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Maintenance



Transportation and storage of insulating glass units

The following recommendations must be followed for transportation and storage of insulating glass units:

  • Each insulating glass unit must be checked for possible damage before mounting. Damaged insulating glass units should not be used or mounted.
  • Special supports should be used for transportation of insulating glass units.
  • In all cases, insulating glass units must be transported and stored exclusively in the vertical position. They can not be placed on one side or one corner, and wooden supports or rubber protection for corners should always be used.
  • Never push or pull a insulating glass unit on the ground.
  • Wood bricks must be used for supports. A insulating glass unit must be placed on two supports, dividing the weight along the thickness of the insulating glass unit.
  • Insulating glass units must be stored exclusively in the vertical position. Support bricks and fixing elements which protect insulating glass units from tumbling down should not damage the surface of glass or the sealing edge and must be placed in correct angles with respect to the glass sheet.
  • Insulating glass units must be stored in dry and sufficiently ventilated premises which must be protected against the impact of the atmosphere or suitably covered, for example, covered with tent-cloth in construction areas.
  • Separation layers (for example, cork, paper, etc.) should be used for separation of insulating glass units form one another.
  • Insulating glass units must be protected against direct sunlight. This is especially relevant for glass with films or toned, decorative, sheet or wire-armoured glass as the risk of such glass for thermal breaking is greater.
  • The sealant of each insulating glass unit edge must be protected from the direct impact of UV rays, as otherwise untimely ageing process of the insulating glass unit may start.
Maintenance and cleaning of insulating glass units

Maintenance

Construction materials, such as window frames, paint, sealant connectors or bands, are the objects of natural ageing process.

In order to maintain the term of guarantee in effect and extend the term of operation of insulating glass units, it is necessary to carry out regular tests of functioning. All maintenance works, such as window frames, leakage test for seal between the glass and window frame, inspection of ventilation and steam pressure equalization holes have to be carried out regularly and at appropriate intervals.

Glass cleaning

The construction contractor is responsible for cleaning of glass units in mounted windows as well as removal of remainders of labels and seals using mild cleaners.

Grease which cannot be removed from a glass using ordinary cleaning with water or spray-cleaners available for purchase can be removed using a sponge or household cleaners.

Tolls which can leave scratches as well as razors and scrapers should be avoided as they can leave scratches on the glass surface.

It is especially important that mortar and alkaline substances of construction materials were removed immediately; otherwise the glass surface can be damaged and look like frosted.

If sealing materials fall on the glass, they should be cleaned immediately.

Special cleaning instructions are given for glass coated with metal-oxides:

  • ordinary grease can be removed as described above without using abrasive cleaners;
  • resistant grease, i. e. spots of paint or pitch, sticky scrap should be dissolved in certain solvents, i. e. methanol, acetone or cleaning liquid, and them washed. When solvents are used for cleaning, they should be used with care, avoiding damage of the sealed edge, sealer or other organic parts of the insulating glass unit.

Unsuitable cleaners

Glass must never be cleaned with strong alkaline solutions or acids, especially hydrofluoric acid or other cleaners containing fluoride.

Such solutions can damage the glass and its coating, thus causing irreparable damage.