Initially it is important to stress to never use harsh cleaners or chemicals on your treated/coated surfaces as it may damage the coating and the underlying surface.

How does the coating work?

When viewed under a microscope, standard glass actually has a pitted surface to which water, lime scale and soap scum can latch to. This builds up with everyday weather and environmental elements. The glass will then require regular cleaning and scrubbing just to keep them clear, clean and hygienic.

Taking its inspiration from plants, our coating forms an invisible and smooth Nano (measured in nano-metres) shield. This shield prevents the collection and building up of dirt and grime.

The hydrophobic (water repelling) properties of the coating cause water to run off freely, washing away residue and dirt as it goes.

Better for the environment

This coating is truly eco-friendly. In a manner of speaking, water and rain does the cleaning for you, so it’s more hygienic and with fewer bacteria there’s NO need for harsh chemical cleaners – which is a viable way to stop this horrid chemical pollution and is kind to the environment

Similar to the way Teflon®-coated cooking pans make cleaning easier, our coating dramatically reduces the cleaning required, making it less of a burden and less frequent.

If you follow the maintenance tips below will ensure many years of satisfaction from this wonderful coating.

Care and maintenance

Cleaning method: Wet the surface and use a nylon sponge to wipe it down, rubbing in a circular motion. You should feel any ‘sticky’ places becoming smooth again. Then rinse or spray the surface with clean water, let the water drain off and wipe dry.

Maintenance and care vary substantially according to the type of application (treated surface type and location/exposure) and the abrasion which the treated material is exposed to. Abrasion means any mechanical (such as windshield wiper on an automobile) or non-mechanical force (such as wind or dust) affecting the treated product. Thus, an exterior architectural glass structure exposed to all kinds of weather conditions will require much different maintenance and care than an interior application.

While our coating does make treated surfaces water and oil repellent, stain and scratch resistant, among other properties, and lasts for a long period of time (years in most cases), maintenance time is guaranteed to be reduced, depending on the application, by as much as 50% and up to 90% AND eliminates the need for any harsh, expensive and toxic chemical cleaning sprays.

Once treated with the coating, will I still need to clean the surface?

Our coating reduces cleaning time but it does not eliminate it entirely. It is similar to the development of non-stick cooking pans. While you can cook food in uncoated pans, it is so much easier to clean if you cook with non-stick pans. While you still must maintain your glass with a coated surface, the time and effort required are significantly reduced.

The subject of self-cleaning glass in the building industry and on balconies in particular has become a most interesting topic for self builders and architects alike.

Mr. Effi Wolff, Balcony’s MD was asked to bring some like on this topic by the editor of Refurb & Renew magazine.

This article is featured on page 20 and 21 of  the March/April edition of Refurb & Renew magazine.

This can be viewed online at: http://www.wavcoms.co.uk/emags/RRmagazine/2011/RR8926_2011MAR/pageflip.html

Refurb & Renew magazine  is printed with a circulation of 10,900 and it also appears on-line and is emailed to 22,000 named on-line specifiers.

Speaking after the popular Excel 2011 event, General Manager Lesley Woodcraft said: “We had a great response to our stand, securing new orders and closing a number of deals at the show. These included some visitors who purchased more products from us while they were on the stand.”

Property developers, architects and prospective customers thronged the stand, along with current private customers who gave feedback and expressed their satisfaction with existing installations.

“One customer who had ordered one curved patio door and a fixed curved window wanted a quote for three curved patio doors instead. Inquiries also included a Scottish builder wishing to become a Balcony Systems dealer and an architect seeking balustrading. It was a very positive show for us,” added Lesley.

Balcony Systems’ products are innovative and simple to install, opening up limitless design possibilities for all types of new build and refurbishment projects. An optional self-cleaning glass coating is also available across the entire product range of curved patio doors, glass balustrading and Juliette balconies to greatly reduce maintenance.

Replacing an old wrought iron balcony with a glass and aluminium one from Balcony Systems has not only given Ivan Starkey clear sea views with much lower maintenance; it’s also helped to cure his leaking flat roof.

Fixed down with stainless steel brackets and with no clamps to spoil the view, the new 20 metre-long balcony at his Leigh-on-Sea home makes the most of coastal vistas from two living rooms.

Mr. Starkey says: “The old wrought iron balcony’s upright supports were screwed to the roof joists and eventually caused water penetration through hairline gaps. Installing a new balcony has solved this problem.

Ivan adds: “I like everything about the Balcony Systems product; clarity, very light, very nice and so easy to keep clean. There’s no maintenance – an essential factor when living next to the sea – as the balustrade resists the corrosive effects of salt. The service was absolutely fantastic too; I would certainly recommend the company.”

By modifying two standard upstairs windows in their home, that was originally built around a decade ago,  to create French windows with glass Juliette balconies. The Spellmans wanted to take full advantage of the glorious countryside views.

Adding light to a property can transform its appearance, as well as enhancing its use and the general well-being of its occupants. Glass and aluminium Juliette balconies from Balcony Systems help homeowners to achieve these aims, as Nigel and Jo Spelman from Droxford in Hampshire discovered.

Having felt the upstairs living rooms were ‘out of touch’ with the garden and the south-facing views, they decided to cut down the brickwork and let in the light with floor to ceiling glazing. Researching balconies lead them to Balcony Systems and a successful outcome for their project.

“Whether standing or seated our field of vision now extends from our garden below through to the distant horizon and the sky,” says Nigel. “This has improved the look and our use of the house tremendously, particularly as our principal reception rooms are on the first floor. As we were originally planning to have a wrought iron balcony, having seen the excellent result in glass we’re very glad we went down that route.”

He continues: “We are very pleased with the Balcony product and absolutely delighted with how the new full length windows with their glass Juliette balconies have worked out.  We were hoping that the balconies’ aluminium handrails would not appear obtrusive and any concerns have proved unfounded.”

The couple also chose Balcony Systems’ self-cleaning glass coating for both Juliettes and find this a great maintenance-saving bonus in terms of reduced cleaning.

Future plans include an extension at the back of the house with a first-floor sunroom – possibly with curved patio doors – and a sweeping glass-sided veranda with walkway linking the upstairs of the house to the upper level of the garden.

“We shall certainly think of Balcony Systems as a potential supplier for this next and more ambitious phase,” adds Nigel.

Glass balustrade forms an internal balcony around a central ‘double-height’ area at the back of the house. “It’s the ‘wow factor’ of the house, linking the upstairs and downstairs while reflecting the open-plan nature of the house. I had considered structural glass, but Balcony’s anodised aluminium handrail gives a better feeling of security and matches the interior décor,” says Alexa.

“The balustrade is much-admired by all who see it and people rush up to it. They feel safe leaning over and having a chat. It’s so solid and well put together.”

Alexa surveyed and measured for the balustrade herself, adding: “Balcony’s technical guys were marvellous and their advice made the installation as smooth as possible.”

Paul and Brenda Reach replaced a timber balcony with Balcony Systems’ low-maintenance balustrading, adding a second one above off a new open-plan 24 foot square reception area.

Says Paul: “We got such a good deal from Balcony Systems that we did both to match! We wanted a toughened glass balcony and easily obtained an immediate online quote from their website. It worked for us!

“Balcony’s service was brilliant. They sent a sample balustrade section for our builder to test with the steel beams supporting the balcony and he was very impressed. The balconies are fantastic, transforming the open views from our home, which is on a 45-degree hill. We now get a full view of the river.”

GET QUOTES ONLINE at www.balconette.co.uk/RailingSHOP/

Its stand B124 at Excel from April 30 to May 8 will demonstrate how its innovative and simple-to-install products open up limitless design possibilities for all types of new build and refurbishment projects.

Balcony’s unique system relies on the aluminium handrail to provide all the required strength, so in many cases, straight or curved balustrades require no vertical supports. This allows unobstructed views to the outside and more light inside.

Distinctive curved patio doors combine practicality with panoramic views, transforming buildings with an added ‘wow’ factor. They feature two, three, four or six panels in various sliding or fixed combinations.

An optional self-cleaning glass coating is also available across the entire product range to greatly reduce maintenance.

For more details, contact Balcony www.balconette.co.uk on 01342 410411 or email enquiries@balconette.co.uk.

To order tickets for the show go to: http://www2.seetickets.com/

Juliette for a reasonable price

Innovative design using the handrail to support the glass means there are no vertical posts or ugly clamps to obscure the view. With 28 different models available and handrail finishes in white, silver, bronze or Royal Chrome, glass Juliette balconies achieve a clean, contemporary look for a surprisingly reasonable price.

For bulk orders, Balcony Systems can supply standard or bespoke sizes and finishes in a range of RAL colours to suit any client specification and budget.

“Introducing our Juliette balcony to the UK has revolutionised this market, allowing housebuilders and developers to install a niche product for a sensible cost. The beauty of glass, rather than railings, creates a more aesthetically-pleasing and appealing external appearance that helps to sell homes,” says Effi Wolff, Balcony’s Managing Director.

“Our bulk offer is aimed specifically at the newbuild market, enabling purchasers to benefit from a pricing structure tailored to their needs,” he adds.

An important factor

Pierre Borlesi, Managing Director of contractors Novaplus Ltd, ordered 24 Juliettes from Balcony Systems for The Gateway, a two and three-bed apartment complex in Haywood, near Rochdale. Affordability was an important factor in his selection.

“When searching for a glass balcony to meet the project specification, we found Balcony Systems on the internet. It’s a good product at the right price. Everyone is impressed with it, including the architect,” he says.

“As a first-time user of a glass Juliette balcony, we were very pleased with the simplicity, appearance and easy installation of the system. I think we’ll now set up an account,” adds Pierre.