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Self Cleaning Glass Windows

No streaks glass for conservatories
Auto cleaning glass for high rise buildings
Cleaning coating and without

Self Cleaning Glass Windows With Microscopic Coating

Removing the need for maintenance with glass that cleans itself.

What is self cleaning glass? Self cleaning glass windows have an ultra thin coating of titanium dioxide. This covering is applied to the external part of the glass and reduces light passing by a small percentage.

The process to self clean is known as hydrophilic. It relies on the ultraviolet rays from the sun to activate the titanium dioxide coating on the glazing for a chemical reaction which attacks the dirt and contaminants’ chemical properties to reduce into smaller manageable matter which is easily washed away by rain.

Hydrophobic glass also self cleans where the coating applied has a process which repels water in order to prevent dirt and grime from bonding to the glazing. The water forms into droplets or beads and it gathers more contaminants up as it rolls off the glass for a clearer surface area.

Advantages

  • 1
    Save Time & Money

    As you no longer need to clean windows, you save that time and can focus on other jobs. Paying for a hired window cleaner on a regular basis usually add to your bills, but with these self-cleaning windows you save that amount each time.

  • 2
    No Risk Of Injury

    Window cleaning is a hazardous job. The statistics demonstrate that accidents are common in this field which includes ladder falls and falling through weak structures. Going up a ladder with a bucket of soapy water can cause the ladder to wobble dangerously and may result in a serious injury.

    The Health and Safety Executive are aware of the risks for working at height and have legal guidelines in using the right equipment depending on the location of the window. If you have to use scaffolding each time you need to clean your glass that is on the first or second floor, you can expect a hefty bill. With self-cleaning glass windows, you can avoid all that hassle and relax knowing that your glass is constantly cleaning by itself.

  • 3
    Optional Coatings

    You can get windows with optional coatings to suit your needs. Speak to our advisers if you need to match your existing setup and we’ll advise on the best outcome. Bolton Glass Fix can provide glass with blue tints which reduces solar glare or inner coatings for improved energy efficiency with heat-reflecting properties.

Disadvantages

  • 1
    More Expensive

    Self clean windows are up to 20% more expensive than ordinary glazing and when you purchase for a large property, the total can amount to a huge sum. However, it can recover the extra cost through the savings of not using a window cleaner on a regular basis. The benefit is there particularly if you have a lot of windows and they are hard to reach.

  • 2
    Not Instant Results

    With self-cleaning windows, it is always regarded as a clean in progress due to the slow process of the special coating that breaks down dirt and grime. It relies on both sun and rain to enable the cleaning process. If there has been no rain for a while, it can affect the windows and may need hosing down. Due to the continuous nature of the cleansing film, it is not possible to achieve the instant sparkling clean results of a window cleaner.

To Order Your Self Cleaning Glass Windows Call Us

Hydrophobic or hydrophilic coated glazing service for your home or business needs
Call Bolton

Frequently Asked Questions


  • Can I use self cleaning glass indoors but in a high place?

    Using such glass indoors require ultraviolet light to activate the hydrophilic layer for cleaning and access to water to clear away the dirt. If you can fulfil these requirements, then it is possible.

  • Are detergents safe to use on the specialist coating?

    For maintenance, we do no recommend using any strong detergents, harsh glass cleaning, or silicone based agents on these self clean layers as they can be abrasive and damage the coating. Use warm diluted soapy water and clean cloth to wipe clear.

  • Can it clean and remove bird droppings?

    A lot of self cleaning glass are unable to completely remove bird droppings which is classed as organic contaminant. However, there is Pilkington Activ glass with their special photocatalytic coating that is able to do this satisfactorily. Speak to our advisers for more information.

  • Will it work on a window where I don't get enough direct sunlight?

    Yes, as the amount of ultraviolet light that is require to activate the cleaning process is fairly low. There is enough exposure to sunlight even for those windows that are North facing where there is less direct sunlight.