The Pros and Cons of Self-Cleaning Windows

Windows are a key aspect of the look and feel of your home. Not only are they visible inside and out, but they also determine the flow of light and air and can be used as decorative features.

But if your home or office has several windows or they are not easily accessible, keeping them clean can become a real problem. Cleaning them yourself can be a dangerous task involving ladders and telescopic lenses. On the other hand, pairing a professional window cleaner can quickly add up.

Don’t worry, self-cleaning glass could be the answer to your prayers. 

At Manchester Window Factory, we have over 25 years of experience producing and installing all different types of glazing, from sliding sash and casement windows to doors and conservatories.

Our Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass windows are becoming an increasingly popular choice for home and business owners who enjoy the year-round benefits of self-cleaning glass.

In this blog, we’ll outline the pros and cons of self-cleaning windows, so you can decide how relevant each benefit or issue is. That way, you can make an informed choice about whether self-cleaning glass will suit your home and lifestyle. 

How does self-cleaning glass work?

Before we get to the pros and cons, we should probably explain what we mean by ‘self-cleaning’ glass and how it works.

Firstly, the name isn’t accurate, as the glass doesn’t so much clean itself as it stays much cleaner for far longer than traditional windows. It is more accurately called ‘low-maintenance glass’.

This is due to a treatment process where a microscopic coating is applied to the interior, exterior, or both, making it water and oil resistant. The coating is titanium dioxide, a white powdery substance which can also be in toothpaste and paint. Because the layer applied is ultra-thin (10-25 nanometers deep) on usually a 4mm thick pane of glass, the light transference and clarity are only very minimally and not noticeably reduced (about 5% light reduction).

Titanium oxide is used because it takes the sun and makes chemical reactions. The ‘self-cleaning’ effect is achieved by the coating working with the natural light from the sun to break down organic dirt, such as bird poop and leaves etc, which lands on the windows. 

Unlike other coatings, which sit on top of the glass and wash or wear away over time, the coating permanently bonds to the glass, lasting at least 10 years but often far longer. 

Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass is also solar-controlled. In the summer, it absorbs the sun’s energy and then reflects it away from the building. In the colder months, it allows some of the sun to penetrate to help heat the room to a comfortable temperature.

How does self-cleaning glass work in dry areas? 

Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays penetrate enough to keep the window coating working as intended. This is because titanium oxide uses ultraviolet (UV) rays to generate the chemical reactions described above. UR rays are those which can cause us to suffer sunburns even on cloudy days because they are high-energy rays we can’t see.

Most glass dislikes water (hydrophobic), and beads or rivulets tend to form on its surface. The coated surface is ‘water-loving’ (hydrophilic), and ensures water does not form droplets on the window. Instead, it spreads evenly to avoid streaking and takes surface dirt away. Water, dirt and oil run off the windows, drying quickly to a streak-free finish.

If there is a dry spell, you can use a hose to achieve the same effect.

The advantages of self-cleaning windows

The benefits of self-cleaning glass include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Your windows always look clean
• You save time and money as you won’t need to clean the windows or hire a window cleaner
• This also means you avoid the safety risks associated with cleaning windows
• The process is eco-friendly, as no detergent is required to clean the windows 
• Great for windows which are not easily accessible
• Ideal for hard water areas (60% of the UK)
• The windows are not dependent on specific weather conditions
• The coating does not obscure the view or prevent the flow of natural light
• It is also solar-controlled to filter harmful rays and withstand degradation from the sun
• Most glazing can be replaced with self-cleaning glass
• The coating should last the lifetime of the window itself
• The self-cleaning glass increases curb appeal for potential buyers

Save time and money cleaning your windows

For many, this is the biggest benefit of self-cleaning glass. We all have windows in our homes and offices, and most glass leaves us with three options:

1. 1. Leave them dirty – This isn’t a desirable idea for obvious reasons, including the fact that eventually, the windows can get so dirty you can no longer see anything out of them. It can also cause damage to the glass or frame.
   2. Clean them yourself – It takes a long time to clean the exterior windows in the average family home, let alone an office which may have more glazing. It can also be dangerous, particularly concerning the windows on the highest levels. You may also lack the necessary equipment such as telescopic brushes /wipers.

• Pay a professional window cleaner – A professional window cleaner will likely do a much better job, and bring their equipment to complete the task. However, such skills and the dangerous aspect of the job mean this service can quickly become expensive, especially if you have a lot of windows to clean.

With self-cleaning windows, you no longer need to weigh the cost of professional window cleaners versus your time and safety.

Ideal for hard-to-reach windows

Not only that, but some exterior windows are highly inaccessible. For example, skylights in pitched or gable roofs may require you to scale the roof to clean them. 

Having self-cleaning glass in such hard-to-reach windows eliminates this problem. 

Other uses for self-cleaning glass

It’s not just roofs or hard-to-reach areas that can benefit from self-cleaning glass. It is also an ideal choice for indoor swimming pools, where the high levels of chlorine and condensation can quickly make untreated glass look dirty and stained. You will require a UV light source, however.

Likewise, if you live by the seaside, the heavy salt particles in the air can quickly dirty ordinary glazing.

Those living in areas of significant air pollution, such as near busy roads, train stations or airports, can also expect their windows to become dirty quicker and more frequently. Self-cleaning glass can be essential for maintaining a clean home in such areas.  

Last but not least, having self-cleaning glass in interior areas where small hands or paw prints are likely to reach – such as conservatories – can help reduce your housework.

There are many designs to choose from

Self-cleaning glass can be installed in many areas, from standard windows and doors to skylights and conservatories. As such, we have made these clever, low-maintenance windows available to our customers in a great range of designs to suit any home or commercial building.

The disadvantages of self-cleaning windows

There aren’t many disadvantages of self-cleaning glass, but there are a few things you need to consider before going ahead with your purchase, such as:

• Cost – self-cleaning windows are around 15-20 per cent more expensive than standard glazing 
• Self-cleaning is a constant and slow process, so your glass may not always look as fresh and clean as you might like
• It takes between 12-48 hours for the titanium oxide to absorb enough energy to create the necessary chemical reactions for the self-cleaning process
• The coating can be damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive materials
• You will still need to wipe them down every so often and clean the interior if only the exterior glazing is coated

Still, there is no denying self-cleaning windows are by far the most low-maintenance option for your home or business premises. 

We provide self-cleaning glass for your home, conservatory, or commercial building in a wide range of styles.