Asking how to keep your glass at home in good condition?
Windows, mirrors, shower screens and glass doors are found in almost every modern home. Glass features add brightness, style and value to our homes. However…
Glass features also have to be maintained or they will become dull, damaged and costly to replace.
Regular maintenance is not as difficult as you may think. With just a few simple habits, you can extend the life of your glazing by years and keep your glass sparkling.
Let’s take a look at how to do that!
Why is Glass Maintenance Important?
Glass features are an investment in our homes and that investment should be protected.
High quality double glazed windows installed by professional window fitters and well looked after can last between 20 to 35 years. That is a long time, but only if they are given the right care.
The problem is that glass tends to be neglected by homeowners until something goes wrong and damage has already occurred.
Regular maintenance does more than keep glass features looking great. It can also help you spot small problems that can turn into big (and expensive) issues.
Calling in professional glass and glazing services for major problems is important. But day-to-day care of our homes is down to the homeowner. Understanding how to maintain glass properly before installing double glazing or replacing existing windows will ensure that the new investment lasts as long as possible.
And it’s not all about appearance…
Well-maintained windows make our homes more energy efficient by reducing drafts, preventing condensation and keeping heating bills down. Windows that are not cared for have the opposite effect and drain our wallets month after month.
How to Clean Different Types of Glass Features
The bad news about glass is that different types of glass features require different care.
Windows and Doors
Windows should be cleaned a minimum of twice a year. Spring and autumn are ideal. In urban or coastal areas, more frequent cleaning may be needed.
Try this simple method:
- Use the right solution: Create a cleaning solution with warm water and a small amount of dish soap or white vinegar. Harsh chemicals can damage seals and frames.
- Choose the right tools: A squeegee can give you streak-free results. Microfibre cloths are good for smaller panes of glass.
- Clean the frames too: Dirt and debris in window tracks cause wear on seals and hinges. Vacuum tracks regularly.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Cleaning windows in bright sunlight causes the solution to dry too quickly and leaves streaks.
The seal around a double glazed window is very important. If a seal is damaged, moisture will seep in and cause the panes to fog up. Always check seals as part of your regular clean and deal with issues immediately.
Mirrors and Glass Furniture
Mirrors and glass furniture show fingerprints and dust more than any other surface. Weekly wiping prevents a buildup of grime that becomes more stubborn to remove over time.
Spray the cleaning solution onto the cloth, not the glass. You don’t want the liquid to seep behind the mirror and cause damage.
Wipe in an S-pattern from top to bottom. For even coverage, finish by buffing with a dry microfibre cloth.
Glass tabletops are improved by using coasters and placemats. Prevention is better than cleaning every time.
Shower Screens
Shower screens have the additional problem of hard water deposits that build up over time. The chalky white stains are caused by minerals in hard water.
The best solution is a squeegee after every shower. A few seconds of effort now can prevent hours of scrubbing later.
If a buildup has already occurred, a paste made from baking soda and water is very effective. Gently rub with a soft cloth. Leave for a few minutes and rinse. Abrasive scrubbers will scratch glass surfaces.
Mistakes That Cause Damage to Glass
Many well-intentioned homeowners do things that shorten the lifespan of glass features.
Using Abrasive Materials
Paper towels, newspaper and rough cloth may seem harmless but these materials can create micro scratches on glass. As glass ages, scratches build up and make the glass appear permanently dull.
Neglecting Frame Maintenance
The glass itself is only part of the glazing system. Wooden frames must be repainted to prevent rot. uPVC frames need cleaning to stop discoloration. Aluminium frames need checking for corrosion. Frames neglected for long enough will eventually damage the glass they support.
Pressure Washing Windows
Using a high-pressure hose may seem like a quick way to get a sparkling result but there is a catch. The water pressure can force moisture past seals into double glazed units. It can also damage frames and render around the window. Gentle cleaning always wins.
Delaying Repairs
A small crack in a pane or a failed seal seems like a minor issue. But left unchecked, small problems can become big problems. A cracked pane will weaken over time and become a safety risk. A failed seal means the window will be less energy efficient straight away.
How to Make Windows Last Longer
Modern windows are designed to be long-lasting. Research from the FMB has found that almost 94 per cent of homeowners cited greater energy efficiency as a top reason for upgrading to double glazing. But efficiency is only possible with ongoing care.
Here are some ways to get the most out of window life:
- Inspect Annually: Seals, hinges, locks and frames should be checked once a year. Early detection means small problems can be repaired before they become costly.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Moving parts of the window like hinges and locks benefit from a spray of silicone lubricant once a year. This will keep them operating smoothly.
- Manage Condensation: Lots of interior condensation is a sign of ventilation problems. Left unmanaged, condensation can damage frames and surrounding walls.
- Trim Nearby Vegetation: Plants touching windows can trap moisture and debris against glass and frames.
Environmental factors are also important. Properties in coastal areas have salt exposure that will wear glass features down quicker. Homes near busy roads have to contend with pollution buildup. Cleaning frequency should be increased in these areas.
Wrapping Things Up
Maintaining and cleaning glass features is not difficult. It just needs to be consistent.
Minutes of regular care is all that is needed to avoid expensive replacements down the line. Clean windows also improve the curb appeal of our homes, boost energy efficiency and keep our homes comfortable throughout the year.
A quick recap:
- Clean windows at least twice per year using the correct techniques
- Select the appropriate tools – squeegees and microfibre cloths are best
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials
- Inspect seals and frames on a regular basis
- Tackle small problems before they become bigger issues
Proper maintenance will pay dividends for decades to come. Your glass features will thank you for it.
