Congratulations! Whether it is a patio cover, conservatory, solarium or sunroom – you have purchased a high quality Sheppards product that will give you many years of service and enjoyment. As with any product that is exposed to the outdoor elements, regular maintenance will keep your purchase looking and functioning at a level that will continue to provide a source of pride of ownership.

A couple of notes on safety:

  1. Always employ a qualified electrician if you are adding or modifying electrical devices associated with your purchase.
  2. Let a professional do any work required on the roof. Your installing dealer will definitely be the best source of this help. While many products are capable of holding the weight of an individual some are not. Also, metal and/or glass roofs are very slippery when wet or iced over.

 

Cleaning tips and cautions:

ALUMINUM Paint Finish Cleaning
In addition to their enduring good looks, Sheppards aluminum products are easy to maintain. Airborne pollutants, however, such as emissions from autos can cause an acidic build-up on any baked enamel product surface. This can easily be removed by periodic cleaning with any household detergent. Simply mix a few teaspoons of automotive car wash liquid in a bottle or hose sprayer and apply liberally to all exposed surfaces, then rinse freely.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE ABRASIVE OR SOLVENT-TYPE MATERIALS OR PAINT REMOVER. THOSE MATERIALS MAY SOFTEN OR REMOVE YOUR BAKED ENAMEL FINISH.

To Remove Mildew
Black spots on the surface of your aluminum product may be caused by mildew. Watch carefully for it, especially on protected surfaces, such as beneath eaves or in patio enclosures. To eliminate mildew, prepare the following solution:

  • 1/3 cup detergent (example: Tide)
  • 2/3 cup tri-sodium phosphate (example: Soilax)
  • 3 quarts of water
  • 1 quart 5% sodium hypochlorite (example: Clorox)
  • Mix ingredients together and apply with sponge or cloth to mildewed

areas. Wear protective gloves and avoid skin contact.

CAUTION: GREATER CONCENTRATIONS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ALUMINUM FINISH. AVOID SKIN CONTACT. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING AND RINSING GIVEN ABOVE.

 

GLASS Cleaning
Wash the glass in your sunroom or conservatory with warm water and a mild detergent. A commercially available glass cleaner (Windex, etc.) will work as well. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may scratch or otherwise damage the glass surface. Do not use razor blades to scrape the glass surface. Do not use solvents or other harsh chemicals on any part of your sunroom or conservatory.

CAUTION: DO NOT WALK ON GLASS ROOFS. SERIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT! DO NOT WASH YOUR SUNROOM, PATIO ROOM OR CONSERVATORY WITH A POWER OR PRESSURE WASHER.

 

ACRYLIC Skylights and Roof Panel Cleaning
Use warm water and a mild detergent if necessary. If using a detergent rinse with plenty of water.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE COMMERCIAL GLASS CLEANERS (EG: WINDEX) TO CLEAN ACRYLIC SKYLIGHTS AND ROOF PANELS. THESE PRODUCTS WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE ACRYLIC.

CAUTION: DO NOT WALK ON ACRYLIC ROOFS. SERIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT!

 

GUTTER Cleaning
Just as your house gutters require regular cleaning so do the gutters on your new Sheppards roof. You can use the same approach to cleaning them as you do on your regular house gutters.

If you have purchased a Sheppards sunroom or solarium which you intend to heat in the winter and live in a location that experiences very cold winters we highly recommend that you have heat strips installed in your gutters. A qualified electrician will be able to do this for you.

 

INSECT SCREEN Care and Cleaning
We recommend you remove your insect screens during the colder parts of the year. They can be cleaned with soapy water and a garden hose in the spring.