Self-cleaning glass could be the perfect solution for hard-to-reach windows in your home, such as in conservatories, skylights or upper storey windows. Self-cleaning windows are available in a range of designs so can be used in most styles of property.
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What is self-cleaning glass?
It does exactly what it says on the tin; self-cleaning glass is simply glass that keeps itself clean using a combination of technologies to maximise performance and durability.
Self-cleaning glass is a special type of glazing used in windows which has a coating on the outside that means dirt and grime can’t stick to the surface and water simply leaves the surface without the dirty streaks we’re used to with conventional windows.
It uses an organic process, explained fully below, which removes the need for external window cleaning, making it a very useful solution for windows that are hard to access and clean conventionally.
With no elbow grease required to keep these windows clean, self-cleaning glass is becoming an ever more popular choice for homeowners.
How do self-cleaning windows work?
Self-cleaning windows work in a two-stage process, where the coating uses the natural elements to activate the cleaning function.
- Firstly, daylight reacts with the coating to break down organic dirt that lands on the windows
- Secondly, when rainwater hits the window, instead of forming droplets, it spreads evenly and takes the dirt with it
- In dry spells, using a hose spray will have the same effect to effortlessly remove dirt from the glass
- The coating enables the windows to dry quickly, leaving a surface that remains streak-free once the dirt and water has run off.
The benefits of self-cleaning glass vs other windows
There are several different benefits to installing self-cleaning windows over standard types of glazing, including:
- Year-round clean windows without any time or effort required
- Save on window cleaning bills as no external cleaning of windows is required
- Environmental benefits, as no detergent is needed to keep the windows clean, with the natural elements of sun and rain all that is required
- No health and safety concerns for cleaning windows, such as wobbly ladders and heavy buckets
- Despite needing sunlight to activate the cleaning process, self-cleaning windows are designed to work even on cloudy days
It’s worth remembering that the inside of self-cleaning windows will still need to be manually cleaned just as any standard windows do. It’s also worth noting that self-cleaning windows are only designed to work for organic dirt and not things like sand or salt deposits, so might not be suitable for all coastal homes.
For many homeowners, the benefits of self-cleaning windows, especially for areas of the home such as conservatories, skylights and upper storey windows, far outweigh these minor drawbacks and make this form of glazing a highly practical solution.
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Self-cleaning windows FAQs
We’ve answered some of the most common questions asked about our Self-Cleaning Windows to help provide you with all the information you need when making a choice about the best glazing solution for your home.
The cost of self-cleaning glass will vary widely, depending on the size and number of windows that you are looking for, the materials used for the windows themselves (uPVC, Timber or Aluminium) and whether you also combine self-cleaning technology with other features, such as extra noise protection.
As a rough rule, self-cleaning windows generally come in at about 20% more than equivalent standard windows. As well as the cost of the window units themselves, you also need to factor in installation costs.
Our team can provide an accurate quote for self-cleaning windows if you contact us with your requirements.
Self-cleaning glass is designed to last for as long as the usual life of windows, which depends very much on the materials used for the windows and how they are maintained. For example, if the windows are cleaned using harsh abrasive solutions and scrubbing, this can scratch off the coating and stop the windows from working as effectively.
If maintained according to the instructions provided, in a non-coastal area, most installations of self-cleaning windows can last 20+ years.
Self-cleaning windows do offer a range of benefits, but the decision on whether these are worth the additional cost will very much depend on the individual and what’s important to them. For those who value time and effort-saving measures, and want to save on ongoing maintenance costs, installing self-cleaning windows could well be worth getting.
While self-cleaning windows do a great job of keeping the exterior of the glass clean and free from streaks, it might be the case that if there is no rainfall for an extended period, you may need to use a hose to spray the windows and activate the cleaning process.
You will also need to clean the interior of self-cleaning windows just as you would for any conventional window, as the coating is only on the exterior of the glass.
If you live in a coastal area, you may also need to occasionally clean the outside of your windows with a soft cloth to remove any sand and salt deposits.
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