If the thought of washing your windows every couple of weeks makes you stressed, then self-cleaning glass technology is definitely the solution for you. This environmentally friendly process is an easy way to maintain your windows so that you donât have to worry about it.
What is Self Cleaning Glass?Â
Self cleaning glass has a special hydrophilic and photocatalytic coating on one fact that is activated using UV rays present in daylight. The photocatalytic action breaks down organic dirt that lands on the surface of your windows, preventing anything from sticking to the glass.
How Does Self Cleaning Glass Work?
There are two types of self cleaning glass: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Both types of windows clean themselves using water by rolling droplets down the glazing. However, hydrophilic coatings are based on titania and have an additional property that allows them to chemically break down absorbed dirt in the sunlight. Letâs take a look at the details of these glazing types below.
Hydrophilic Self Cleaning Glass
Hydrophilic self cleaning glass is known as having the âlotus effectâ which basically means it has a very high water repellency, just like the leaves of a lotus flower. This is when the titanium dioxide coating on the glass reacts with UV light to generate electrons that break down organic dirt into tiny pieces which rainwater can wash away.
An easy way to understand how this glass works is to think of a non-stick frying pan. Hydrophilic self cleaning glass panels essentially produce a non-stick surface that water can run off without streaking. These types of window coatings are resistant to scratches and they work on both organic and inorganic dirt alike. Hydrophilic self cleaning glass reduces the need for manual window washing, keeping your windows cleaner for longer.
Photocatalytic Self Cleaning Glass
Photocatalytic self cleaning glass works much the same as hydrophilic self cleaning glass, except that it has an extra coating. This additional coating is titanium dioxide and uses the sunlight to break down dirt on the glazing through a process called photocatalytic decomposition. Once the rain comes, it washes away the dirt. If the weather is dry, you just have to hose down your windows to keep them clean.Â
Due to the coating on the glazing, water that hits the glass spreads out into an even sheet and runs off easily, taking any of the loosened dirt along with it. Because the rainwater runs off evenly, no streaks are left behind and your windows dry quickly. The coating on photocatalytic self cleaning glass windows is strong and has a long life span.
The Benefits of Self Cleaning GlassÂ
- A permanent self-cleaning coating that lasts the lifetime of a windowÂ
- Glass stays cleaner for longerÂ
- Ongoing cost savings with reduced window cleaning billsÂ
- Clear view outside even when itâs raining, thanks to the sheeting effectÂ
- Kinder to the environment with a less frequent use of water and detergentsÂ
- Less dirt and grime adheres to the glass so any cleaning is quick and easyÂ
- Perfect for your conservatory roof and other hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean.
How Long Does Self Cleaning Glass Last?Â
While glass that cleans itself seems like a fix-all solution, your windows will still require care and maintenance, just less of it. There are no windows more low maintenance than self cleaning. If your windows are maintained properly, self cleaning glass can last as long as your windows. The self-cleaning glass we sell will last as long as the lifetime of the glass itself.
No Cleaning Necessary with Self Cleaning GlassÂ
While self cleaning glass will keep your windows clean and clear most of the time, they are not the solution to clean windows all year round. Your windows will still need a wipe down with a wet cloth every now and again. However, self cleaning glass will make your windows significantly lower maintenance than they otherwise would be.
We are Self Cleaning Glass SuppliersÂ
Here at South Coast Home Improvements, we sell and install a wide range of double glazed UPVC windows. You can choose from casement, sliding sash, and tilt and turn windows. We are proud to install windows with self-cleaning glass and high thermal performance. All of our windows are manufactured to the highest standards and installed by our team of expert installers.
Our windows have superb solar glasses with planibel A or Low Iron glasses to ensure your windows stay looking clean and new for longer. Tinted self-cleaning glass also offers excellent aesthetics if you want something a little bit different. If you would like more information or a quote regarding self-cleaning glass cost and how much it would be to incorporate self cleaning glass windows into your home, please feel free to get in touch. We would be more than happy to help!