FAQs
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Conservatory Glass
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Why should I install Conservatory Glass with SGG BIOCLEAN and solar control?
There are a number of reasons to install Conservatory Glass with SGG BIOCLEAN and solar control;
• A low maintenance self-cleaning coating ensures the glass stays cleaner for longer
• Easier to clean when required
• Reduces the need and cost of air conditioning
• Allows the conservatory to be used all year round
• Can help reduce heating bills
• Helps to reduce the effect of sun bleaching by reducing UV rays
• Reduces the impact noise of rain compared to polycarbonate roof panels.
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How does the product work?
Our Conservatory Roof Glass range offers solar control glass through high performance coatings and / or body tinted glass to help keep your conservatory cooler in the summer months.
• Aqua - this combines Saint-Gobain's highest performance solar control coating with green tinted glass to help reflect more external heat
• Natura - a high performance solar control coating, combined with SGG PLANICLEAR, helps to reflect external heat
• Azura - manufactured using blue body tinted glass enables this glass to absorb external heat and prevent it entering the room
• Solara - a bronze tinted glass substrate absorbs external heat, reducing the amount entering the conservatory
• All of our Conservatory Roof Glass products are combined with SGG BIOCLEAN, providing low maintenance self-cleaning.
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Are the coatings permanent?
Yes, the coating is permanent and will last the lifetime of the window.
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I currently have a polycarbonate conservatory roof. Why should I choose glass instead?
Glass has the benefits of better performance in terms of solar heat reduction (cooler interiors in summer), thermal insulation (warmer in the winter), cleaning (no grime associated with polycarbonate) and impact noise reduction from precipitation.
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Will Saint-Gobain's Conservatory Glass stop curtains and furniture from fading?
Our Conservatory Glass can help to reduce UV filtration, but the most effective way to reduce UV filtration is to use a laminate interlayer which will help to reduce UV by up to 99% as well as providing additional safety features.
Purchasing Conservatory Glass by Saint-Gobain
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How much will it cost me to install the Conservatory Glass?
The cost of using Conservatory Roof Glass by Saint-Gobain Glass will vary from one conservatory installation company to another and is also dependent on the window configuration you choose. It is therefore recommended to get quotes from a few companies and then compare the costs and services they offer. To find a local installer visit our installer search facility.
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Does Saint-Gobain Glass guarantee the quality of the work carried out by companies on the installer search?
No, installers who fit conservatories containing Conservatory Glass by Saint-Gobain Glass are able to register on the website, having met our network requirements. However, we do not guarantee their work and any queries or issues with your windows should be directed to your chosen installer.
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Where can I buy Conservatory Glass with SGG BIOCLEAN?
Please visit our installer search to find installers in your local area.
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How do I know my installer has fitted Saint-Gobain glass in my conservatory?
Unfortunately there is no way for the glass to be marked due to the large sheet format of manufacture. Due to this, there are two ways to check the legitimacy of the installation. Firstly, Saint-Gobain Glass UK offers labels to unit manufacturers to attach to the sealed units, identifying SGG BIOCLEAN has been installed. Some glass processors may choose to use their own labels. If there is no label, and this can be for a number of reasons, you would need to ask your installer for a copy invoice or delivery note from their supplier. You can then use this information to follow the supply chain back to Saint-Gobain Glass UK Ltd. However, you should be able to see the difference if you have SGG BIOCLEAN installed by spraying water onto your windows. The water forms a sheet across the surface of the glass, without leaving droplets. The glass will also dry quicker, without leaving streaky marks. If you remain unsure please go back to your supplier for further clarification as highlighted above.
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I can't find my installer on your list of installers;
The installers listed are from the PLANITHERM Installer Network, which is a voluntary scheme requiring installers to self-register. If your installer is not on the installer search then they may still be installing Saint-Gobain Glass. Ask them to supply a copy invoice or delivery note from their supplier that states the glass supplied is from Saint-Gobain Glass. You can then use this information to follow the supply chain back to the manufacturer.
SGG BIOCLEAN
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What is SGG BIOCLEAN and how does it work?
SGG BIOCLEAN is a self-cleaning glass with a special 'hydrophilic' and 'photocatalytic' coating on one face. This coating is activated using UV rays present in daylight. The photocatalytic action actually breaks down organic dirt that lands on the surface and prevents inorganic (mineral) dirt from sticking to it. Hydrophilic means that it loves water so when it rains or is hosed down the water sheets across the surface, thus rinsing the broken down dirt away and drying more quickly and uniformly. Windows therefore stay cleaner for longer and are easier to clean when necessary.
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Does SGG BIOCLEAN really work?
Yes, although it is important to realise that SGG BIOCLEAN is not 100% maintenance free and will require occasional manual cleaning, particularly during dry spells. The frequency of manual cleaning is significantly reduced and cleaning is much easier when needed as less dirt and grime adheres to the glass and a rinse with a hosepipe is usually enough to re-activate the coating.
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Why should I buy SGG BIOCLEAN?
SGG BIOCLEAN will revolutionise the way you clean your windows:
• Windows stay cleaner for longer, saving you time and money on window cleaning
• Permanent self-cleaning coating that lasts the lifetime of the window
• Ideal for hard to reach areas such as conservatory roofs
• Stubborn marks are easier to clean, even without the use of detergents
• Available with a solar control coating for cooler interiors.
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Will SGG BIOCLEAN always remain clean?
SGG BIOCLEAN is not a 100% maintenance free glass and will require an element of manual cleaning, however it will keep glass significantly cleaner for longer and will be easier to clean when necessary. The performance of the self-cleaning action can vary depending upon the amount and type of dirt on the windows, the total exposure to light and rain the glass will receive and the incline of the window.
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My house is north facing. Can I still use SGG BIOCLEAN?
Yes, the amount of UV required to activate the coating is relatively low and therefore north facing applications will still receive sufficient exposure, providing there are no obstacles such as trees or neighbouring buildings.
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How long does the self-cleaning coating remain on the glass?
SGG BIOCLEAN has a permanent coating that lasts the lifetime of the window, without reducing in performance, unlike other "easy-clean" spray on products.
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What do I do during dry spells?
During dry spells it may be necessary to give the glass a spray with a hosepipe to ensure that the glass continues to clean.
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Can SGG BIOCLEAN be used in coastal areas?
The minerals present in sea salt residue cannot be decomposed by SGG BIOCLEAN so it is not recommended to use SGG BIOCLEAN in coastal locations. However, it will be easier to clean when compared to standard float glass when clean water is used to remove the salt deposits.
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How do I clean SGG BIOCLEAN?
When SGG BIOCLEAN is installed in your windows you should receive a copy of the SGG BIOCLEAN maintenance instructions. If you have not received these, they can be downloaded here.
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When should I first clean SGG BIOCLEAN?
Wait at least a week before cleaning the product for the first time to ensure all sealants used in installation are fully set. Start with a rinse or hose-down with clean water and continue, when necessary, with a normal maintenance routine.
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How long will the coating take to activate?
During the week after initial installation and clean-down the self-cleaning property of SGG BIOCLEAN will be progressively activated, triggered by exposure to UV light. The length of time required to activate the coating by UV rays can vary depending on the season and the orientation of the glass, but is normally within a number of weeks. When the glass is wet a small border of water droplets may appear around the perimeter surface of the glass. This is perfectly normal.
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How often will I need to clean my windows / roof?
SGG BIOCLEAN has a special property which means that the glass stays cleaner for longer than normal glass. The more exposure the product has to both sun and rain, the longer it will stay clean. There are a number of other factors that affect the time it takes for a mark to be naturally removed, such as the level of ambient pollution, atmospheric conditions (e.g. long periods without rain) etc.
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How should I clean my windows / roof?
Clean 'soft' water will normally suffice, but a standard, mild glass-cleaning product can also be used. You should use a soft, clean lint-free cloth or chamois leather, a clean, soft non-abrasive sponge or a clean, non-metal window squeegee. All equipment must be kept clean to prevent any dirt or abrasive particles which may scratch or damage the coating.
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My water supply is "hard" water. Is this a problem?
In hard-water areas a small amount of washing-up liquid can be used to soften water.
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How do I remove stubborn stains?
For the removal of stubborn marks white vinegar can be used - always ensure that the vinegar does not come into contact with the frame and that it is washed off the glass after application. However, vinegar is not to be used as a regular cleaning method.
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How do I remove lead flashing and/or staining?
Staining is normally caused by lead flashing leaching on to the coating. If lead flashing is used it must be aged/sealed using a patination fluid. In some instances the coating can be repaired but it depends on the exposure time to the contaminant.
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Anything I should be aware of?
Do not use any glass treatment products containing silicones or abrasive particles. Do not use any commercial cleaning products which are intended specifically for cleaning elements other than glass. Do not use chemical products: soda, bleach, washing powder, white spirit etc. Avoid contact with all sharp or abrasive objects including jewellery, buckles, tape measures, razor blades, Stanley knives, scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper etc. Never attempt to clean off a specific mark on the surface of SGG BIOCLEAN without applying water first.
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What sealants should my installer use?
The use of silicone sealants must be avoided where possible avoid all use of polymerisable mastics as they release a number of oils which diminish the efficiency of SGG BIOCLEAN, especially around the edges. Avoid all use of linseed oil mastics or putties for a full list of recommended products approved for use with SGG BIOCLEAN please click here.
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How do I remove silicone marks?
Silicone is a contaminant and normally causes permanent damage. Therefore, the use of silicone sealants must be avoided. If silicone has been used, the use of a white vinegar solution may repair the coating, but this cannot be guaranteed.
