Self Cleaning Glass
Put the chore of window cleaning behind you thanks to low-maintenance, self-cleaning glass!
After an intensive research program, Pilkington Activ™ is here and available to you right now.
Manufactured by Pilkington it allows organic dirt to be washed off the double glazing glass every time it rains or is hosed down, and is ideal for double glazed windows and conservatories. Self-cleaning double glazing is an ordinary float glass with a special photo catalytic coating. It is made by chemically bonding and integrating a microscopically-thin surface layer to the exterior surface of clear glass of the double glazing.
The integrated coating reacts to the sun's ultraviolet rays to gradually and continuously break down organic dirt through what is called a photo catalytic effect. In other words photo catalytic means that the active integrated coating on the outside of the double glazing absorbs the sun's ultraviolet rays. This causes a reaction on the surface which breaks down dirt and loosens it from the glass.
This type of glass also has hydrophilic properties, meaning that rain flows down the pane as a sheet, washing away the dirt instead of, as with normal glasses, leaving the dirt behind. As a result of these two effects, the special self-cleaning coating keeps the glass cleaner for a longer period than with normal glass in applications where it is exposed to the rain.bevels are ideal for Conservatories.
Natural breakdown
The environmentally friendly improvement is a result of a lengthy process of research and development, begun in the early 1990s, into "thin film" technologies.
- "It took five to seven years from lab to the production line."
- "Each time harsh chemicals are used, they are washed off into ground, which produces contamination. What we say here is that you can just spray water on top."
There is an additional safety benefit too:
Normal glass (left) and Activ (right) makes for clear views.
Each year people are killed and hurt using ladders to clean windows. This should now reduce because you can use a hose pipe to reach the first floor windows."
Some frequently asked questions about Pilkington Activ™
Does Pilkington Activ™ work immediately?
After an initial period of about one week the glass will absorb enough UV light to trigger the Pilkington Activ™ coating. This reaction will then start to break down and loosen dirt.
Does Pilkington Activ™ work all of the time?
Pilkington Activ™ is constantly cleaning, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That's because once activated it only requires a small amount of UV light to produce the reaction that breaks down and loosens dirt. So Pilkington Activ™ works when it's cloudy and even at night.
How long does the self-cleaning process last?
Tests on Pilkington Activ™ show that it will keep on working beyond the expected lifetime of the double glazing unit itself. And because the coating is bonded to the glass it will not be worn away or rubbed off-in fact the only way it can be damaged is it the glass itself is damaged, such as scraping it with metal or another sharp object.
Does Pilkington Activ™ work on heavy soiling?
Pilkington Activ™ works to loosen and break down all organic soiling, including deposits such as bird droppings. This ensures that particularly heavy soiling is easily cleaned away by rinsing with water from a hosepipe or by using a damp cloth. The coating is then naturally re-activated by the sun's UV rays after a few days.
How easy is it to clean Pilkington Activ™ if you need to?
Your windows may need cleaning if there has been a prolonged dry spell, or if they are heavily soiled. However, cleaning will be much easier and will need to be undertaken much less frequently. You won't need any special cleaners and under normal conditions a simple hosing down with water will suffice.
Where can Pilkington Activ™ be used?
Pilkington Activ™ can be used in almost any exterior application, such as windows, conservatories, facades and glass roofs. It can be installed in both vertical and angled glazing applications. Pilkington Activ™ is especially useful for inaccessible windows where dirt normally collects, like skylights for instance.
How do I know I have Pilkington Activ™ in my windows?
Pilkington Activ™ can be identified using a unique hand-held detector on the coated surface you with be provided with a Pilkington Activ™ installation certificate along with information on care of the units.
Is Pilkington Activ™ environmentally friendly?
Yes, in every way-including application, installation and use. Furthermore, Pilkington Active requires less cleaning and no chemical cleaners or detergent, making it even kinder to the natural world.
Benefits
Self-cleaning glass does not need to be cleaned as frequently as normal glass. However it is not 100% maintenance free. It is kept clean using natural elements present in UV light from the sun and rain so the “chore” of window cleaning is considerably reduced.
- Less frequent cleaning – windows stay cleaner for longer
- Much easier cleaning – less dirt and grime adheres to the glass
- Save money – the cost of window cleaning is reduced
- Ideal for hard to reach areas – such as roofs
- Permanent coating – lasts the lifetime of the window itself
- Environmentally friendly – less frequent use of water and detergents
Self-cleaning glass can be combined with many other products for multi-functional glazing, such as thermal and solar control, noise reduction and enhanced safety and security.
WARNING:
Some household silicone based cleaners and polishes can have adverse effects on the performance of self clean glass.
Alternative products:
Various manufacturers have now all launched alternative products - Saint Gobian Bio Clean™, Reflex, ™ K2 Celsius™ some of which have been specially designed for roofs that include a solar reflective tint.
We would be pleased to discuss self cleaning glass as an upgrade to your quotation.
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