Commercial Window Cleaning: The Downsides Of Self-Cleaning Glass

It is easy to see why the idea of self-cleaning glass is so appealing for commercial property owners. There’s certainly something futuristic about windows that wash themselves!

The problem is, though, that many people don’t realise self-cleaning glass still needs to be cleaned by a professional cleaner if you want sparkling windows all year round.

So, while there are situations where the technology is incredibly useful (e.g. for use in hard-to-reach windows, such as roof dormers), and it helps to keep your windows smart and shiny in-between cleans, self-cleaning glass definitely has quirks that are best dealt with by a professional commercial window cleaner. Here are just some of the downsides of self-cleaning glass.

It Relies On Sunshine And Rainwater

Self-cleaning glass is just like regular glass, except that it is coated with a special film. This film can either be hydrophobic (meaning it repels water) or hydrophilic (it attracts water and causes it to spread out into a thin layer on the glass, making any dirt break down).

The technology is activated by ultraviolet light from the sun, which means that, if the window is in a place that does not get much sunlight, or there is not much rain for a period of time, the self-cleaning glass may not work properly, leaving streaks, smears or dirt on the windows.

It Cannot Clean Off Stubborn Dirt

Self-cleaning glass is designed to rid itself of light dirt marks caused by rain and perhaps air pollution, but it is not able to clean off harder bits of grime like bird droppings. As such, you will still need to call out a professional window cleaner to remove stubborn dirt like this.

The Special Film Can Be Scratched Easily

The coating on the self-cleaning glass is very thin (it’s about 15 nanometres thick!), so any cleaning has to be done delicately in order to avoid damaging the film.

Non-abrasive tools should be used so as not to scratch the coating, and the windows should be washed with pure water (an eco-friendly cleaning solution that is free from harsh chemicals).

By hiring a professional window cleaner, you can rest assured that your self-cleaning glass won’t be accidentally knocked by an awkwardly positioned ladder or a rogue water-fed pole.

Self-Cleaning Glass Is A Costly Option

A window unit made from self-cleaning glass generally costs about 20 per cent more than a standard double-glazed unit of the same size and description, so it is certainly a pricier option than regular glass.

Whether or not you have self-cleaning glass in your commercial building in the U.K, we can provide expert cleaning that brings a flawless shine to your windows. Contact us at Aquamark Cleaning today to find out more.