FAQ's
Please read below carefully before calling to ask a question. We have included the most comonly asked questions. If you cant find an answer to a question that you are looking for? Please email us or call us on:
Q: How should I care for and clean my glass?
A: Please follow the instructions below.
+ Always follow manufacturer’s installation and cleaning instructions.
+ Construction dust, leachate from concrete and rusting from steel can contribute to the formation of mild chemicals, which may stain or otherwise damage the glass.
+ Glass should be cleaned using only cleaning materials which are free of grit and debris (to avoid scratching and marking of the glass surface).
+ Only detergents and cleaning solutions which are recommended for cleaning glass should be used. Mild detergents are preferable.
+ Extra care is necessary where high performance reflective glass is installed. The coated surface can be susceptible to stains and scratches and therefore requires vigilance during the full construction process.
+ Temporary screens should be installed if welding, sandblasting, floor sanding, cuffing or other potentially damaging construction practices takes place near glass.
+ Glass installations which are adjacent to concrete (e.g. concrete slab floors) require extra care and cleaning due to the abrasive nature of concrete dust.
Q: What not to do?
A: Please read below for more details...
+ Do not use cleaners which contain Hydrofluoric or Phosphoric acid as they are corrosive to the glass surface.
+ Do not clean the glass when the glass is hot or in direct sunlight.
+ Do not allow cleaning solutions to contact the edges of Laminated glass, Insulating Glass Units or Mirrors.
+ Do not store or place other material in contact with the glass. (This can damage the glass or create a heat trap leading to thermal breakage). Abrasive cleaners, powder based cleaners, scouring pads or other harsh materials should not be used to clean windows or other glass products.
+ Avoid causing extreme temperature changes to the glass as this may lead to thermal fracture of the glass, i.e. do not splash hot water on cold glass or freezing water on hot glass.
+ Some tapes or adhesives can stain or damage glass surfaces. Avoid using such materials unless they are known to be easily removed.
+ If Damage Occurs! If glass is damaged or broken ensure that experienced glaziers are engaged to rectify the situation. Glass can be a safety hazard if not handled properly.
Q: What about toughened glass
A: The cleaning of toughened glass requires special care. The glass surface opposite the standards compliance stamp may, as a consequence of the manufacturing process, have ‘pickup’ on the surface. ‘Pickup’ is a deposit of very small particles of glass which are fused to the glass surface. A cleaning method which does not dislodge these particles should be employed otherwise scratching of the glass surface may result.
Blades or scrapers have been known to dislodge ‘pickup’ from the glass surface. A soft cloth, which will not dislodge 'pickup’, should be used. It is suggested that professional cleaners consult with their suppliers as to the suitability of available cleaning equipment, materials and methods
Q: Do you have any advice for painters?
A: aint spots have been traditionally removed using a sharp razor blade. The use of a blade can in some cases cause damage to the glass. As an alternative, investigate solvents or graffiti removal materials, ensuring that they will not damage the glass. If a blade or scraper is used then the risk of damage can be reduced by using a scraper which has a clean edge and is held at an angle of 30 degrees to the glass.
Consult the supplier of the blade or scraper as to how it is best used to clean glass. However, surface coated, modified or tinted glass requires special care.
Q: How should I care for my mirrors?
A: Mirrors require special care in cleaning. To clean mirrors, simply wipe over the surface with a few drops of methylated spirits on a damp cloth. Polish surface dry with a lint free cloth. Some proprietary glass cleaners, if used to excess, can cause damage to the silvering as can excessive amounts of water.
Make certain when cleaning the face of the mirror that there is no contact with the silver backing, particularly at the edge of the glass and be careful to keep any moisture away from the paint backing of the mirror. Do everything possible to ensure that the cleaning cloths used are free of any abrasives.
Disclaimer
his information is offered as a general guide only and specific advice should always be sought from a reputable glazier or professional window cleaner before undertaking any cleaning. This guidance does not preclude the use of other methods, materials or equipment, however the user should undertake careful evaluation and make suitable enquiries of the suitability of alternative methods, materials or equipment, before using them.
Whilst Glass Solutions has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of this information, Glass Solutions makes no representation as to the accuracy or effectiveness of the information and takes no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury which may be caused as a direct or indirect result of the use of this information.
