News

From glazing systems and conservatories to windows, doors, cabinets and everything in between, glass is a versatile and attractive construction material. It can be clear, tinted or reflective depending on your needs. It is also a practical way to flood your property with light and offer a neat finish.

The only problem is, dirt, damage or defects on the glass can impact light flow, clarity and appearance.

So, in order to get the most from any type of glazing, whether that’s in your home, office or any commercial property, regular care and maintenance is required.

In the guide below, we’ll outline how to look after your glazing, no matter how big or small the panes of glass may be.

Regularly inspect your glass

It’s important that you regularly inspect your glazing, possibly each time you go to clean it. This way, you can take action and clean or repair the glass as necessary before it becomes too damaged.

Clean your glass

Regular cleaning can increase the longevity of your glazing, but it’s important that you understand the best cleaning products and techniques to use. If your property is in close proximity to salty sea air, pool chemicals or similar environmental conditions, you should clean your glazing more frequently to protect against this.

In most cases, warm water and a drop of dish soap will suffice. You can also use window cleaner or make your own with water and vinegar. Whichever you choose, this can be applied with a soft sponge to clean away the dirt. You can then use a rubber squeegee to remove excess water.

It’s best to clean windows, doors and exterior glazing on cloudy or overcast days. Cleaning glass in the sunshine can increase the risk of streaks. For larger glazing systems, it might be best to employ the services of a professional, especially in higher or harder-to-reach places.

Finally, for coated glazing like tinted windows, you need to take extra care as they can be more susceptible to damage. Make sure that you use a gentle technique and don’t clean the glass too roughly.

It’s also important that you don’t use any window cleaners with harmful chemicals, particularly ammonia. Once you’ve cleaned your coated glazing, you can polish it with a soft microfiber towel.

Remove any harmful substances right away

While you might have a schedule in place for regular cleaning, there may be times when you have to take action outside this schedule.

If at any point you notice harmful substances on the glass, you should clean these off as soon as possible. This might be substances that have splashed or sprayed onto your glazing from outside sources, alternatively, it could be paint or sealant from touching up the frames.

As these substances can damage the surface of the glass, it’s vital that you remove them right away with the proper products, even if you’re not cleaning all the glass.

Maintain the frames

As well as looking after the glass, it’s also important that you care for and maintain the frames to stop damage from occurring. This will ensure the longevity of your glazing and that it looks good.

It is recommended that you clean the frames thoroughly at least four times a year. You can use a soft brush to remove any dirt that has built up and soapy water to clean them afterwards.

Reseal your glazing

Over time, sealants around your glazing can begin to wear away, particularly as the seasons change and the hot and cold temperatures cause these to frequently expand and contract.

You need these sealants to be strong in order to protect your glazing and ensure that moisture stays on the outside of the property where it should be.

The best way to do this is to regularly check your sealant, this will ensure you stay ahead of the game. You can then replace/reseal any areas that have begun to wear away or weaken.

Care for your glazing mechanisms

Finally, when it comes to windows, doors or any other glazing elements that are able to move or open, it’s vital that you look after the mechanisms too. This means cleaning around any moving parts and removing dust or dirt to stop these from going stiff or seizing up.

It’s also a good idea to ensure any mechanisms are appropriately lubricated to keep them moving smoothly. Just be sure that you choose the right products, typically a silicone-based lubricant will be the best choice, but always do your research before applying any products.