- TYPE: Double Glazing
Self-Cleaning Glazed Unit - Low Maintenance
- Estimated lead time: 4 weeks
- Energy Rating (A–G): —
- Building Reg Compliance: Part L 2021 Compliant
- Warranty Period: 20 years
- Installation Required: Yes
Building Regulations require toughened glass for doors. This will be automatically applied.
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1200×1400mm Pilkington K Glass
Description
Self-Cleaning Glazed Unit — Healthcare & Clean Environments
In hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, and cleanroom environments, maintaining glass hygiene is part of the overall contamination control strategy. Our Self-Cleaning Glazed Unit provides a continuously self-cleaning external surface, reducing the frequency of manual cleaning interventions and the associated infection control risks.
Manual window cleaning in healthcare environments requires infection control protocols, COSHH-compliant cleaning agents, and often involves taking rooms out of service. Self-cleaning glass reduces these interventions by maintaining a cleaner baseline between professional cleans — supporting the facility's overall hygiene standards.
How Self-Cleaning Glass Works
The self-cleaning coating uses a dual-action process:
- Photocatalytic action: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the coating reacts with UV light to break down organic dirt at the molecular level — bird droppings, tree sap, pollen, and general atmospheric grime are decomposed on the glass surface.
- Hydrophilic action: The coating makes the glass surface attract water rather than repelling it. Rain spreads into a thin, even sheet instead of forming droplets — this sheet washes away the loosened dirt particles, leaving the glass clean and streak-free.
The coating is applied during glass manufacture and is permanent — it cannot be washed off, scratched away with normal cleaning, or degraded by UV exposure (UV is what activates it).
Self-cleaning glass can be combined with Low-E coatings, toughened or laminated glass, and argon gas fill — no compromise on thermal or safety performance.
Manufactured to BS EN 1279 at our Bristol facility. FENSA registered, 10-year warranty, nationwide delivery.
Configure your self-cleaning units in our glass configurator for instant pricing.
Material
Glass Composition
The self-cleaning coating (typically Pilkington Activ or equivalent) is applied to surface 1 — the outermost face of the outer pane — during the float glass manufacturing process. The coating is a microscopically thin layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) that is permanently fused to the glass surface.
The coating is transparent — self-cleaning glass has a very slight blue-grey tint compared to uncoated glass, but this is only visible when comparing the two side by side. In normal use, the difference is imperceptible.
The outer pane with self-cleaning coating can be combined with any inner pane specification: clear, Low-E, toughened, laminated, or obscure. Gas fill (air or argon) and spacer bar options are the same as our standard range.
The self-cleaning function works on the external face only. Internal faces are cleaned manually using standard methods.
Care
Cleaning & Maintenance
Self-cleaning glass dramatically reduces but does not completely eliminate the need for manual cleaning. The coating handles organic dirt (bird droppings, pollen, atmospheric grime) effectively but cannot remove inorganic deposits such as paint splatters, concrete dust, or mineral-rich hard water staining.
When Manual Cleaning Is Needed
During extended dry spells (no rain for 2+ weeks), the hydrophilic wash action can't function. A gentle hose-down with clean water replicates the rain wash effect. Avoid power washers — the high pressure can damage the coating surface.
What NOT to Use
Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, razor blades, or solvent-based glass cleaners on the self-cleaning surface. These can damage the titanium dioxide coating. Use only warm water and a soft cloth if manual cleaning is needed. Most commercial glass cleaners contain solvents that leave a residue which can temporarily inhibit the self-cleaning function.
Activation Period
New self-cleaning glass requires approximately 5–7 days of UV exposure to fully activate the photocatalytic coating. During this activation period, the self-cleaning performance may be reduced. Avoid applying stickers, protective films, or coverings to the external face during this period.
Installation
Installation Guide
Correct installation is critical to the long-term performance of your self-cleaning glazed unit. These guidelines cover standard rebated-frame glazing — always refer to the frame manufacturer's instructions for system-specific requirements.
Preparation
Inspect the unit on delivery. Check for chips, cracks, or seal damage before removing protective film. Verify dimensions match the frame rebate with 3–5mm clearance on all sides. Ensure the frame rebate is clean, dry, and free from old putty or sealant residue.
Setting Blocks & Packers
Place two setting blocks (minimum 50mm wide) at the quarter points of the bottom rail — approximately 50mm from each corner. Use 5mm flat packers for side and top clearance. Setting blocks must be load-bearing nylon or HDPE, not timber, which can swell and crack the glass.
Glazing & Sealing
Apply a continuous bead of neutral-cure silicone sealant to the back of the glazing bead before pressing into position. Do not use acid-cure silicone, which attacks the spacer bar sealant. Ensure the glazing bead is fully seated with no gaps — water ingress behind the bead is the most common cause of premature seal failure.
Drainage
Verify that frame drainage slots (minimum two per unit, positioned at the lowest point of the rebate) are clear and functional. The sealed unit must never sit in standing water.
Self-Cleaning-Specific Notes
Handle the self-cleaning (outer) face with clean gloves — fingerprint oils can temporarily inhibit the coating. Ensure the outer face is clearly marked during installation — the self-cleaning coating must face outwards. Do not install with the coated face inside the building.
Remove any protective film or transit stickers from the self-cleaning surface immediately after installation to allow UV activation to begin. Any adhesive residue can be removed with warm soapy water — do not use solvents.
Ensure the glass is installed at a minimum 15° angle from horizontal for the rain-wash function to operate effectively. Vertical glazing works well; near-horizontal glazing (below 15°) may not self-clean effectively as water doesn't sheet off efficiently.
Warranty
10-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
Every self-cleaning glazed unit from Pane Relief is backed by our comprehensive 10-year manufacturer's warranty, covering seal integrity, gas retention, and coating performance. Our BS EN 1279-certified manufacturing process ensures each unit meets the highest quality standards.
The warranty covers: internal condensation caused by seal failure, visible coating degradation, and argon or krypton gas leakage beyond acceptable levels. Normal wear, external condensation (a sign the unit is working efficiently), and damage from incorrect installation or handling are excluded.
To make a claim, contact our Bristol team with your order reference and date of purchase. We aim to inspect and resolve all warranty claims within 14 working days. For installations carried out by FENSA-registered installers, we can process claims directly — no third-party paperwork required.
Shipping & Returns
- Free shipping on orders over £250
- Standard delivery within 2–5 business days
- Easy 30-day returns
- Return items in original condition for a full refund
Standard delivery within 2–5 business days
Return items in original condition for a full refund
Need a Custom Size?
Use our glass configurator to specify exact dimensions, gas fills, coatings, and more — with instant trade pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this product before ordering.
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Our insulated glass units achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K with argon gas fill and low-emissivity coatings. The exact U-value depends on your chosen glass specification, spacer bar type, and gas fill. We can provide a detailed thermal calculation for your specific configuration on request.
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Yes, we manufacture bespoke units to your exact specifications. Simply provide the width, height, and glass configuration you need. There is no minimum order quantity for custom sizes, and we can accommodate most non-standard shapes including arched, circular, and raked units.
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Standard units ship within 2–3 weeks from order confirmation. Custom specifications such as toughened, laminated, or triple-glazed units may take 3–4 weeks depending on glass availability. We will confirm the exact lead time when we process your order.
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We supply direct to trade — our units are designed for professional installation by qualified glaziers and window fitters. Each unit ships with fitting instructions and gasket recommendations. If you need installation support, we can recommend approved installers in your area.
How to Replace a Sealed Unit
Follow these steps for a professional sealed unit replacement. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling glass.
Measure the Opening
Measure the width and height of the glass (not the frame) in at least three places. Take the smallest measurement and deduct 2mm for clearance. This gives you your order size.
Remove the Beading
Starting with the longest bead, insert a stiff putty knife or glazing chisel into the gap between bead and frame. Gently lever outward. For uPVC, the bead will unclip. For timber, carefully prise the pinned bead away.
Remove the Old Unit
Using suction cups, carefully lift the failed sealed unit out of the frame. Tilt the top edge toward you first, then lift clear. Have a second person assist with larger units.
Clean the Frame Rebate
Remove any old sealant, dirt, or glazing tape from the rebate using a scraper and white spirit. The rebate must be clean and dry for the new unit to sit properly and for sealant to adhere.
Position the Packers
Place setting blocks at the quarter and three-quarter points along the bottom of the frame. These support the weight of the glass and ensure even distribution. Use 5mm packers for standard units.
Insert the New Sealed Unit
Lower the new unit into the frame, resting it on the packers. Push the unit back into the rebate until it sits square. Check that the gap is even all around — adjust packers if needed.
Refit the Beading
Starting with the shortest bead, press each one firmly back into position. For uPVC, tap with a rubber mallet until it clicks home. For timber, pin back in place. Ensure all beads are flush with the frame.
Check & Finish
Use a spirit level to confirm the unit is sitting level. Check all four edges for even gaps. Clean the glass with a soft cloth. The new unit should operate smoothly within the window.
Not confident doing this yourself? We offer professional installation across Bristol and the South West.
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