exposed to sunlight. It can, however, still work in the shade or under artificial light.
It's important to note that "self-cleaning" is, if not a misnomer, then at least a little misleading. You will still need to manually clean your conservatory roof – just less often and with less elbow grease.
Should I pressure-wash my conservatory roof?
It's unwise to pressure-wash a glass conservatory roof for two reasons.
First, it can damage the glass. Secondly, water sprayed at high pressure can penetrate seals and joints, leading to leaks and all their attendant problems. Instead of pressure washing, use mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush.
How do you clean a polycarbonate conservatory roof?
If you have a polycarbonate conservatory roof, the cleaning method is much the same as for glass conservatory roofs. You need mild detergent and a non-abrasive cloth or brush. You then need to rinse the roof with clean water.
Should I hire a professional to clean my conservatory roof glass?
Most of the time, cleaning your conservatory roof is a DIY job. You just need the right equipment and a bit of patience. In some cases, however, it's best to get a professional in.
This applies if the roof is especially hard to access, if there's structural damage or if there's a significant buildup of algae or moss. In these instances, a DIY job may be more trouble than it's worth.
What is SupaLite?
At Calder Windows, we offer an alternative to conservatory roof glass. It's called "SupaLite" and it's a tiled conservatory roof system that's a piece of cake to maintain.
It's built to last, comes in a range of appealing colours and will keep your conservatory at a pleasant temperature from January to December. It can even increase the value of your home because it effectively creates a brand-new living space to enjoy.
Interested?
Get in touch with us today for a quick, competitive quote.
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