Clean windows: ClearShield technology
Clean windows are quite a big deal for a lot of families. Afterall, being able to enjoy a sunset from the warmth of a conservatory or lounge is special for many of us.
And a blemish on the pane means a blemish on that beautiful view. To try to make sure everything is sparkly, many of us can spend a lot of spare time cleaning and polishing. This is not good!
But have you heard about the ADS Eco-Glass™ system? It’s ‘powered’ by ClearShield technology. In simple terms, imagine your glass being treated in such a way that it becomes exceptionally smooth so little can stick to it.
And, if anything does get stuck to it then washing it off is a cinch! Think of your ‘non- stick’ frying pan and how easy it is to clean. Well, ADS Eco-Glass™ works in much the same way.
26-year-old Josh Chapman is one of the installation team at Plymouth based ADS Window Films. He explains it’s not an actual film on the window but a full treatment service.
In simple terms, glass contains microscopic indentations. ‘You can’t see the pits in the glass but they’re there. It means dirt can quickly get into the pane itself,’ explains Josh.
‘Using the ADS Eco-Glass™ system allows us to fill in those pits, smoothing them out which saves time and money on cleaning.’
The result? A completely uniformed surface. No miniscule ruffles. Just something which is sleek and shiny.
‘The chemicals we use are environmentally friendly and they don’t wash off. The reaction provides a crystal-clear effect which allows the surface to be uninterrupted.’
‘People often confuse what we’re doing here with some of the film products we use on properties. But this isn’t a film. We’re producing a chemical reaction which creates simple to clean glass.’
Attention to detail
‘Our attention to detail when we’re installing the product is absolutely crucial. It’s a process which we have to follow to the letter.’
‘Good planning is paramount as we have to ensure the correct amount of time is taken on installing the product on each pane, so the effect is a perfectly treated piece of glass.’
He demonstrates how it works by using two samples. Pouring water on the untreated one leaves droplets. He does the same on a treated surface. The result is… no drops! The water simply runs straight off.
‘The average household will spend £12 a time on cleaning windows and that can quickly add up over the course of a year,’ says Josh.
ADS Window Films is so impressed with the product that it says it’ll reduce the frequency of cleaning by up to 50%. The treatment means the days of using a lot of ‘elbow grease’ to try to remove dirt and bird droppings have effectively gone.
The design means that anything which does end up on the glass should be easy and quick to remove. And the benefits don’t just stop there. There are good hygiene reasons for having the treatment done.
By effectively creating an entirely smooth surface it becomes more difficult for bacteria to gain a ‘foothold’ in (and on) the glass itself. And that’s important as it can help surfaces to remain cleaner than their non-treated counterparts.
Of course, when it comes down to glass surfaces on food counters, you’ll still have to disinfect and sanitise them – just as you would with your non-stick pots and pans. Cleaning is certainly a lot easier if the surface is sleek to the touch.
Satisfied clients say a treated pane feels ‘silky smooth’ which is certainly very different to a standard window whereby hands can ‘rub’ along the glass.
The treatment also means there’s less chance of the glass becoming discoloured or stained. Think about a conservatory roof. Bird droppings can really leave their mark and it’s not always easy to scrub off. Ditto with roof lights and windows.
Ordinary glass vs ADS Eco-Glass™
Josh demonstrates how non-stick the surface is with adhesive tape. Tape has been placed across two panes – one treated and one untreated.
It’s difficult to remove the tape from ordinary glass, especially without leaving marks, but the same stuff on an ADS Eco-Glass™ surface? Yep, no problem!
And don’t forget a number of chemicals which are often used to clean outdoor glass can be harmful for plants and wildlife. But reduced cleaning on ADS Eco-Glass™ means more savings – for your wallet and the planet.
So not only can you take the hassle of using ladders and scrubbing windows but you can also do your bit for the environment.
In fact, the system works so well that it has the ‘thumbs up’ from an august array of official bodies.
As you’d expect it meets the required standards for direct contact with food from not just the European Union but also the United States Food and Drug Administration. It’s even been tested by some of the UK’s top government scientists.
It can be used everywhere from glass balustrades and mirrors through to skylights and greenhouses. And, of course, the glass itself is expected to remain as crystal clear as the day it’s been installed. There’s even an after-care programme.
Do you have solar panels? Well, the technology can also be used on them. Particles from exhaust fumes, and even salt spray from the sea, can quickly result in the photovoltaic cells being gummed up.
And that means that the amount of electrical power the panels produce suddenly drops. Not good news for those of us looking to keep an eye on the pennies.
As Josh explains, the ADS Eco-Glass™ helps ensures the panels remain cleaner which allows for more light absorption. More light equals more energy. More energy means bigger savings. Kerching!
‘Tried and tested’
The actual technology has been tried and tested over a period of 30 years. It’s even helped to set world records with sailors using it on their Atlantic voyages to keep windows clear of salt deposits.
Josh and the team are already working with high profile local companies to provide the service for their sea going vessels.
It’s been installed on some of the world’s most iconic buildings – including the Bangkok Airport and the International Towers in Sydney.
And, it’s not just big buildings, ships, food counters and windows which can benefit from the treatment. Think about revolving and hinged doors. We’re all (rightly) very aware of the health and safety issues facing us during the current pandemic.
Treating any glass surface which people frequently touch is surely useful in helping cleaning teams to continue their hard work in stopping the possible transmission of bacteria and viruses.
Think about your shower cabinet or wet room. Treating those all-important communal areas really can help to protect you and your family.
And it’s not just the family home which can benefit. Swimming pool areas, sports’ centres, spas and sneezeguards can all be effectively treated.
The ADS Window Films team can even provide a specially developed after-care spray which is a highly effective disinfectant and cleaner specifically designed for usage on treated glass.
Not surprisingly, the feedback has been exceptional. One recent installation in Cornwall left the property owner so impressed that he asked for all of his letting properties to be treated as he could quickly see the money saving benefits.
Taking photographs of Josh treating the glass provides a chance to see the time and care he takes on preparing each and every pane.
‘It’s amazing,’ he says. ‘It’s non-flammable and we’re lessening the need for regular cleaning which helps to reduce the Carbon footprint. The treatment is designed to last up to 40 years.’
So, if you want to say goodbye to the bucket and sponge then you might want to get in touch with Josh and the team at ADS Windows.