A conservatory is more than just an extension to your house. It can be somewhere to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden no matter what the weather is doing, a place to entertain or much needed extra space for the children to play. But whatever your reason for adding a conservatory to your home, it is a significant investment, and choosing the right glass will only add to its value.

Self-Cleaning Clear and Blue Glass – a world first from Pilkington.

Pilkington Activ™ is the world’s first self-cleaning glass. It’s basically the same as conventional glass, except for a unique dual action coating. It works in two ways: first it uses daylight to break down organic dirt (such as bird droppings) and then it uses rain to wash the dirt away.

Pilkington Activ™ also dries off faster leaving the glass clean and with reduced streaks, which gives you beautifully clear views and makes it ideal for all the windows in the conservatory. Pilkington Activ™ Blue combines the benefits of self-cleaning with solar control performance, making it the perfect choice for hard to reach places that are difficult to clean and areas that need thermal control, such as conservatory roofs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is self-cleaning glass?

Pilkington Activ™ is an optifloat glass with a special coating on the outside that has a unique dual action. Once exposed to daylight, the coating breaks down any organic dirt and then causes rain water to ‘sheet’ down the glass to wash the dirt away. The coating has been designed to last as long as the glass itself. The coating is permanent and will not need reapplying.

Where can Pilkington Activ™ be used?

Almost any exterior application, such as windows, conservatories, facades and glass roofs. It is especially useful for inaccessible windows where organic dirt normally collects, such as skylights. Pilkington Activ™ is less effective in locations where sun or rain cannot reach e.g. overhangs. The minimum recommended angle is 10 degrees from horizontal, so that rain water can flow over the glass properly.

Will my windows ever need cleaning?

We cannot say that your windows will never need cleaning – that depends on the amount of dirt and the amount of rain the glass in your windows receives. Pilkington Activ™ reduces the amount of maintenance required. If cleaning is necessary – such as during long dry spells or if your windows are heavily soiled – it will be much less frequent and much easier than with conventional glass, either by hosing to replicate rainfall or using a soft cloth and warm soapy water.

Does it work on cloudy days and at night?

Pilkington Activ™ needs only a small amount of UV radiation to activate the coating – so it works on even overcast days and throughout.