Pilkington Activ™
The world's first self-cleaning glad
With advanced dual action for superior results
Your guide to Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass
A revolution in glass
Self-cleaning glass has been described as an impossible dream. Yet, following an intensive research and development programme by Pilkington Activ&trade investors of the universally used float glass process, and the world's leading glass manufacturer Activ&trade new Pilkington Activ™ does just that.
Its unique dual-action uses the forces of nature to help keep the glass free from organic dirt, giving you not only the practical benefit of less cleaning, but also clearer, better-looking windows.
This brochure has been designed to answer all the questions you may have about Pilkington Activ™ and how it works.
Exactly what is self-cleaning glass?
Pilkington Activ™ is an ordinary glass with special coating on the outside that has the unique dual-action. Once exposed to daylight, the coating chemically reacts in two ways. First, it breaks down any organic dirt deposits and second, rain water 'sheets' down the glass to wash the loosened dirt away.
Does the special coating change the glass?
From certain angles it has a slightly greater mirror effect than ordinary glass, with a faint blue tint. Otherwise, the glass is just like any other.
Can it be scratched or rubbed off?
The coating is securely bonded to the glass – so it can only be affected if the surface of the glass 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.
How long will it last?
Tests have shown that the coating will 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 toothpaste and paint. In fact, with only small amounts of cleaning agents needed, Pilkington Activ™ is kinder to the environment than ordinary glass.
How Pilkington Activ™ works
What do you mean by dual-action?
The secret of Pilkington Activ™ lies in its special coating, which works in two stages:
Breaking down organic dirt
- Using a 'photocatalytic' process, the coating reacts with ultra-violet rays from natural daylight to break down and disintegrate organic dirt.
Washing dirt away
- The second part of the process happens when rain water hits the glass. Because Pilkington Activ™ is 'hydrophilic', instead of forming droplets the water spreads evenly over the surface, and as it runs off takes the dirt with it. Compared with conventional glass, the water also dries off very quickly and dies not leave unsightly 'drying spots'.
How long does the self-cleaning operation take?
The coating works continuously, with dirt being washed away whenever it rains.
Does Pilkington Activ™ work straight away?
After it has been fitted, the coating on the glass takes about five days to activate itself. For the best results, after installation and initial cleaning, by the installer, the windows should be left until the coating activation period is completed before any cleaning is undertaken.
Will this process work even when the glass is very dirty?
The coating will eventually break down heavy deposits. However, if the surface is so dirty that UV light cannot reach the glass, the self-cleaning action will not take effect. In such cases, clean the glass with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and I few days the process will have re-activated.
What happens if it does not rain for some time?
Normally, rainfall or hosing with water will be enough to keep your windows clean. In dry spells though, your windows can be washed off with a soft cloth and warm soapy water.
What about cloudy days and at night?
The coating needs only a small amount of UV radiation to activate the coating – so it works on overcast days and the water sheeting effect will last through the night.
- The sun shines on the windows
- Sunlight triggers the Pilkington Activ™ coating
- Reaction loosens organic dirt
- Rain water hits window and sheets down glass
- Dirt is washed away by rain
- Window is left clean
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I have Pilkington Activ™ in my windows?
All insulating glass units incorporating Pilkington Activ™ have the Pilkington Activ™ hologram on the coated surface. When installed the hologram is on the external face of the window.
What is a 'photocatalytic' effect?
This is the name given to the chemical reaction involving UV rays from natural daylight, oxygen and the special costing on Pilkington Activ™ that breaks down and loosens organic dirt particles from the glass.
What does 'hydrophilic' mean?
It literally means 'attracting water', and is the opposite of 'hydrophobic' (water-repellent). Basically, it means water spreads evenly over the surface of the glass to form a thin film that washes away and dries off quickly without leaving unsightly 'drying spots'.
Can the coating be replaced?
As the coating lasts as long as the glass itself, there will be no need for a fresh coating.
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%.
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 is not suitable for interior use.
Can it be combined with other types of glass?
Pilkington Activ™ can be combined with other Pilkington glass products in double glazing 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.
Will my windows ever need cleaning?
The glass is designed to reduce the amount of maintenance 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 is simply an indication that the costing is working well and the oil-like stains will be washed away next time it rains.
I can see rainbow colours on the glass. What is 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?
The self-cleaning coating will remove organic deposits, such as fingerprints or tree sap, but dust generally contains chemicals that will not fully decompose. To remove it before the next rainfall, simply spray the glass with water.
Can ink or paint be removed?
The coating cannot break down ink or paint, so these 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 on the surface.
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 from the glass completely. This build up may stop UV rays from activating the cleaning process. Clean the area by first flushing off the dirt with water, the wiping with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
The benefits of Pilkington Activ™?
- The World's first self-cleaning windows
- Work even on cloudy days and during the night
- Breaks down and loosens even heavy soiling
- Can be used in almost any external application
- Will not be worn away or rubbed off
- Lasts the lifetime of the glazing itself
- Can be identified by its unique authenticity hologram sticker on every unit
- Easily cleaned during dry spells by hosing down or wiping with a soft cloth and warm soapy water
- Created and manufactured by the world's leading glass producer – Pilkington
- Can be laminated or toughened to give increased safety, security and/or acoustic performance
- Can be used in conjunction with other Pilkington glass products to provide increased energy efficiency and save on heating bills
Pilkington Activ™ and the logo are trademarks of Pilkington Plc.