Heavy Rain Marks on glass

[PapaBlaze]

Hi Everyone 

Has anyone got a solution for removing these extremely heavy rain marks from this glass roof? 

Its a a lot worse than it looks in the photo. If you look at the top of the glass you can see some of it and they run all the way down to the bottom. 

Thanks. Simon. 

 

[Tuffers]

That's lead staining mate.

 

[PapaBlaze]

Thought it might be.  Is there any way to get rid of this lead staining from this roof. ??‍

 

[spruce]

Thought it might be.  Is there any way to get rid of this lead staining from this roof. ??‍

My advice = don't get involved. You are a window cleaner - you clean the dirt off of windows. This is specialised territory. The cheapest and easiest way of a guaranteed way of getting rid of the staining is by replacing the glass panels and the lead flashing that's causing the problem.

 

[Tuffers]

My advice = don't get involved. You are a window cleaner - you clean the dirt off of windows. This is specialised territory. The cheapest and easiest way of a guaranteed way of getting rid of the staining is by replacing the glass panels and the lead flashing that's causing the problem.

I agree with spruce, WFP and pure water will never shift those stains. It could be self cleaning glass so even if you decided to get up close by using a conny ladder chemicals would be the only answer, then you'd ruin the glass. This staining is not your problem unless you're a glass restorer and not a window cleaner by trade.

 

[PapaBlaze]

Cheers guys. 

I thought as much but its always nice to know if there there is something I might be missing. 

Its not self clesning glass glass but I wouldn’t get involved in it anyway. 

Happy Christmas. ???

 

[AGlassAct]

Sorry guys I disagree - although I charge accordingly for removing lead stains it is worth it. Bar keepers friend made in to a paste and magic sponged on. On average it takes 3-4 minutes extra on a panel like that. Only issue you’ll get is they will come back pretty soon but as long as they are given a tickle once in a while they will stay sparkling.


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[seymour sunshine]

As it's a white stain, it's lead carbonate (PbCO3) formed when the lead oxide reacts with the weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater forming carbonic acid. The lead carbonate is insoluble in water and alcohol. It is slightly soluble in acids and alkalis.

This website discusses exactly the issue here and near the bottom down there's a respondent who used Cilit Bang complete with before and after photos. Another had success with Hob Brite. One respondent successfully used concentrated HCl, but I wouldn't go down that route: (a) it's a very dangerous chemical and (ii) the end product lead chloride itself is only weakly soluble in water.

http://www.scienceforums.net/topic/41135-cleaning-stains-on-glass/ 

Personally, I'd avoid the job as I wouldn't want to be getting up close and personal with a conny roof.

 

[Clisty1989]

As it's a white stain, it's lead carbonate (PbCO3) formed when the lead oxide reacts with the weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater forming carbonic acid. The lead carbonate is insoluble in water and alcohol. It is slightly soluble in acids and alkalis.

This website discusses exactly the issue here and near the bottom down there's a respondent who used Cilit Bang complete with before and after photos. Another had success with Hob Brite. One respondent successfully used concentrated HCl, but I wouldn't go down that route: (a) it's a very dangerous chemical and (ii) the end product lead chloride itself is only weakly soluble in water.

http://www.scienceforums.net/topic/41135-cleaning-stains-on-glass/ 

Personally, I'd avoid the job as I wouldn't want to be getting up close and personal with a conny roof.

cillit bang does work, but id never do a job like it again, once is enough

 

[AGlassAct]

I’ve tried most chemicals, Cilit bang didn’t work for me or hob brite. The only thing that’s powered through all the ones I’ve done is bar keepers friend. I quite enjoy doing it - and charge a hefty premium for the privilege as I know not many people will take it on. A test patch half way down the glass usually seals the deal!!!!


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[Dave B]

Oxalic acid will sort that easily

Not a big issue