HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGS WarrantyMaintenanceEXHIBIT "A" — EGS INTERNATIONAL LLC LIMITED WARRANTY
Buyer agrees to accept the following warranty as part of its purchase of the Products and understands that the liability of
EGS International ("EGS") relating to the Products and the installation thereof is limited to the obligation to address warranty
concerns as set forth herein.
THE EGS WARRANTY
EGS warrants that the Products(s) supplied by EGS shall conform to all descriptions and specifications referenced in its
Proposal, including any ASTM standards, and shall be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of one (1)
year from the date of the work performed by EGS. Following notice by Buyer that a Product does not conform the warranty,
Buyer may return the Product at its own expense to EGS and EGS will either confirm or disagree that the Product fails to
conform to the warranty. Products determined by EGS to conform to the warranty shall be held by EGS pending Buyer's
shipping instructions. If EGS determines that a Product fails to conform to the warranty, EGS, at is sole option, shall either
(1) repair the Product, (2) replace it with a product that conforms to this warranty or (3) refund the amount paid by Buyer with
respect to the defective work or materials. Buyer shall bear all transportation costs associated with EGS' repair or
replacement of a nonconforming Product, and shall make all arrangements for transportation to EGS' factory located in the
City of Pembroke Park and State of Florida. Should EGS chose to replace the Product, it shall only be liable for replacement
of the Product, not labor costs, installation costs, or other such expenses incurred as a result of the replacement. In no event
shall the liability of EGS under this warranty exceed the paid purchase price of the Products.
In no event shall this warranty apply to deficiencies in the glass used by EGS, including but not limited to, clarity and
distortion problems, or to deficiencies in the coating, or interlayer delaminating, hazing or edge creep. For deficiencies in the
glass used by EGS or deficiencies in the lamination or coating, Buyer agrees that it is limited to the warranties, if any,
provided by the glass manufacturer and coatings applicator, respectively. This warranty does not apply to Products which
have not been paid for by Buyer in full. This warranty is limited to Products used in the continental United States.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF BUYER
The obligations of EGS under this warranty are expressly conditioned upon the Buyer's fulfillment of each of the following
responsibilities:
1. Buyer shall notify EGS of any deficiencies in the Product in writing within 14 days of the discovery of any such
deficiencies.
2. Buyer shall have paid for the Product purchased from EGS in full.
3. Buyer shall install products in accordance with EGS product approvals, installation manuals/drawings and industry
standards.
4. Buyer shall not subject the Product to misuse, abuse or alteration.
5. Buyer shall provide reasonable care and maintenance to the Product in accordance with industry standards and EGS
maintenance manuals.
6. Buyer shall provide EGS immediate written notification of any alterations, additions, or repairs on or to the Product not
affected by EGS.
Please be aware that the Buyer's failure to fulfill any of the responsibilities enumerated above shall regrettably result in
AUTOMATIC AND EFFECTIVE CANCELLATION OF THIS WARRANTY AND SHALL RELEASE AND DISCHARGE EGS
FROM ANY OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY.
DISCLAIMERS
THIS WARRANTY IS NON TRANSFERABLE AND IS EXPRESSLY MADE IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGES
IN NO EVENT SHALL EGS BE LIABLE TO BUYER, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING
STRICT LIABILITY) FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOVER, WITHOUT
REGARD TO WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE FORESEEABLE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR
LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE, LOSS OF USE OF ANY PRODUCT OR EQUIPMENT, DAMAGE TO OTHER
TANGIBLE PROPERTY, COST OF CAPITAL, COST OF SUBSTITUTE MATERIALS, COST OF DOWNTIME OR DELAYS,
OR CLAIMS OF CUSTOMERS.
THE REMEDIES SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO
THE BUYER FOR ANY DEFICIENCIES EXISTING OR ALLEGED TO EXIST IN THE PRODUCTS. NO WAIVER,
ALTERATION, OR MODIFICATION OF THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE VALID UNLESS MADE IN WRITING AND
SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT OF EGS.
1. SCOPE
1.1 This guide outlines methods, equipment and materials
applicable for cleaning architecturally finished aluminum
after construction and for subsequent periodic
maintenance.
1.2 The methods outlined herein are intended for use on
anodized or painted architectural products whether rolled
or extruded shapes, including window and door frames,
store fronts and entrances, curtain walls, mullions,
columns, panels, hand rails, flag poles and hardware.
1.3 Types of architectural finishes are: anodic coatings,
thermoplastic and thermosetting organic coatings.
2. PURPOSE
This information is intended as a guide for architects,
owners, building managers, contractors and others in the
building industry who are interested in the proper care
and maintenance of finished architectural aluminum.
Herein are described safe, practical methods for cleaning,
maintenance and protection of finished architectural
aluminum.
3. GENERAL
3.1 Anodized Aluminum: As with any finished building
material, anodized aluminum requires reasonable care
prior to and during installation and periodic cleaning and
maintenance after installation. Although anodized
aluminum possesses exceptional resistance to corrosion,
discoloration and wear, its natural beauty can be marred
by harsh chemicals, rough conditions or neglect. Such
conditions usually affect only the surface finish and do
not reduce the service life of the aluminum. However, the
marks resulting from such mistreatment may be
permanent. For example, mortar, cement and other
alkaline materials will quickly corrode anodic coatings if
allowed to dry on the metal surface.
3.2 Painted Aluminum: Organic coatings on aluminum
do not normally show an appreciable amount of dirt
collection. In many atmospheres dirt or soil would not
indicate a detrimental risk to the coating, but cleaning and
surface care may be desirable for the sake of appearance.
Cleaning may become desirable in areas where heavy
industrial deposits have dulled the surface, where
materials from construction processes have soiled the
surface or where cleaner run-down from other surfaces
should be removed.
3.3 Both painted and anodized surfaces, exposed to the
atmosphere, collect soil and dirt, the amount of which
may vary depending on geographic area, environmental
conditions, finish and location on the building. Local
atmospheric conditions as well as building location within
a geographical area quite naturally have an effect on
cleanliness.
More frequent cleaning will be required in heavy
industrialized areas compared to rural areas. Seasonal
rainfall can affect washing frequency by removing water
soluble deposits and less adherent soil. In foggy coastal
regions, frequent cycles of condensation and drying can
create a heavy build-up of atmospheric salts and dirt
which may adhere tenaciously. In climates where rainfall
is low, the opportunity for atmospheric washing of the
surface is minimal. Los Angeles, for example, has a
unique combination of limited rainfall, temperature
fluctuation, smog and condensation. This situation
requires that cleaning be done more frequently than in
other metropolitan areas where rainfall is more frequent.
In both wet and dry climates, recessed and sheltered areas
usually become more heavily soiled because of the lack of
rain washing. Frequent and longer periods of
condensation also occur in protected areas increasing the
adhesion of the soil. This is particularly true of soffit
areas on some overhangs, bottom areas of fascia panels,
sheltered column covers and the like. Periodic
maintenance inhibits long-term accumulation of soil
which, under certain conditions, can accelerate
weathering of the finish. The more frequently aluminum
is cleaned, the easier and less costly succeeding
maintenance is. It is recommended the finish supplier be
consulted for proper cleaning schedule.
3.4 In any case, the aluminum cleaning schedule be
integrated with other cleaning schedules for efficiency
and economy. For example, both the glass and the
aluminum curtain wall on the same building can be
cleaned at the same time. if automatic wall cleaning
equipment is to be used on a building, a test should be
made early in equipment design to insure that the cleaning
solutions, brushes. as well as the frequency of cleaning
have no detrimental effect on the coating.
4. CLEANING PROCEDURES AND
CARE AFTER INSTALLATION
Construction soils, including concrete or mortar, etc.,
should be removed as soon as possible. The exact
procedure for cleaning will vary depending on the nature
and degree of soil. When selecting a method of cleaning
and type of cleaner, consideration should be given to all
other materials that may be adversely affected by the
wash of the cleaning process. Try to restrict cleaning to
mild weather. Cleaning should be done on the shaded
side of the building or ideally on a mild, cloudy day.
AAMA 609 & 610-02 Page 1
4.1 REMOVAL OF LIGHT SURFACE SOIL ON
ORGANIC AND ANODIC COATINGS
Removal of light surface soil may be accomplished by
alternative methods as described in 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3 and
4.1.4. Only trial and error testing employing
progressively stronger cleaning procedures can determine
which will be most effective. Begin the cleaning process
at the top of the building by rinsing an area the width of
the stage or scaffolding to the ground level in continuous
drop with forceful water spray. This should be done at
the beginning and the end of each drop regardless of the
final cleaning materials employed.
4.1.1 The simplest procedure is to flush the surface with
water using moderate pressure to dislodge the soil. If soil
is still adhering after drying, then a mild detergent will be
necessary.
4.1.2 When mild detergent or mild soap is necessary for
removal of soil, it should be used with brushing or
sponging. The washing should be done with uniform
pressure, cleaning first with a horizontal motion and then
with a vertical motion. Apply cleaners only to an area
that can be conveniently cleaned without changing
position. The surface must be thoroughly rinsed with
clean water. It may be necessary to sponge the surface
while rinsing, particularly if cleaner is permitted to dry on
the surface. The rinsed surface is permitted to air dry or
is wiped dry with a chamois, squeegee or lint -free cloth.
4.1.3 Run-down of cleaner (from any operation) to the
lower portions of the building should be minimized and
these areas should be rinsed as soon as and as long as
necessary to lessen streaking, etc., from unavoidable run-
down, lower areas should be kept wet or flooded with
water. Do not allow cleaning chemicals to collect on
surfaces or to "puddle" on horizontal surfaces, crevices,
etc. These should be flushed with water and dried.
Always clean coated surfaces down from top to bottom
and follow with a thorough rinsing with clean water.
(With one-story or low elevation buildings, it is
recommended to clean from bottom up and rinse from top
down.)
4.1.4 Mild soaps or detergents ruled safe for bare hands
should be safe for coated aluminum. Stronger detergents
should be carefully spot tested and may necessitate rubber
gloves, long handled brushes, etc. With any soap or
detergent the finish should be thoroughly rinsed with
clean water and dried. Some mild cleaning solutions,
comprised of selected wetting agents in water solution,
are available for automatic -building -washing machines.
These machines would have built-in brush agitation,
squeegee, filtration and re -circulation; in some, a fresh
water connection may be provided.
4.2 REMOVAL OF MEDIUM TO HEAVY
SURFACE SOIL ON ANODIC COATINGS
4.2.1 If surface soil still adheres after using procedures
under 4.1, cleaning with the assistance of a cleaning pad
can be employed. Hand scrub the metal surface using a
palm -sized nylon cleaning pad. Thoroughly wet pad with
clean water or a mild detergent cleaner or pumice powder.
Start across the top and work down, rubbing the metal
surface in the direction of the metal grain with uniform
pressure. After scrubbing, the metal surface should be
rinsed thoroughly with clean water to remove all residues.
It may be necessary to sponge the surface while rinsing,
particularly if the cleaner is permitted to dry on the
surface. Solvents may be used to remove non -water
soluble deposits. Extreme care must be exercised when
solvents are used since they may damage organic sealants,
gaskets and painted finishes. If solvents are used, rinse
the surface completely with clean water and allow the
surface to air dry or wipe dry with a chamois, squeegee or
lint -free cloth.
CAUTION: These procedures must not be used on
surfaces with a factory applied clear organic protective
coating unless the clear coating has deteriorated and
should be removed. Many organic solvents are
flammable and/or toxic refer to MSDS for proper
handling.
4.2.2 Use of power cleaning tools may be necessary for
removal of unusually heavy soils from large areas
including panels and column covers. In such cases an air -
driven reciprocating machine fitted with abrasive pads
can be employed. During this operation, the surface
being cleaned must be continually wetted with clean
water or mild detergent cleaning solution to provide
lubrication and a medium for carrying away the dirt. The
cleaning solution may be applied to the panels by
sponging or brushing. Water may be applied in the same
manner by spraying from a hose or by utilizing the water
connection on the cleaning machine. The machine is
moved over the metal by the operator with a sufficient
number of overlapped passes to effect maximum cleaning.
The direction of travel with the cleaning machine is
dependent largely upon the geometric configuration of the
surface being cleaned. However, when possible, the
machine strokes should be made first in one direction and
then in a direction perpendicular to the first; (e.g.,
horizontal passes followed by vertical passes). Areas
which are not accessible with the machine must be
manually cleaned as in paragraph 4.2.1.
After an area has been machined scrubbed, it must be
rinsed with clean water and thoroughly scrubbed with a
fairly stiff bristle brush. While still wet, a final water
rinse without brushing completes this cleaning operation.
The rinsed surface should be either permitted to air dry or
wiped dry with a squeegee, chamois or lint -free cloth. It
is important to promptly remove any cleaner rundown
AAMA 609 & 610-02 Page 2
from the uncleaned lower portions of the building to
avoid staining.
4.3 REMOVAL OF MEDIUM TO HEAVY
SURFACE SOIL ON ORGANIC COATINGS
4.3.1 A mild solvent such as mineral spirits may be used
to remove grease, sealant or caulking compounds.
Stronger solvent or solvent containing cleaners may have
a deleterious or softening effect on paints. To prevent
harm to the finish, these types of solvent or emulsion
cleaners should be spot tested and preferably the coating
manufacturer should be consulted. Care should be taken
to assure that no marring of the surface is taking place in
this manner since this could give an undesirable
appearance at certain viewing angles. Cleaners of this
type are usually applied with a clean cloth and removed
with a cloth. Remaining residue should be washed with
mild soap and rinsed with water. Use solvent cleaners
sparingly.
4.3.1.1 It may be possible for solvents to extract
materials from sealants which could stain the painted
surface or could prove harmful to sealants; therefore,
these possible effects must be considered. Test a small
area first.
4.3.2 If cleaning of heavy surface soil has been
postponed or in the cases of an especially tenacious soil,
stubborn stains, etc., a more aggressive cleaner and
technique may be required. Cleaner and technique should
be matched to the soil and the painted finish. Some local
manual cleaning may be needed at this point. Always
follow the recommendations of the cleaner manufacturer
as to proper cleaner and concentration. Test clean a small
area first. Cleaners should not be used indiscriminately.
Do not use excessive, abrasive rubbing as such may alter
surface texture or may impart a "shine" to the surface.
4.3.2.1 Concrete spillage that has dried on the painted
surface may become quite stubborn to remove. Special
cleaners and/or vigorous rubbing with non-abrasive
brushes or plastic scrapers may be necessary. Diluted
solutions of Muriatic Acid (under 10%) may be effective
in removing dried concrete stains, however, a test area
should be tried first. Proper handling precautions must be
exercised for safety reasons. Also, effective proprietary
cleaners for concrete and mortar staining are available.
4.3.3 Never mix cleaners together. The mixing of
cleaners may not only be ineffective, but also very
dangerous. For example, mixing of chlorine containing
materials such as bleaches, with other cleaning
compounds containing ammonia, can result in poison gas
emission.
4.3.4 Always rinse after removal of any surface soil.
4.4 INSPECTION
It is suggested that the building owner provide an
engineer or representative to inspect the cleaning work to
ensure satisfactory clean appearance of the building.
4.4.1 Metal seams, crevices, sills and any other area that
may trap water, cleaner or dirt must be cleaned and
thoroughly dried. These "trap" areas must be hand -wiped
with absorbent towels or cloths to prevent rundown
streaks or "puddling" which will later cause discoloration.
4.4.2 Inspect metal surfaces for any discoloration or
stains not removed during cleaning operations. Soil or
discoloration's still remaining should be manually cleaned
in accordance with sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 until a
satisfactory appearance is achieved. Stubborn surface
soils should be scrubbed in a uniform direction using a
nylon cleaning pad and cleaner solution.
5. CLEANING PRECAUTIONS
Here's a common sense summary of cleaning
recommendations for architectural aluminum finishes.
5.1 Correctly identify the aluminum finish to be cleaned
when selecting an appropriate cleaning method. Check
specifications and/or "as -built" drawings if in doubt as to
the finish.
5.2 Never use aggressive alkaline or acid cleaners on
aluminum finishes. Do not use cleaners containing
trisodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid,
hydrofluoric acid, fluorides, or similar compounds on
anodized aluminum surfaces. Strong solvents or abrasive
cleaners can cause damage to painted surfaces. Always
follow the cleaner manufacturer's recommendations as to
the proper cleaner and concentration. Test -clean a small
area first. Different cleaners should not be mixed.
5.3 It is preferable to clean the metal when shaded. Do
not attempt to clean hot, sun -heated surfaces since
possible chemical reactions on hot metal surfaces will be
highly accelerated and non -uniform. Also, avoid cleaning
in freezing temperatures or when metal temperatures are
sufficiently cold to cause condensation. Surfaces cleaned
under these adverse conditions can become so streaked or
tainted that they cannot be restored to their original
appearance.
5.4 Apply the cleaning solution only to an area that can
be conveniently cleaned without changing position.
Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water before
applying cleaner. Minimize cleaner rundown over the
lower portions of the building and rinse such areas as
soon as practical.
5.5 Strong cleaners should not be used on windows and
AAMA 609 & 610-02 Page 3
other building accessories where it is possible for the
cleaner to come in contact with the aluminum. Solutions
of water and mild detergents should be tried first. if an
aggressive cleaner is required for some other component
of the building, care must be taken to prevent the cleaner
from contacting the aluminum finish.
Note: Care should be taken 10 avoid over spray or run off
of cleaner onto other buildings components such as
glazing materials, weatherstripping sealants, etc.
5.6 Do not use excessive abrasive rubbing to remove
stubborn stains. Such procedures can produce an
undesirable appearance or adversely affect the finish.
5.7 The type and frequency of cleaning and coating will
vary with the amount of atmospheric soil and dirt
accumulated on the surfaces and the owners desires
regarding appearance. Periodic re -application and wipe -
on surface protectants will assist in maintaining the
appearance and reduce the cleaning required.
AAMA 609 & 610-02 Page 4
Cardinal I G
Company
Glass Cleaning
Recommendations
The Glass Association of North America (GANA) has
published the attached glass cleaning recommendations
titled "Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass
Products". The recommendations in this publication can be
used for commercial as well as residential glass products.
These recommendations should be followed to reduce the
opportunity of damage to glass surfaces during cleaning.
One excerpt from this publication specifically recommends
that glass not be cleaned by use of sharp tools such as
large razor knives or razor blades.
"The glass industry takes extreme care to avoid
glass scratches by protecting all glass surfaces
during glass manufacturing and fabrication, as well
as during all shipping and handling required to
deliver the glass to the end user. A large percent-
age of damaged glass results from non -glass
trades working near glass. This will include paint-
ers, spacklers, ironworkers, landscapers, carpen-
ters and others who are part of the construction
process. They may inadvertently lean tools against
the glass, splash materials onto the glass and/or
clean the glass incorrectly, any of which can
permanently damage glass."
CARDINAL'S RECOMMENDATIONS
One of the common mistakes made by non -glass trades
people, including glass cleaning contractors, is their use
Bulletin #IG13 - 07/04
of razor blades and other scrapers on a large portion of
the glass surface. Using metal blades to scrape a window
clean carries a large probability for causing irreparable
damage to glass.
Cardinal recommends that metal blades never be used
to remove materials from glass surfaces. Any use of a
metal blade or other inappropriate or destructive clean-
ing techniques is at the risk of the owner/window cleaner
and Cardinal's warranties do not cover glass scratching
caused by the use of metal blades.
GLASS PROCESSING - MANUFACTURING HISTORY
During manufacturing and processing, glass surfaces
are exposed to a number of processes and materials,
which can leave a residue on the glass surface. During
the manufacturing of float glass, coated glass, tempered
glass and insulating glass, the glass surfaces are exposed
to vacuum cups, rollers, packaging materials (paper,
cardboard, foam, cork, hot melt, etc.), glass production
labels and the window manufacturer's labels.
These materials that come in contact with glass surfaces
during glass processing, window fabrication and instal-
lation can leave a residue on the glass that is not visible
under normal viewing conditions. These residues may
become visible when moisture is present on glass (i.e. rain
water, condensation, etc.) and is not considered to be a
glass defect and glass should not be replaced because of
this condition.
By following the recommendations in this publication,
scratching of glass products should be significantly
reduced and the cleaning recommendations listed will
ensure that the glass will be cleaned according to industry
recommendations.
Glass Information Bulletin GANA 01-0300
Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products
Architectural glass products play a major role in the comfort of living and working environment of today's homes and commercial office
spaces. By providing natural daylight, views of the surroundings, thermal comfort and design aesthetics, glass usage and condition
often affect our selection of where we live, work, shop, play and seek education.
Architectural glass products must be properly cleaned during construction activities and as a part of routine maintenance in order to
maintain visual and aesthetic clarity. Since glass products can be permanently damaged if improperly cleaned, glass producers and
fabricators recommend strict compliance with the following procedures for properly cleaning glass surfaces.
As dirt and residue appear, interior and exterior glass surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned. Concrete or mortar slung which runs
down (or is splashed on) glass can be especially damaging and should be washed off as soon as possible. Before proceeding with
cleaning, determine whether the glass is clear, tinted or reflective. Surface damage is more noticeable on reflective glass as compared
with the other glass products. If the reflective surface is exposed, either on the exterior or interior, special care must be taken when
cleaning, as scratches to the reflective glass surface can result in coating removal and a visible change in light transmittance. Clean-
ing tinted and reflective glass surfaces in direct sunlight should be avoided, as the surface temperature may be excessively hot for
optimum cleaning. Cleaning should begin at the top of the building and continue to the lower levels to reduce the risk of leaving residue
Bulletin #IG13 07/04 Pagel of 3
+ Cardinal I G
Cornp my
Bulletin #IG13 - 07/04
and cleaning solutions on glass at the lower levels. Cleaning procedures should also ensure that the wind is not blowing the cleaning
solution and residue onto already cleaned glass.
Cleaning during construction activities should begin with soaking the glass surfaces with clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt
or debris. Using a mild, non-abrasive commercial window washing solution, uniformly apply the solution to the glass surfaces with a
brush, strip washer or other non-abrasive applicator. Immediately following the application of the cleaning solution, a squeegee should
be used to remove all of the cleaning solution from the glass surface. Care should be taken to ensure that no metal parts of the cleaning
equipment touch the glass surface and that no abrasive particles are trapped between the glass and the cleaning materials. All water
and cleaning solution residue should be dried from window gaskets, sealants and frames to avoid the potential for deterioration of
these materials as the result of the cleaning process.
It is strongly recommended that window washers clean a small area or one window, then stop and examine the surface for any
damage to the glass and/or reflective coating. The ability to detect certain surface damage, i.e. light scratches, may vary greatly with
the lighting conditions. Direct sunlight is needed to property evaluate a glass surface for damage. Scratches that are not easily seen
with a dark or gray sky may be very noticeable when the sun is at a certain angle in the sky or when the sun is low in the sky.
The glass industry takes extreme care to avoid glass scratches by protecting all glass surfaces during glass manufacturing and fabrica-
tion, as well as during all shipping and handling required to deliver the glass to the end user. A large percentage of damaged glass
results from non -glass trades working near glass. This will include painters, spacklers, ironworkers, landscapers, carpenters and others
who are part of the construction process. They may inadvertently lean tools against the glass, splash materials onto the glass and/or
clean the glass incorrectly, any of which can permanently damage glass.
One of the common mistakes made by non -glass trades people, including glass cleaning contractors, is their use of razor blades or
other scrappers on a large portion of the glass surface. Using 2, 3, 4, 5 inch and larger blades to scrape a window clean carries a large
probability for causing irreparable damage to glass.
The entire industry of glass manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, and installers neither condones nor recommends widespread
scraping of glass surfaces with metal blades or knifes. Such scraping will often permanently damage or scratch the glass surfaces.
When paint or other construction materials cannot be removed with normal cleaning procedures, a new 1" razor blade may need to
be used only on non -coated glass surfaces. The razor blade should be used on small spots only. Scraping should be done in one
direction only. Never scrape in a back and forth motion as this could trap particles under the blade that could scratch the glass. This
practice may cause hairline concentrated scratches, which are not normally visible when looking through the glass, but may be visible
under certain lighting conditions.
Jobsite storage and construction conditions can lead to stains on the glass surface. Cleaning and removal of such stains may require
the use of a more aggressive cleaning solution and procedure. If conditions are found that cannot be cleaned using the above proce-
dures, contact the glass supplier for guidelines on stain removal.
Members of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) publish information relating to jobsite protection and cleaning of archi-
tectural glass products. In order to ensure long-term performance of the glass in a building, GANA encourages glazing contractors,
general contractors, building management and owners to be aware of conditions that can damage glass and to follow the handling
and cleaning guidelines provided by their glass producer and fabricator.
Consult the GANA website (www.glasswebsite.com) for additional information on glass and glazing applications and links to members
providing additional technical resources.
The Glass Association of North America (GANA) has produced this Glass Information Bulletin solely to provide general information as
to basic proper procedures for cleaning architectural glass products. The Bulletin does not purport to state that any one particular type
of glass cleaning process or procedure should be used in all applications or even in any speck application. The user of this Bulletin
has the responsibility to ensure the cleaning instructions from the glass supplier are followed. GANA disclaims any responsibility for
any specific results relating to the use of this Bulletin, for any errors or omissions contained in the Bulletin, and for any liability for loss
or damage of any kind arising out of the use of this Bulletin.
Bulletin #IG13 07/04 Page 2 of 3
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S�ERVICE BULLETW� � '�-�''�'ua'-�'
QUICK -REFERENCE GUIDE TO CLEANING
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS PRODUCTS
The following "Do's" and "Do Not's" are offered as a
supplement to the Glass Association of North America
(GANA) Glass Informational Bulletin — Proper Procedures
for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products:
The following are things to DO:
• DO clean glass when dirt and residue appear
• DO determine if coated glass surfaces are exposed
• DO exercise special care when cleaning coated glass
surfaces
• DO avoid cleaning tinted and coated glass surfaces in
direct sunlight
• DO start cleaning at the top of the building and contin-
ue to lower levels
• DO soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap
solution to loosen dirt and debris
• DO use a mild, non-abrasive commercial window
cleaning solution
• DO use a squeegee to remove all of the cleaning solu-
tion
• DO dry all cleaning solution from window gaskets,
sealants and frames
• DO clean one small window and check to see if proce-
dures have caused any damage
• DO be aware of and follow the glass supplier's specific
cleaning recommendations
• DO caution other trades against allowing other materi-
als to contact the glass
• DO watch for and prevent conditions that can damage
the glass
• DO read the entire GANA bulletin on glass cleaning
before starting to clean glass
Bulletin #IG13 - 07/04
The following are things to NOT DO:
• DO NOT start cleaning without reading the entire
GANA bulletin on glass cleaning
• DO NOT use scrapers of any size or type for cleaning
glass
• DO NOT allow dirt and residue to remain on glass for
an extended period of time
• DO NOT begin cleaning glass without knowing if a
coated surface is exposed
• DO NOT clean tinted or coated glass in direct sunlight
• DO NOT allow water or cleaning residue to remain on
the glass or adjacent materials
• DO NOT begin cleaning without rinsing excessive dirt
and debris
• DO NOT use abrasive cleaning solutions or materials
• DO NOT allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to
contact the glass
• DO NOT trap abrasive particles between the leaning
materials and the glass surface
• DO NOT allow other trades to lean tools or materials
against the glass surface
• DO NOT allow splashed materials to dry on the glass
surface
The information in this Technical Service Bulletin is subject to the
disclaimers and other limitations appearing in the DISCLAIMER that
accompanies this Bulletin and at ygyyv&dCSilL�atQ41fJ.,G.S�n':.
OCcpyrlght 2004 Cardinal IG Company
Bulletin 4IG13 07/04 Page 3 of 3