Self-cleaning glass is a special type of glass that requires very little upkeep, all thanks to its clever, advanced coating technology.
What is Self-Cleaning Glass?
Self-cleaning glass is a special type of glass that requires very little upkeep, all thanks to its clever, advanced coating technology. This coating, which is usually completely transparent and undetectable to the naked eye, enables the glass to actively break down dirt and other contaminants on its surface. This significantly reduces the need for regular cleaning of your flat rooflights, saving you valuable time and hassle.
All of our Triple Glazed Flat Skylights feature 6mm clear toughened glass which is self-cleaning.
The Benefits of Self-Cleaning Glass
- Effortless Maintenance: Self-cleaning glass needs little to no maintenance, making it absolutely perfect for tricky spots like roof lights.
- Clear & Streak-Free: The special coating ensures that rainwater spreads evenly across the surface, washing away dirt without leaving unsightly water spots. This means your glass stays beautifully clear and streak-free, enhancing your views.
- Eco-Friendly: With less need for manual cleaning, you’ll also naturally reduce your reliance on harsh chemicals, making it a greener choice for your property and the environment.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Clean, clear skylight windows and flat rooflights significantly improve the overall look and feel of any building, allowing more natural light to flood into your indoor spaces, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.
How Does Self-Cleaning Glass Work?
Self-cleaning glass works its magic through a special coating that breaks down dirt using natural elements – it’s quite ingenious, really. This clever technology operates in a two-stage process:
- Photocatalytic Action: This stage uses everyday sunlight to break down organic dirt.
In this initial stage, the special coating on the glass reacts with the UV rays from sunlight. This reaction actively breaks down organic dirt and grime (things like bird droppings, tree sap, and general atmospheric pollutants) into smaller, less adhesive particles. This crucial step makes the dirt much, much easier to remove in the subsequent stage.
- Hydrophilic Effect: This allows water (typically rainwater) to spread evenly across the glass surface.
Once the dirt has been broken down, rainwater comes into play and conveniently rinses it away. The hydrophilic (water-attracting) coating ensures that water doesn’t bead up on the surface like it would on traditional glass. Instead, it spreads out evenly in a thin sheet. This ‘sheeting’ action effectively cleans the glass and significantly reduces water spots, leaving your panes wonderfully clear and streak-free.
These two stages work together in perfect harmony to loosen dirt and wash it away from your glass skylight with minimal human intervention.
Why Self-Cleaning Glass is Ideal for Skylights
Flat rooflights and skylight windows are truly fantastic architectural features that flood interior spaces with natural light. However, their elevated position often makes them difficult to clean effectively. Self-cleaning glass completely eliminates this problem by using sunlight and rain to keep the surface pristine. This allows your skylights to remain bright and clear, enhancing your space effortlessly for years to come.
Here at CRL, we offer a Triple-Glazed Self-Cleaning Rooflight that boasts a stunning frameless design for uninterrupted views of the sky. Its advanced self-cleaning feature guarantees maximum natural light, truly transforming any room.
