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Cleaning Up/sunroom glass cleaning

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Expert: - 11/29/2010


Question
Our home is 18 yr old.  the sunroom glass are stained from moister the  stains are in between glass.  how do i clean them.

Answer

Fogged glass
Dear Adla,

The problem you have is very common. You have insulated glass units (IGU). IGUs have sealed and the seals will eventually compromise (break). When they do they not only leak out inert gasses they sometimes were filled with, but also let in moisture from the air. When sunlight hits the glass, the moisture is superheated and fogs the glass, when the glass cools, the moisture does too and condenses much like moisture would in nature. This process will eventually turn the normally neutral water into an acid that after some time begins to permanently etch the glass. There are several stages to this corrosion process. If it can be caught in stage one or two, the glass may be saved. Beyond that, the glass might as well be replaced.

Now as for the solution to your problem, if you have tempered glass, it is very difficult to impossible to correct and be cost effective. The process for repairing this is almost always done professionally and can cost about half or more to totally replace the glass. If it is not fixed or replaced, the glass will continue to degrade until you have opaque glass.

If the glass is repairable, what happens is that a small hole is drilled into the glass or frame and the inside is cleaned with di-ionized water and or a chemical to stop and remove the etching. Usually another hole is drilled in the glass so that the window can "breath."

There are some companies that do this type of repair work, but they may not be in your area.

For more information, you might look at these web sites: www.http://windowmedics.com/, http://www.wefixfoggywindows.com/default.htm http://raysands.wordpress.com/2008/09/10/get-the-fog-out-of-thermopane-windows-at-home/.

I hope this helps you solve your problem. Please let me know how it turns out.

Robert Lamb

Expertise

I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding the cleaning and restoration of your windows. I can also view your pictures via email and give you advice on what you can do yourself and what needs to be left to the pros. I can also give advise on scratched glass, how to repair it & what caused it. Pressure washing and gutter cleaning are other areas of expertise.

Experience

Over 20 years in the window cleaning industry, owning and operating two window cleaning companies, Rob's Window Cleaning http://www.robswindowcleaning.com and Window Masters http://www.mywindowmasters.com and http://www.robscleaningservice.com

Organizations
IWCA, window cleaning network, chamber of commerce

Publications
"Window Cleaner" magazine

Education/Credentials
International Window Cleaning (IWCA) training on man lifts, awning cleaning and window cleaning.

Awards and Honors
Voted best window cleaner in Western Kentucky.

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Applebee's, Cracker Barrel, CVS Pharmacy, Dairy Queen, Dollar General, Edward Jones, Enterprise Rent A Car, Ethan Allen, Fashion Bug, Fazoli's, FYE Music, GNC, H&R Block, Hardee's, Hot Topic, Kentucky Dam Village, Kroger, Logan's Roadhouse, Market House Museum, O' Charley's, Radio Shack, Rafferty's, Remax, Sirk & Co., Stanley Steamer, State Farm, Steak N Shake, Talbots, The Buckle, The Gap, The Outback, Toys Are Us, Victoria's Secret, and hundreds of others.

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