How to Clean Conservatory Roof

A conservatory is an investment; one that undoubtedly increases the value and curb appeal of your home. Whether yours is a cosy reading nook, an extra room for entertaining, or a dedicated home office, keeping your conservatory in great condition is key to maintaining its appearance and functionality. This maintenance starts with cleaning.  By keeping your conservatory roof sparkling, not only will you keep natural light streaming in, but you will also reduce the risk of damage, inconsistent temperatures, and annoying leaks. Each of these issues can result in expensive repairs – or even worse, a full roof replacement… If you would like some advice on how to clean your conservatory roof, you are in the right place! Read on to discover our step-by-step expert guide to cleaning a conservatory roof. 

Understanding the Conservatory Roof

Generally speaking, your conservatory roof will be made of either polycarbonate or glass. As these are different materials, you need to approach cleaning them differently. At Highland Homestyle, our team of friendly experts can install: 

• Solid conservatory roofs – insulated roofs that act as an extension of the main house.
• Glass conservatory roofs – perfect for those who want to maximise natural heat and light.
• Polycarbonate roofs – we can install durable Heatshield roofs that help to stabilise the temperature in your conservatory.

Preparing for Cleaning

Make sure the environment is safe before you start cleaning your conservatory roof. If you are using a ladder, ensure it is stable, and have someone on ground level holding it in place. Don’t climb onto the conservatory roof – unlike the other roofing in your home, it isn’t set up to bear a lot of weight. We always recommend using a conservatory ladder rather than a traditional ladder, as it has been designed to allow safe access to your roof for cleaning. You should always wear closed shoes with a good grip, to reduce the risk of slipping. An alternative to a ladder is a telescopic brush. This helps you clean your conservatory roof from below, and the soft head can be used to clean every part of the roof without damage. We recommend this option for anyone afraid of heights! Don’t forget to remove loose debris using a soft brush or a broom. This will make the cleaning process quicker and easier. 

Cleaning Solutions

The final step before you clean your conservatory roof is to gather all your cleaning supplies. Both polycarbonate and glass roofs respond best to mild and non–harsh chemical cleaning solutions. Polycarbonate can be cleaned by mixing warm water and detergent to prevent scratching the panels, while glass needs a conservatory roof cleaning fluid. You will need to have the following on hand: 

• A ladder
• A bucket
• A telescopic brush, soft cloth, or squeegee
• Your chosen cleaning solution
• A garden hose

 Now you’re ready to start cleaning!

Cleaning a Polycarbonate Roof

Polycarbonate roofs are easier to clean than their glass counterparts. The durability of the material makes it harder to damage. Here are the expert steps you should follow to clean a polycarbonate roof:

1. Remove debris with a broom or soft brush
2. Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
3. Use a soft sponge or telescopic brush to gently clean the roof – including the frames, gutters, and windows – removing stains as you go.
4. Once you are happy, rinse the roof using clean water.
5. Dry the roof using a soft cloth.

Cleaning a Glass Roof

Glass can take a little longer to clean, as you can accidentally leave streak marks if you don’t rinse your roof effectively. Always avoid using powerwashers, solvent-based abrasive cleaners, and bleach on your glass conservatory roof, as they can all cause permanent damage. Here are the expert steps you should follow to clean a glass roof: 

1. Remove debris with a broom or soft brush.
2. Rinse your roof using clean water, using a zig-zag motion from the top down.
3. Mix a mild detergent with warm water in a bucket and add it to a squeegee or telescopic brush. You can also use a mild glass cleaner, available in major supermarkets, if you prefer.
4. Wipe each panel of glass in a downward motion. If there are stubborn stains on the frames specifically, use a cream cleanser to remove them.
5. Rinse off each section using a garden hose as you go.
6. Dry your conservatory roof using a soft cloth.

Removing Tough Stains

Sometimes, these steps alone won’t be enough, and you’ll need to take extra measures to remove tough stains from your conservatory roof.Moss and algae are usually the hardest stains to deal with. In either case, mix a special treatment solution or bleach with water at a 50:50 ratio, and apply it to the roof using a sponge. Let it rest for around 15 minutes, then scrub the dirt away using a soft brush. Once you have removed the stains, rinse the roof with clean water. We recommend cleaning your conservatory roof at least twice a year to prevent stains from building up. 

Cleaning Water Spots

The best way to avoid water spots building up on your conservatory roof is to clean it on a cool day. Cleaning in the sunshine is a nicer experience, but the heat dries your roof faster and leaves streaks behind.If you see water spots, rinse your conservatory roof using warm, clean water, then carefully dry it using a soft cloth. This step takes time, but a gleaming finish makes it worth the effort!

Cleaning the Inside of the Roof

Now that the outside of your roof is sparkling, the inside needs to match! Here are the steps you need to take to clean the inside of your conservatory roof. 

1. Remove blinds, curtains, and as much light furniture as possible from your conservatory.
2. Cover your conservatory floor and any remaining furniture with protective sheets.
3. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent.
4. Clean the inside of your roof – including frames – using the spray bottle and a clean cloth.
5. Rinse the cloth in clean water as you go.
6. Leave your roof to dry before removing the protective sheets, setting up your furniture, and reattaching your blinds or curtains.

Cleaning a Large Area

When it comes to cleaning larger areas, a telescopic brush can help you access harder-to-reach areas without safety or injury risks. You might think that a powerwasher can help you rinse off large areas quickly – but they can cause damage to your conservatory roof. Instead, use a garden hose, and make sure it is pointing downwards, rather than into joints or crevices.

Self-Cleaning Options

At Highland Homestyle, we can install roofs made from smart glass – a cutting-edge solution that uses advanced technology to monitor and manage the temperature in your conservatory, depending on the time of year. And these smart roofs have another trick up their sleeve – they are self-cleaning! They have a special coating that activates in the sun to break down dirt and debris, which is then washed away by the frequent Scottish rain.In saying that, self-cleaning roofs require the odd manual clean to keep them working effectively. Always choose a sunny day so that the self-clean coating is active.All you need to do is:

1. Rinse your self-cleaning roof with a garden hose to remove any remaining dirt and debris.
2. Using a soft brush, gently clean the roof. You typically won’t need any kind of cleaning solution, as the self-clean panels will do the rest of the work.
3. Rinse the roof using clean water.
4. Dry each panel.

And that’s it!

Conclusion

We hope that this blog has shown you that cleaning your conservatory roof doesn’t have to be a difficult and time-consuming process.  If you take the correct precautions, equip yourself with the right materials, and follow expert guidance, you can keep your roof looking as good as new and make the most of your investment! At Highland Homestyle, we offer a variety of roof styles that will enhance the look and feel of your conservatory, with options for every style and budget. Based in Perth, we can install solid conservatory roofs and glass conservatory roofs in properties across Perth, Pitlochry, Kinross, Crieff, Auchterarder, Angus, and Fife. Our friendly team are always happy to visit your home to provide a free quotation for your new conservatory roof. Get in touch today!