UPVC Roofline products are often sold on the fact that it is maintenance free, however this statement is far from the truth,unfortunately just like any other surface known to man UPVC will get dirty. Installations need cleaning about 12- 18 months but a property near a dirty environment i.e. A busy main road may need cleaning more often. Another part of the system that may need cleaning is inside of the gutter, debris and leaves can block a gutter and stop it working properly if left.
If you need to use a ladder for cleaning, like always, ask a friend to foot the ladder or use ladder stabilisers, Do not attempt to climb a ladder if you don’t feel 100% safe and be careful where you place the top of the ladders, do not place on gutter or UPVC if it can be helped, these type of surfaces tend to be very slippery especially if it gets wet.
To clean the inside of the gutter, you will need a small trowel and bucket, start from the downpipe and work to the end of the gutter. If when your finished there is still a little debris left in the gutter wash away with water from a hosepipe.
With the general cleaning of UPVC all you need is a mild detergent, the easiest way is to apply with a spray bottle. Spray the surface and give the detergent a minute to work, wipe off with a damp cloth and finish off with a dry one. This should keep your system looking clean and new for years to come.
The longer you leave the installation between cleaning the harder it is to clean and stronger chemicals will have to be used. For UPVC that looks dull and grimey a UPVC Cream Cleaner will be necessary, don’t make the mistake of buying a UPVC Cleaner that is a solvent or spirit based cleaner as this sort of cleaner will not get rid of grime. There are many specialist UPVC Cream Cleaners on the market but a non-abbrasive Cream Cleaner will do the same job.
Follow the instructions on the bottle but usually cream cleaners tend to leave a residue, a quick spray of mild detergent out of a spray bottle and a wipe with a clean cloth should leave your installation gleaming again. For any marks that wont come off with cream cleaner try a little white spirits or solvent cleaner. These cleaning tips can also be used on UPVC Windows and doors.
Steve Roberts has over 10 years business experience in fitting UPVC roofline products which includes Soffits, Fascias, Guttering and Downpipes, for more useful information go and visit http://www.spafascias.com
