Care and Maintenance Guide
Glass
Improper cleaning of glass can lead to permanent damage, so it’s important to follow recommended procedures from glass producers and fabricators. Start by identifying the type of glass (clear, tinted, or reflective) as damage is more noticeable on reflective glass. Special care is needed for cleaning reflective surfaces to prevent scratching and coating removal, which can affect light transmittance. Avoid cleaning tinted and reflective glass in direct sunlight and always start cleaning from the top down. To clean, begin by wetting the glass with clean water and a soap solution to loosen dirt. Then, use a mild, non-abrasive commercial window washing solution applied evenly with a non-abrasive applicator. Finish by using a squeegee to remove all cleaning solution from the glass surface. Cleaning solutions that contain Hydrofluoric or Phosphoric acid can damage glass surfaces. Make sure that the metal components of the cleaning tools do not come into contact with the glass, and ensure that there are no abrasive particles caught between the glass and the cleaning supplies. It’s important to thoroughly dry any water or cleaning solution residue from the window gaskets, sealants, and frames.
Stainless Steel
Preventing surface contamination and deposits on stainless steel is crucial. Even stainless steel can stain and discolor from such deposits, so it’s incorrect to assume it requires no maintenance. To maintain its maximum corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel surfaces must be consistently kept clean. To protect your hardware, we recommend applying AUTOSOL Stainless Steel Care Products. These are premium quality products that provide superior steel cleaning ability and protection. The hardware that we use in our installations are manufactured from 316 or Duplex 2205 stainless steel which is the most corrosion-resistant material on the market. This product when maintained correctly, will not corrode. Correct maintenance procedure is basically to NOT use any corrosive cleaning products.
Powder Coating
In order to prolong the lifespan of powder coated external items and adhere to warranty guidelines for powder coated aluminum fixtures, it’s necessary to establish a simple, regular maintenance routine. Over time, the effects of factors like ultraviolet light, air pollution, dirt, grime, and airborne salt deposits will accumulate, necessitating their removal to prevent surface staining and weathering, which can detract from the appearance. For exterior coatings, cleaning every six months is recommended. In areas with higher levels of pollutants, such as beachfront properties and industrial or geothermal regions, a more frequent cleaning schedule is advised. Cleaning your powder coating:
1. Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge.
2. Use a soft brush (non abrasive) and a mild household detergent (do not use solvents) in warm water, remove dust, salt and other deposits.
3. Rinse off with clean fresh water.
Protective Glass Coating
The ultimate solution to keeping your glass panels clean is to apply a glass protective coating. We recommend applying Diamond Fusion Coating which makes a permanent bond to the glass. It protects your glass over the long term and dramatically reduces the likelihood of the glass being permanently damaged or discoloured from corrosion and staining caused by chemicals and minerals left behind by water. It also heavily reduces cleaning time as the water repels, so you don’t have to use a dry cloth or squeegee to remove watermarks, you can just let the glass panels air-dry. One application lasts up to a lifetime warranty and can be applied to new and existing glass products.