I have a builder who just started using self cleaning glass on 2 big new homes and on one of them the cement guys splattered mortar all over a window. I explained to the builder about this type of glass and the restrictions it puts on cleaning the outsides of the windows. He is going to get with the area rep for the window company and find out what I can use to get mortar of the windows. I am not expecting much from the area rep but you never know, I will keep posting what ever I find out about this glass hopefully this can help with what looks like a growing problem.
The “self-cleaning” glass you refer to is no doubt a titanium dioxide coating.
What the builder should do is have the guy who got the mortar on the glass to get it off.All tradesman have[U]SPECS to follow[/U] i would recommend using a phosphoric acid (usually found at janitorial supply houses.
I would get a waiver signed for any & all post construction clean-ups you do.
I’ve done a few const. cleans and reg. maint. on self cleaning glass - I’d be a little hesitant to use any acids on the glass since I don’t know how it would react with the coating. Usually the reps know little about cleaning and typically say to not use anything but a mild soap and water - which won’t help a whole lot with cement/mortar splatter.
I’d recommend using a boars hair brush for the const. clean up as it’s less likely to trap the cement and scratch the glass.
Again, follow Craig’s advice and get a waiver signed.
Good point about the reaction & acid. Although i’ve talked to several who have cleaned them tell me there are some that require/recommend a vinegar & water solution to activate some coatings?
If thats the case vinegar is an acid even though milder then say phos acid i dont know just how if at all detrimental it would be?
Good point Jason!!
I would try to be there when the rep shows up and brow beat him into one of 2 admissions
A There is no way to clean the mortar off without ruining the coating and the person who put it on is responsible for the replacement of the glass
B Its absolutely fine to clean it and heres how and heres my signature on the bottom of the printed instructions
I would still get a waiver just in case
I found this link.Interestingly at the bottom is a list of acceptable solutions for cleaning this type of glass.
Accompanied, of course, by the ever-popular disclaimer on PPG’s part:
Note: The information on this site is provided only as a general guide to the features and capabilities of PPG SunClean self-cleaning window glass, is subject to revision without notice, and may not be applicable to your specific circumstances of use, storage, maintenance, care, and handling for the product, which vary. Nothing set forth in this document shall be construed as an express or implied warranty of any kind, and PPG makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the fitness, suitability, or merchantability of SunClean glass for your specific use. PPG expressly disclaims all liability for damage arising from your use of SunClean glass.
As with any glass:
DO NOT use scrapers or razor blades to remove stubborn deposits or labels.
DO NOT use abrasive cleaning solutions or materials such as Ajax or Comet.
DO NOT allow splashed materials, such as paint, stucco, or mortar to dry on the glass surface.
Oh…but of course! That goes without saying,but…the products listed have been tested & recommended for this particular glass.
I am wondering on future, on going cleanings of the “self-cleaning” glass, will the use of the water fed pole allow the water to [I][U]sheet[/U][/I] with the coating applied?
I dont think pure water cleaning poses a problem at all.
Below is a clip i took from a site explaining.Even if a problem resulted say a glass sealer was applied im sure a fan spray would help in the event the glass did bead up ie:hydrophobic nature
Self-cleaning glass
A recent innovation is so-called self-cleaning glass, aimed at building, automotive and other technical applications. A nanometre-scale coating of titanium dioxide on the outer surface of glass introduces two mechanisms which lead to the self-cleaning property. The first is a photo-catalytic effect, in which ultra-violet rays catalyse the breakdown of organic compounds on the window surface; the second is a hydrophilic effect in which water is attracted to the surface of the glass, forming a thin sheet which washes away the broken-down organic compounds.
Here is the cleaning advice for Pilkington activ.
http://www.pilkingtonselfcleaningglass.co.uk/download/CleaningMaintenanceGuidlines.pdf
Thank’s For Sharing Such a Useful tips to clean up the glass I don’t Know before this that we can use Phosphoric acid for this Purpose.
Now here: Self-Cleaning
