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Exactly what is
self-cleaning glass?
Pilkington Activ™
is normal glass with a special coating on the outside
that has a unique dual action. Once exposed to
daylight, the coating firstly breaks down any organic
dirt deposits and secondly, causes rain water to
‘sheet’ down the glass to wash the loosened dirt away.
What effect does the
coating have on the glass?
Very little, other
than keeping it cleaner for longer! It has no effect on
its strength, and only reduces the amount of light and
energy that passes through by about 5%. From certain
angles it has a slightly greater mirror effect than
normal glass, with an attractive faint blue tint,
giving it a clearer, brighter appearance.
Can it be scratched or
rubbed off?
The coating is
integral to the glass – so it can only be affected if
the surface itself is damaged; for example, by pointed
objects, abrasive cleaners or steel wool. Our tests
have also shown it will not flake off or discolour,
either.
How long will the
coating last? Can it be replaced?
The coating has been
proven to last as long as the glass itself.
Is it environmentally
friendly?
Yes. The coating
contains harmless chemical substances already found in
the home, in such things as bath oils and toothpaste.
In fact, with only small
amounts of cleaning agents needed,
Pilkington Activ™ is kinder to the
environment than normal
glass.
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,
which your installer should have available.
Where can Pilkington
Activ™ be used?
Almost any exterior
application, such as windows, conservatories, façades
and glass roofs. It can be installed vertically or at
an angle, and is especially useful for inaccessible
windows where organic dirt normally collects, such as
skylights. It has been designed for exterior use only.
Can it be combined
with other types of glass?
Pilkington Activ™ can be combined with
other Pilkington glass products in insulating
glass units to provide
benefits such as thermal insulation, noise reduction,
solar control
and
fire protection. Additionally, Pilkington Activ™ is
available in toughened or
laminated form for
increased safety and security. |
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Will my windows ever
need cleaning?
The glass is designed to
reduce the amount of cleaning required. If cleaning is
necessary, it will be much less frequent and will be
much easier than with conventional glass. This may
occur during long dry spells or if your windows are
heavily soiled.
How easy is it to
clean Pilkington Activ™?
Normally a simple hosing
down with water will suffice, but you can also use a
soft cloth and warm, soapy water. No special cleaners
are required, and the coating will naturally
re-activate after a few days.
What do
silver-coloured areas or grease stains on the surface
mean?
This happens
occasionally when the organic particles are broken down
on the surface It means that the coating is working and
the oil-like stains will be washed away next time it
rains.
I can see rainbow
colours on the glass. What’s that?
This occurs during the
accelerated drying process and will disappear once the
glass is dry.
What if dust collects
on the surface during dry weather?
Pilkington Activ™ will remove organic
deposits, such as fingerprints or tree
sap, but it will not
break down inorganic dirt. To remove inorganic dirt
before the next rainfall, simply spray or hose the
glass with water.
How can I remove ink
or paint?
Ink or paint will have
to be carefully removed from the glass using a soft
cloth and methylated spirits. Never use scouring
agents, steel wool, razor blades or other hard objects
which will scratch the glass.
How can I stop the
formation of drops and dirt on the bottom of the pane?
In exceptional cases,
dirt may be washed to the bottom of the pane and is not
washed away completely. This build up may stop UV rays
from activating the cleaning process. Clean the area by
first flushing off the dirt with water, then wiping
with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
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