Tips and tricks: Clean patio roofs, conservatories and glass roofs and protect them with a nano sealant
Winter is over, spring cleaning is just around the corner, the first rays of sunshine are coming out and with them the cloudy glass of your patio or conservatory. Moss, leaves and other dirt have accumulated. In this article, you will learn the best tips and tricks on how to clean and protect your glass and patio roof properly.
Table of contents
Cleaning patio roofs and glass roofs properly
Which cleaning agents are suitable for glass roofs?
Choosing the right cleaning agent is crucial for a streak-free and shiny result when cleaning your glass roof. Washing-up liquid mixed with lukewarm water has proven to be particularly effective, as it has grease dissolving properties and yet is gentle on the glass surface.
To achieve the best results, we recommend using a cleaning agent for basic cleaning and a cleaning agent for degreasing. When choosing a cleaning agent, you should make sure that it is environmentally friendly and approved for use on glass surfaces. Our Biosativa® cleanerwhich is not only gentle on the material, but also on the environment, people and animals. It is also completely biodegradable. We then recommend cleaning the windows with our isopropanol cleaner to degrease them. This is characterized by fast and streak-free evaporation.
High-pressure cleaners: advantages and disadvantages
High-pressure cleaners can be a helpful tool when cleaning a glass or patio roof, especially when it comes to quickly removing loose dirt from large areas. Nevertheless, care should be taken when using high-pressure cleaners, as excessive water pressure can damage the seals or drive water under the profiles. A low pressure setting and the use of a wide jet can help to prevent such damage. It is also advisable to keep the pressure washer at an appropriate distance from the glass surface to prevent damage.
For more stubborn stains, we recommend our Biosativa® cleaning concentrate, which can be used in high-pressure cleaners with a cleaning agent tank. How to clean your patio roof effectively and sustainably. We recommend testing the Biosativa® cleaning concentrate on an inconspicuous area first before applying it to a large area to ensure that no surface damage occurs.
From top to bottom: The ideal technique for cleaning glass roofs
The technique and sequence you use when cleaning a glass roof can make a big difference to the result. Always start at the top of the roof and gradually work your way down. This prevents areas that have already been cleaned from becoming soiled again with dirt and water from above. A garden hose or water hose is ideal for removing loose dirt particles and dust from the glass roof before you start with the cleaning agents.
Leaves and other coarse dirt that has accumulated on the roof can also be easily removed at this time. After the surface has been prepared with water, apply the cleaning agent with a soft brush. Work in small sections and rinse each area with clear water before the cleaning agent has a chance to dry. This prevents streaking and ensures a uniformly clean glass roof. A telescopic pole can help you to safely clean hard-to-reach areas without having to enter the roof.
Premium sealant for glass and ceramic
with extreme durability
- Excellent easy-to-clean effect for dirt deposits and limescale
- Very strong hydrophobic and oleophobic effect (water and oil repellency)
- Very high abrasion resistance thanks to SiO² nano technology
- Chemical-resistant to cleaning agents (up to pH value 12)
- Durability: up to 3-5 years (depending on use)
- and much more.
Special challenges in glass roof cleaning
How do you remove stubborn dirt and bird droppings?
Stubborn stains such as bird droppings, tree resin or dried dirt require a special approach to avoid damaging the glass surface. Soaking is the key word here. Apply a mixture of lukewarm water and washing-up liquid or detergent directly to the affected areas and leave the solution to work for a few minutes to soften the dirt. You can then carefully remove the dirt with a soft-bristled brush. For particularly stubborn stains, it may be helpful to repeat the soaking process or use a special glass cleaning agent. Avoid using sharp tools or scouring pads, as these can leave scratches on the glass surface.
Protection against scratches: What should I bear in mind?
To minimize the risk of scratches on the glass roof or patio roof, it is important to choose the right cleaning tools and techniques. Soft brushes, sponges or microfiber cloths are ideal for effectively cleaning the surface without causing damage.
Seal conservatories, glass and patio roofs and protect them from environmental influences
Sealing: When and how should it be used?
Why should I seal my glass roof?
Sealing helps to effectively protect the glass surface against environmental influences, dirt and dust. Due to the generated lotus effect the water simply rolls off and takes the dirt with it. In addition, they no longer adhere to the surface, so that cleaning with a garden hose and a microfiber cloth is sufficient.
How to seal your glass roof properly
- Basic cleaning: First clean the glass roof. As already described, we recommend our Biosativa® cleaner for basic cleaning. Pour the concentrate into a bucket of lukewarm water as indicated and apply it to the surface with a soft brush. Also pay attention to the hard-to-reach areas!
- Degreasing: The glass roof must be degreased with our isopropanol cleaner to ensure the best possible adhesion of the nano sealant to the surface. This evaporates much faster than other cleaning agents, leaving the glass roof streak-free and optimally prepared.
- Drying: Allow the glass to dry completely so that the sealant can be applied.
- Applying the sealant: Read the relevant product data sheets and safety instructions on our website and ensure that the correct safety equipment is available. Then soak the application cloth with the sealer and apply it to the surface in a crosswise motion. Make sure of it. that the entire surface has been wetted. After the sealant has dried as indicated, it can be polished out with a clean and dry microfiber cloth.
- Drying the sealant: After polishing, the sealant must dry for 24 hours to develop its full effect. During this time, the surfaces must not be used and no water must be allowed to get onto the surface.
Regular cleaning: How often and why is it important?
Regular cleaning is essential for the maintenance and care of a glass roof or patio roof. Dirt and dust not only accumulate on the surface, but can also damage the materials and impair transparency. Experts recommend cleaning a glass roof at least twice a year to prevent the build-up of stubborn dirt and to keep the patio roof in optimum condition. This is where our sealant can help. The sealing means that dirt no longer sticks so quickly and is easier to remove, which makes general cleaning of the glass roof or conservatory much easier.
Special protection for conservatories
Cleaning the conservatory in particular can be a Sisyphean task. The conservatory consists almost entirely of glass, which is exposed to the weather and other soiling at all times. Home remedies such as washing-up liquid, vinegar essence or spirits are often not enough. They leave water stains and are often too sharp for the rubber and aluminum of the holders, where cleaning should be particularly gentle.
Here too, we recommend using our Biosativa® and isopropanol cleaner. In this way you remove dirt gently, sustainably and without streaks and prepare the sealing optimally. The use of our sealants pays off, especially for conservatories with a large glass surface. You benefit from major time savings as cleaning cycles are extended and soiling is removed more easily.
Do-it-yourself vs. professional: when should you call in a specialist?
The limits of home cleaning: When is a professional required?
Although most cleaning work on a glass or patio roof can be carried out by an ambitious DIY enthusiast, there are situations in which it is advisable to call in a professional. This applies in particular to stubborn dirt that cannot be removed with conventional cleaning agents, or if the construction of the roof does not allow it to stand securely during cleaning. Professional cleaners not only have access to special cleaning equipment such as high-pressure cleaners and telescopic poles, but also have the expertise to clean glass surfaces without leaving streaks or damage. Professional cleaning is also recommended if the roof requires special treatment for material-related reasons.
Cost comparison: Clean it yourself or have it cleaned?
The decision as to whether to clean a glass roof or patio roof yourself or hire a professional depends on various factors. The cost of self-cleaning is usually significantly lower, but requires time, physical effort and the risk of causing damage if there is a lack of experience. You also need appropriate cleaning equipment and agents, which can reduce the initial savings. On the other hand, professional cleaning may be more expensive, but in addition to protecting the material and guaranteeing effective cleaning, it also saves time.
Tips and tricks for effective patio cover cleaning
Telescopic poles and other tools for hard-to-reach places
When cleaning a glass roof or patio roof, telescopic poles and squeegees are indispensable tools, especially when it comes to hard-to-reach areas. They enable effective cleaning from top to bottom without compromising safety. Microfiber cloths and leather cloths can also be helpful for cleaning glass surfaces without leaving streaks or scratches.
Proper care of the seals and guide rails
The seals and guide rails of a glass roof or patio roof require special attention, as they contribute significantly to the overall stability and impermeability of the structure. It is advisable to clean these areas regularly with a soft cloth and a mild detergent to prevent a build-up of dirt that could impair the function. When cleaning, care should be taken to ensure that no aggressive chemicals are used that could damage the material.
Safety measures when cleaning glass surfaces
Safety should always come first, especially when cleaning glass roofs and patio covers. It is of paramount importance to ensure that you have stable and safe footing before you start cleaning.
This means that ladders and scaffolding must be stably placed and securely fastened and that you should always be aware of working in a potentially dangerous environment during cleaning work.
It is alsoadvisable to use theright protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles if necessary, to protect yourself from chemicals and dirt. If the patio cover is at a height that poses an increased risk, it is advisable to hire professional cleaners to prevent accidents. In addition to personal safety, it is also important to ensure the safety of the roof by avoiding putting too much weight on the glass surfaces or using sharp cleaning tools that could cause scratches.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning glass roofs
A cloth, a brush attachment for the high-pressure cleaner or a telescope to reach the higher areas are suitable for cleaning your patio roof. Alternatively, you can also use commercially available cleaning utensils such as microfiber cloths.
Yes, you can also use household remedies such as water with a dash of vinegar to clean your patio roof. This allows soiling to be effectively loosened and removed. However, there is a risk that the surface will not be optimally prepared for sealing.
Stubborn dirt should be soaked well. It is also advisable to use a high-pressure cleaner or a little more force when cleaning. However, meticulous care should be taken here to ensure that no damage is caused to the roof.
Ideally, you should clean your glass roof or patio roof thoroughly at least once in spring and once in fall to remove dirt deposits and extend the life of the roof.