Most conservatories are predominantly made from glass and while this does come with some obvious benefits such as increased exposure to natural light and great views of the garden, one drawback is the amount of cleaning that’s required.
Indeed, if you want to keep your conservatory gleaming, you’ll need to give the glass a good wipe down every now and then, otherwise the aesthetic will be somewhat spoiled.
So wouldn’t it be great if the glass cleaned itself? Well, while that may sound too good to be true, these days you can actually get self-cleaning glass! In this blog post we’ll cover everything you need to know about this nifty glazing option to see whether it’s worth investing in.
What Is Self-Cleaning Glass?
As the name suggests, self-cleaning glass is a type of glazing that, quite remarkably, cleans itself. It does this by utilising two different types of technology, which we’ll cover in more detail below.
With glass that cleans itself, this means you can spend less time cleaning your conservatory and more time putting your feet up and relaxing in it! You’ll also spend less money on buying cleaning products, which can start to add up if you’re someone who likes to keep your glass panes spotless!
How Does Self-Cleaning Glass Work?
To help you understand self-cleaning glass and whether it’s a worthwhile option for your conservatory, first we need to understand exactly how it works. Button up, as we’re about to get technical!
Self-cleaning glass works by utilising a dual-action approach. First, the glass surface features a hydrophilic coating that uses the natural properties of rainwater to clean the surface of the glass. When rain falls, instead of forming droplets on the glazing, it spreads evenly across the glass, creating a thin film that effectively washes away dirt and grime.
Secondly, the glass uses a photocatalytic process that’s activated by sunlight. This process triggers a chemical reaction on the glass surface that breaks down organic deposits. This allows them to be easily washed away when the organic matter is exposed to ultraviolet rays.
So there you have it. A combination of rain and sun will assist your glass in, effectively, cleaning itself! Although we might not get as much sun as other parts of the world, rain is something we know all too well in the UK! So the next time the skies open up, you might actually be glad!
Pros And Cons Of Self-Cleaning Glass
So now that we have a good understanding of what self-cleaning glass is and how it works, let’s go over the main pros and cons to help you understand whether this is an option for you or not.
Pros
Save Time Cleaning:
The most obvious benefit is you’ll save time on cleaning your glass, which can be tedious and time-consuming.
Cleans Effectively
Even when cleaned manually, it can be difficult to get the glass spotless, and streaks and smudges are common. But with self-cleaning glass, much of this is avoided so the glazing will be free from these unsightly blemishes.
Environmentally-Friendly:
As natural elements are used to clean the glass, rather than toxic cleaning products, this is the more eco-friendly choice.
Cons
Cost:
The most obvious drawback with self-cleaning glazing is the higher cost. Compared to other glass it’s more expensive, so you’ll need to work out whether this higher outlay is worth it in the long run.
Reliance On Weather:
Another potential issue is the reliance on the weather. With rain and sunlight required, the cleanliness of the glass is weather-dependent.
Maintenance:
If you want your glass’ self-cleaning technology to remain effective, it may need to be maintained with specific types of products. This will again cost money, so it all depends on whether this is worth it in your eyes.
So that’s pretty much all you need to know about self-cleaning glass. If you’re considering this type of glazing, hopefully you now have all the info you need to make an informed decision.
If you’re going ahead with a bespoke conservatory, self-cleaning glass is something you can consider including. So speak to us at the design stage and we’ll explain the ins and outs, including how much this type of glazing costs compared to other types of glass.