Self-cleaning glass has been described as an impossible dream. Yet, following an intensive research and development programme by Pilkington – inventors of the universally used float glass process, and the world’s leading glass manufacturer – new Pilkington Activ™ does just that.
Its unique dual action uses the forces of nature to help keep the glass free from dirt, giving you not only the practical benefit of less cleaning, but also clearer, better-looking windows.
What do you mean by ‘dual-action’? – The secret of Pilkington Activ™ lies in its special coating, which works in two stages:
1) Breaking down organic dirt
First, the coating reacts with ultra-violet (UV) rays from natural daylight to break down and disintegrate organic dirt. Organic dirt is defined as having come from living plants and animals (e.g. bird droppings or tree sap), while inorganic dirt comes from other, non-living sources (e.g. cement or plaster).
2) Washing dirt away
The second part of the process happens when water hits the glass. Rain water runs down the glass to wash the loosened dirt (both organic and inorganic) away. Inorganic dirt will only be removed by water. Compared with conventional glass, the water dries very quickly, without leaving unsightly streaks or marks.
How long does the self-cleaning operation take?
– Pilkington Activ™ works continuously, with dirt being washed away whenever it rains.
Does Pilkington Activ™ work straight away?
– After fitting, the coating on the glass takes about five days to activate itself. For the best results, after installation the windows should be left until the coating has activated before any cleaning is undertaken.
Will this process work even when the glass is very dirty?
– The coating will eventually break down even heavy deposits of organic dirt. 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 in a few days the process will have re-activated.
Double Glazing Leeds uses Pilkington K Glass™ in the fabrication of most products which makes our double glazing as effective as triple glazing and cuts fuel bills. Pilkington K Glass™ provides a comfortable environment for occupants by keeping buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter (solar control) or prevents heat escape from the buildings (thermal insulation).
Pilkington K Glass™ – How does it work?
Pilkington K Glass™, which usually forms the inner pane of a double glazing unit, allows less heat to escape through your windows than ordinary glass. Thanks to a special energy-saving coating which lets the sun’s rays through, but reflects heat from fires and radiators back into your home. Heat which ordinary double glazing allows to escape.
Increased comfort and savings!
The unique properties of Pilkington K Glass™ mean you can turn down your thermostat and still remain just as comfortable. This can result in savings of up to 50% more than that of other double glazing units fitted without energy-efficient glazing. Did you know that space heating accounts for about 60% of energy used in the home?
Reduced condensation.
Pilkington K Glass™ also significantly reduces unsightly internal condensation. Condensation forms when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as conventional glass. The energy-saving coating on our glass makes the surface warmer to the touch, so condensation is reduced.
Eliminates cold spots.
Ordinary glass offers poor insulation, so uncomfortable cold spots close to windows are a common problem. Double glazing can alleviate this to an extent, but only double glazing with Pilkington K Glass™ has the total solution. It provides superior insulation, making the inner pane of your window much warmer. This eliminates cold spots, and increases useful floor space.
Perfect for conservatories.
Better insulation and no cold spots near windows makes Pilkington K Glass™ perfect for conservatories. In fact, it will typically keep an unheated conservatory comfortable for a greater part of the year than ordinary double glazing allowing you to make the most of your conservatory all year round. Pilkington K Glass™ can also be toughened or laminated for safety and greater security.
Help the environment with our glass.
By reducing the amount of heating needed to keep your home warm, Pilkington K Glass™ helps to save energy and vital natural resources. In fact, if all the single glazed buildings in the United Kingdom were double glazed with Pilkington K Glass™ it would save £600 million worth of energy per year. That’s enough energy to heat every house in six cities the size of Birmingham. Add this to smaller heating bills, a warmer home and reduced condensation and Pilkington K Glass™ is clearly the best glass for double glazing.
DOCUMENT L REGULATIONS
Building Regulation Changes – Part L
It is important to stress that all Double Glazing Leeds’ products are Part L-compliant in line with amended Building Regulations of 2006 for England and Wales. The changes concerned the standards of energy efficiency in buildings and inevitably affected the specification of both new and replacement windows. Part L aims to ensure that almost every window and door installed in houses achieves a better level of heat insulation. It is part of the Government’s strategy to reduce harmful CO2emissions, 50% of which are generated from heating, lighting and cooling buildings. Performance is measured in terms of “U-value”.The “U-value” is the unit of measurement for the rate at which heat is lost through a building material. In this instance, we are referring to windows and doors. Building Regulations now stipulate the following performance levels for the entire glazing (glass and frame combined):
PVCu / timber frames require a ‘U-value’ of 2.0 W/m 2K
Aluminium / metal frames require a ‘U-value’ of 2.2 W/m 2K
How is Part L regulated?
FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. The FENSA scheme has been developed by the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation), with Government encouragement, to provide the practical controls needed for the implementation of the new Part L Building Regulations. The responsibility to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations has been placed with the installer of the windows.
Double Glazing Leeds is registered under the FENSA scheme for residential Installations and all products are Part L-compliant.
