Self cleaning glass, fact or fiction?

Self-cleaning was once described as â€Ŕan impossible dream”, but apparently now thanks to an intensive research and development programme by the World’s leading glass manufacturer, Pilkington self-cleaning glass is neither fiction or an old wives tale (well so Pilkington “claim”!). Yes it can even deal with bird droppings!

Pilkington Activ, the World’s first self-cleaning glass has a unique dual action that harnesses the forces of nature to keep the glass free from organic dirt, providing a surface that requires less cleaning, whilst also at the same time delivering clearer, better-looking windows.

The secret of Pilkington Activ is a special coating that reacts with ultra-violet (UV) rays from natural daylight (which works even on overcast days and during the night) to break down and disintegrate organic dirt.

Organic dirt generally comes from livings plants and creatures (i.e. tree sap or fingerprints or bird droppings, whilst inorganic dirt comes from non-living sources (i.e. cement or plaster dust etc.). The special coating needs 5-7 days exposure to daylight to activate fully. Self-cleaning glass really is no myth, as its special coating breaks down organic dirt, whilst reducing the adherence of inorganic dirt.

When rain water runs down self-cleaning glass it washes away the loosened dirt away (both organic and inorganic), as the special coating causes water droplets to spread out to form a â€Ŕsheet”, enabling dirt particles on the surface to be easily picked up by water and washed off the glass. Inorganic dirt will only be removed by water. Compared with conventional glass, the water on self-cleaning glass dries very quickly, reducing unsightly streaks or marks.

The special coating on Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass can break down even heavy deposits of organic dirt, but does need UV light reaching the glass to enable the breaking down process to work. So during long dry dusty spells, or if windows get heavily soiled, it is advisable to clean the glass using a hosepipe to replicate rainfall or a soft cloth and warm soapy water to enable the process to start all over again. Please note that a period of reactivation may be required, which again is typically 5-7 days.

The beauty of Pilkington Activ’s special coating is that it lasts the lifetime of the glazing itself according to Pilkington, as it will not be worn away or rubbed off under normal conditions. The coating is integral to the glass, it will not flake or discolour, and can only be affected if the surface itself is damaged, for example, by abrasive cleaners or steel wool. The coating is environmentally friendly, containing harmless chemical substances already found in the home (i.e. in bath oils and toothpaste). In fact as only small amounts of cleaning agents are ever needed, self-cleaning glass is kinder to the environment that normal glass, which needs regular cleaning.

Self-cleaning glass can be installed on almost any exterior application, such as windows, conservatories and glass roofs. According to Pilkington Activ Glass self cleaning glass can be installed vertically or at an angle of 10 degrees or more, although Pilkington advise Activ is most efficient at an angle of 30 degrees. Self-cleaning glass is ideal for inaccessible windows where organic dirt normally collects like skylights. Specialists and authorized Pilkington suppliers Hazlemere Windows, Doors and Conservatories advise that self-cleaning glass will prove ineffective if installed under an overhang or in a position where daylight and/or rain cannot reach it, as it has been designed for exterior use only. Hazlemere also advises that self cleaning glass is not 100% self cleaning, as inorganic matter will still need to be cleaned off the windows, and any organic dirt where there is not a cycle of rainfall.

That said, self-cleaning glass is an excellent long term investment, as over a period it will save time and money, plus from the cleaning standpoint it is far safer than ordinary glass windows, particularly for conservatories. The difference between standard double glazing and self cleaning glass is considerable.