We are in the process of renovating an old three-storey mill and would like to put Pilkingotn self-clean glass in the windows. My builder says he has been told that it scratches easily and is alomost impossible to install without marking it.
Does anyone have any experience of whether this is true? Some of the marketing Web sites say it is durable and lasts the lifetime of the glass.
Thanks Jonathan
Doesn't it work by shedding molecules from the surface of the glass. I guess it eventually sheds all the molecules but whether you will be around to see it is another matter.
Kevin
Why don't you just use windows which can be cleaned safely from inside? They're required by Scottish building regs.
Owain
I saw that on a grand designs once where it did look like you'd throw yourself out whilst you were doing them.
I don't know anything about being easily scratched (sounds unlikely to me) but the self-cleaning glass I have seen has a slight blue tinge, so might not be acceptable if you want the usual clear glass for a domestic property.
The self cleaning effect is not sufficient to keep them clean, nor anywhere near. So I wouldnt bother.
NT
I was living in Germany in the 1950/60's, all the windows there opened so that they could be cleaned from inside. Keep expecting England to catch up with that!
Depends on what standard you require I expect
That's what I do (or rather don't) an actual cleaning once every decade or so is acceptable here, the rain does the rest.
Agree with that. We had it installed as part of our Atrium last year. AFAIC the self cleaning claim is rubbish.
I vaguely half remember that what it does is oxidise bird crap so thatw ater rinses it off, but has no effect on general grime. May well be wrong though.
NT
Really ! I have to use a fine blade to get it off and this is where you have to be careful because the glass scratches easily. I'm convinced the Pigeons are carbon fibre and they crap epoxy.
We are trying to match the original cast iron windows in steel. the building is four stories high and parts of it are over the mill stream, so access is an issue.
Jonathan
We are trying to match the original cast iron windows in steel. the building is four stories high and parts of it are over the mill stream, so access is an issue.
Jonathan
Lol. Maybe one day it'll be used as an adhesive.
NT
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