Short answer
Bay windows are part of a normal outside clean; they just have more panes and angles. Conservatory side glass is usually cleaned the same way, with pure water from the ground. Conservatory roofs are different: they need a look at access and safety first, and some can’t be cleaned safely from the ground. Tell me about both when you ask for a quote.
What makes bay windows different?
A bay has several panes at different angles, often with a small roof above and a deep sill below. More panes and more frame means more time. The roof above a bay can drip dirt onto the glass, so I rinse it where I can reach. The sill catches everything that runs down, so ask me about having sills done too.
Can you clean the roof above a bay?
The flat or lead top of a bay is often reachable with the pole, and I rinse it where I can. I don’t climb onto bay roofs. If moss or debris has built up there, tell me and I’ll say what I can do.
What about conservatory side glass?
Conservatory side panels are usually cleaned like any other window: the brush works on the glass and pure water rinses it. Conservatory frames often collect green film in the corners, so ask me about frames too.
Why do conservatory roofs need a look first?
Roof glass or polycarbonate is often large, shallow and hard to reach. The HSE’s guidance on window cleaning says to avoid working at height where reasonably practicable. A pole can reach some roofs from the ground, but not all, and I won’t lean a ladder against a conservatory. So I look at the size, the angle and what’s around it before I say yes.
Roof windows set into a pitched roof are covered in cleaning skylights and roof windows.
What about polycarbonate roofs?
Polycarbonate is softer than glass and can scratch. A soft brush and pure water are gentle, but if your roof is old, cloudy or cracked, cleaning won’t make it clear again. I’ll tell you honestly what to expect.
What should I tell you?
- How many bays and how many panes.
- Whether you have a conservatory, and whether the roof is glass or polycarbonate.
- Roughly how big the conservatory is, and what’s around it: fences, flower beds, sheds.
- Whether the frames are uPVC, timber or aluminium.
Put it in the notes on the quote form. How to get an accurate quote has the full list.
Can inside conservatory glass be cleaned?
The inside of the side panels, yes, by hand like any inside window. The inside of the roof is harder to reach safely, and I’ll tell you if I can’t do it.
How long does a conservatory add?
It depends on its size, the number of panels and how dirty the frames are. A small lean-to adds a little; a large conservatory with lots of panels adds more. Time depends on the size and access, so I’ll tell you when I quote. How long does a window clean take? explains what else changes the time.
Why do bay and conservatory frames go green?
Corners, ledges and the bottom rail of a frame hold water after rain, and anything that stays damp in the shade can grow a thin green film. Bays and conservatories have more of these corners than a flat window. Cleaning them regularly keeps the film from building up and stops it running onto the glass when it rains, so ask me about frames and sills.
Will the water run into my conservatory?
It shouldn’t, if the seals and roof are sound. A brush and a rinse are gentle compared with a heavy downpour. If you know of a leak, or a panel that lets water in, tell me and I’ll avoid that area or take extra care.
Common questions
Do bay windows cost more?
They take longer, so they’re part of what the quote reflects. I’d rather quote the time it actually takes than a flat rate.
Will cleaning fix a green roof?
Light green film on conservatory frames and glass usually comes off. Deep moss or algae on a roof may need a specialist, and I’ll say if so.
What about leaded or small-paned bays?
They take longer, but they’re cleaned the same way.
Do you clean gutters on conservatories?
No, I clean windows.
