GLASS CARE & CLEANING

The first possible stage in which glass can become dirty is usually during construction. Debris such as masonry dust, , cement particles, paint, and tape residue can come into contact with the glass.

Keep welding and angle grinders away from glass during the construction process.

Cement and concrete are highly alkaline and can cause irreparable damage to the glass surface. All trades must take due care while working near glass. At the time of construction, suitable precautions must be taken to minimise any damage to the glass surface.

Remove any dirt or debris from the glass as soon as it is visible.

Wash the surface with water or cleaning solution to remove loose dust and grit.

For best results, clean the glass beginning at the top and working downwards.

Wipe with a clean wet cloth, free of grit (as gritty dirt particles picked up by the cloth could scratch the glass), until glass is visibly clean.

Rinse with clean water.

Dry immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth.

To prevent streaking, stop wiping when the glass is almost dry and there is a uniform residue of moisture left on the glass surface. The residue will quickly evaporate, leaving a clean surface.

Low E coated glass has a very thin metal coating on the interior glass surface. This hard and durable coating gives the product its improved thermal insulation and solar control performance compared to ordinary clear glass. Coated Low E glass can be cleaned the same as uncoated glass, however, do not use a squeegee on the coated (interior) surface.

The cleaning of toughened glass requires special consideration. The glass surface on the opposite side to the Safety Compliance Stamp may, as a consequence of the manufacturing process, have what’s called ‘pickup’ on the surface. ‘Pickup’ is a deposit of very small particles of glass that are fused on the glass surface. Sharp blades and scrapers should be avoided as they can dislodge any “pick up” and result in scratching.

We recommend you only use a soft cleaning cloth on toughened glass. It is suggested that professional cleaners consult with their suppliers as to the suitability of available cleaning equipment, materials, and methods before attempting to clean toughened glass.

Windex® Multi-Surface Cleaner (other Windex® branded varieties may be used but may lead to problematic streaking of the glass).

For a natural alternative, a mixture of one-part vinegar with ten parts water can be used in place of store-bought cleaners.

In addition to the above products, commercially available vinegar-based glass cleaners have generally demonstrated an ability to provide a clean, streak-free glass surface.

Methylated spirits can be used for spot cleaning.

• We do not recommend the use of ammonia-based and alcohol-based glass cleaners because these products tend to leave visible streaks.
• Do not clean the glass when the glass is hot or in direct sunlight. If the glass warms too much while the windows are wet, it'll dry the cleaner before you've had a chance to wipe the window clean. You'll be left with spots, streaks and film.
• The use of a squeegee is not recommended and could increase the risk of damage to glass. Never use a squeegee on the coated (interior) surface of the glass. Defects caused by the use of a squeegee to the coated (interior) of a glass surface are excluded from warranty coverage.
• Do not use any additives that contain hydrofluoric acid or have the possibility of forming hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive liquid and is a contact poison. Defects caused by the use of hydrofluoric acid on a glass surface are excluded from warranty coverage.
• Do not use razor blades, steel wool, scouring bristles or other metallic or abrasive objects on glass; defects caused by their use are excluded from warranty coverage.
• Do not remove paint spots using a sharp razor blade or metal scrapers. The use of these items will cause damage to the glass, and defects caused by their use is excluded from warranty coverage. As an alternative, investigate solvents or graffiti removal materials, ensuring that they will not damage the glass.
• While cleaning, ensure jewellery and watches are removed and gloves are worn to avoid scratching the surface of the glass. Scratches that occur from foreign objects like these will be permanent and are not repairable and are excluded from warranty coverage.
• 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. Damage caused to the glass in this way is excluded from warranty coverage.
• 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. Damage caused to the glass in this way is excluded from warranty coverage.
• Some tapes or adhesives can stain or damage glass surfaces. Avoid using such materials unless they are known to be easily removed. Damage caused to the glass in this way are excluded from warranty coverage.

It is advised to avoid modifying glass by the addition of a film, tint, privacy, or any other finish not authorised by us. These modifications are excluded from warranty coverage. This is because certain types of window films can cause damage to certain types of glass. Tinted films increase the thermal stress on the glass, which can lead to cracks.