Self-cleaning glass can significantly reduce the amount of cleaning and maintenance required for exposed glass surfaces. This glass coating is particularly useful on hard-to-reach glass or in environments more exposed to the elements and chemicals, such as marine environments.
How does self-cleaning glass work?
The self-cleaning coating is applied to the outer face of the glass, known as face 1, filling all the microscopic pores and cracks on the surface of the glass. This creates an extremely smooth outer surface, where the coating provides a resistant, smooth surface that allows for easy cleaning and makes it harder for dirt to accumulate.
The invisible coating does not affect the appearance, light transmission, or reflectivity of the glass panel, making it ideal for large glass installations and structural glass roofs.
Beware of the term “self-cleaning glass.”
It would be more accurate to call this type of glass “low-maintenance glass” rather than self-cleaning, as occasional cleaning of the glass surfaces will still be required. However, the frequency of cleaning will be significantly reduced, and the glass units will be much easier to clean.
When to use self-cleaning glass
We recommend using self-cleaning glass in lakeside areas and near swimming pools, as the extra chemicals in the atmosphere can stain the surface of the glass. For a self-cleaning coating to be effective in glass roof structures, it is recommended to have a minimum roof slope of 25 degrees.
Self-cleaning glass for shower enclosures: myths and real benefits
Self-cleaning shower glass can actually reduce limescale buildup. The anti-water spotting and anti-limescale treatment on shower glass can be very helpful, but don’t expect it to keep the glass perfectly clean all the time. While maintenance will certainly be less than that of a standard shower glass, we are still far from achieving perfection in this area.
If you’re interested in the cutting-edge advancements in this field, I recommend reading this interesting article about a new type of self-cleaning, anti-fog, and anti-glare glass developed at MIT in the USA.
