One of the biggest rules so many people live by is the importance of being proactive, and this is also true when it comes to conservatory repair.
This is not only the case when it comes to scheduling preventative maintenance, particularly in the weeks leading up to winter to avoid any major problems in the springtime, but also when it comes to choosing technologies and options to make cleaning and repair jobs easier.
After all, it is said that prevention is worth more than a cure, and this is often the mindset used when considering whether to buy upgrades such as self-cleaning glass.
A self-cleaning glass system is a type of coating applied to a glass window, usually on a skylight or a glass roof that helps to reduce the build-up of dirt and grime, which breaks down and can be easily washed off.
The reason why this worked is through the use of titanium dioxide, a metal compound that not only helps to create water sheets that wash away dirt but also creates a chemical reaction when in contact with sunlight.
This leads to a two-stage process that enables homeowners to clear dirt without having to intensely scrub the surface or use harsh window cleaning materials.
The first stage, known as photocatalysis, is where the titania in the coating breaks down caked-in dirt, either destroying it entirely or making it far easier to wash off. A similar process is used to clean solar panels.
Part of the reason why titania is used is because it is exceptionally efficient at breaking down dirt in the presence of sunlight, as well as being chemically inert when there is no sunlight and relatively cheap and easy to apply to a variety of different surfaces.
The second stage, known as the hydrophilic stage, is where water will spread out across the surface of the glass, rather than pooling, forming lines or droplets across the surface.
This stands in contrast to hydrophobic coatings, which cause water to bead up and form droplets that roll away from the surface without dropping dirt.
The former is very useful for creating thin films of water that can completely and comprehensively wash all of the dirt away.
This can be beneficial for stopping dirt from caking up on the edges of the glass, which can cause the seals and mechanisms of the windows and roof to break down over time, necessitating repairs that can be expensive if not undertaken by an expert.
Because of this, it can be easy to consider, however, if you want to replace your current conservatory windows with self-cleaning glass or apply a coating, bear in mind that it can take up to a month for the titania to activate, and it can also take a week between cleanings to do so.
Also make sure to check whether you live in a hard water area, as this can sometimes cause limescale staining.
Avoid using abrasive materials, cream cleaners, chemical-based products in general and pressure washers, as these can either damage or stop the self-cleaning coating from functioning properly.