Marco de Gobernanza sobre La Migración, MIGOF

7.1 Routine maintenance

The maintenance requirements of the conservatory may include the following items:

7.1.1 Glass cleaning

Float glass is used in most double glazed units, and therefore it is recommended that hand jewellery is removed prior to clean- ing and no metal scrappers should be used in the cleaning process.

Any household glass cleaner may be used with a soft cloth and it is recommended that heavy external grime be initially removed with a solution of soap and water. It should be noted that exter- nal leading will oxidize. This is a natural phenomenon and can- not be avoided.

Self-cleaning glass has a treatment applied to the outermost sur- face of the glass unit and works in 2 ways. Once activated by

sunlight (usually within 5 – 7 days of installation) the treatment will breakdown organic dirt and secondly, when rain falls on the surface of the glass, the water does not form into droplet but spreads across the glass. This film washes away the remains of the organic dirt and any other dust that has accumulated on the glass as it drains from the glass. The glass surface will also dry quicker and with fewer smears than standard glass.

Where self-cleaning glass is fitted, occasional manual cleaning will be required where the amount of organic dirt deposits are large or when there has been little rainfall to complete the second part cleaning action. Where organic dirt is not being broken down effectively by the self-cleaning coating, this may be cleaned manually using soap and water. No metal cleaning scrappers or abrasive compounds can be used as these may damage the self-cleaning coat- ing and reduce its effectiveness. When rain has not fallen to clean away the loose dirt on the glass surface, water may be sprayed using a hosepipe to supplement natural rainfall.

7.1.2 Aluminium and PVC-U frame cleaning

Wash frames every few months with soap and water to remove grime and atmospheric de- posits. If necessary, use a non-abrasive proprietary cleaner to remove stubborn blemishes. Note: Avoid all solvent based or abrasive cleaners.

7.1.3 Timber frame cleaning

Coated surfaces should be regularly maintained and washed down with soap and water, to remove surface pollution. Some 'chalking' of the opaque film will occur over time due to natural corrosion of the micro-porous paint film in accordance with the manufacturers’ rec- ommendations. This is quite normal and does not detract from the systems performance. The original colour of the conservatory finish can be easily restored by the application of an additional coat of the micro-porous stain.

Tip

Check whether the glazing has a coat-

ing, e.g. self- cleaning and fol- low the manufac- turer’s instructions to avoid damaging

Section 7 - Maintenance

7.1.4 Roof glazing

For glass roofs the same advice as above applies. For plastic glazing sheet materials:

· Use a solution of lukewarm water with a mild non- abrasive soap.

· Use a soft sponge to remove any grime and dirt from the sheet.

Always check with the manufacturers guidelines.

Attention should always be made to the safety aspect of any maintenance work to the conservatory roof.

Clear guidelines as follows must be observed:

· Do not walk on the conservatory roof - always use a crawl board to spread the load

· Do not lean ladders against the PVC-U frames, glaz- ing or guttering.

If in doubt call in a specialist contractor.

7.1.5 Drainage slots

Most double glazing frames are designed with an inbuilt drainage system, comprising of open- ings (slots or holes) within the profiles that allow any water which has ingressed into the profiles or the glazing rebates to drain to the outside without compromising the integrity of the glazing system. To maintain the efficiency of this system, the openings must not be- come restricted or blocked by dirt and other debris. Periodically, remove dirt, clear the drain- age openings and check drainage operation by flushing through with water.

Note: Depending on the system used, the drainage openings may be on the face of the pro- file and covered with a push-fit cover or they may be concealed on the lower edge of the pro- file and may be located between the profile and the sub-cill.

7.1.6 Weather seals

During maintenance and cleaning ensure the weather seals fitted to the doors and windows do not become dislodged from their grooves. If this occurs, slide back into position immediately, to avoid damage when the window or door is closed. If the weatherseals are broken or dam- aged, ensure prompt replacement by contacting your Installer. Mastic seals should be checked to ensure they have not become damaged and still provide an effective seal.

7.1.7 Guttering

It should be noted that the perimeter guttering on conservatories will be laid level, with no fall. This is part of the design of the product and is perfectly acceptable, and complies with BS EN 12056. Therefore on occasions there will be standing water in the gutter system. It is important that all gutters and their respective outlets are regularly cleaned.

Section 7 - Maintenance

7.1.8 Door/window fittings

For lubrication of handles and hinges etc. use a light machine oil lubricant for moving parts and petroleum jelly where indicated in the specific product lubrication instructions. Lock cylinders should be lubricated with graphite dust.

Please note that some discolouration of the mastic seal is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided.

When installed, brass work is fully protected with lacquer. In time, through normal wear and tear, this lacquer will wear, may peel or be scratched that will cause the brass below to be- come tarnished. Never use abrasive cleaning agents as this will accelerate the rate at which the lacquered surface wears or becomes damaged.

Section 8 - The Environment, Waste