What Are Self-Cleaning Windows and How Do They Work?

While they might seem too good to be true, self-cleaning windows are a modern invention that can actually help you to reduce your chore workload as a busy homeowner. Apart from their ability to help you save significant amounts of time that you would otherwise have spent cleaning your windows, self-cleaning windows also offer plenty of other benefits such as environmental sustainability. In this post, we take a closer look at what exactly makes a window self-cleaning and how this type of technology works.

What Are Self-Cleaning Windows?

Self-cleaning windows are windows that have typically had a special coating applied to them to remove the need for you to manually clean them. These materials work together with natural elements such as sunlight and rain to break down and get rid of dirt and grime so your windows are always looking as good as new.

How Do Self-Cleaning Windows Work?

Two of the most popular types of self-cleaning windows include hydrophobic and hydrophilic windows, which work differently to achieve the same effect.

Hydrophobic Windows

Hydrophobic windows are made using glass that has a hydrophobic coating applied to it. This gives the surface of the glass the ability to repel water, causing it to roll off the window’s surface more easily. As the water droplets roll off the window’s surface, they also carry along any grime and dirt that might have built up over time on the window’s surface, cleaning the window in the process.

Hydrophilic Windows

Hydrophilic windows work in the exact opposite manner from hydrophobic windows. The water-attracting properties of the hydrophilic coating on the glass surface mean that rainwater is not able to roll off the window’s surface easily. Instead, it forms a thin film on the window’s surface that is similarly able to wash away any dirt and grime.

Benefits of Self-Cleaning Windows

Some of the many benefits you can enjoy when you install self-cleaning windows in your home include:

Low Maintenance

Perhaps most importantly, self-cleaning windows remove the need for you to clean your windows manually. This can help you save time and effort in the long term, enabling you to focus on other aspects of household maintenance.

Aesthetic Appeal

Since your windows will constantly be looking clean and clear, you won’t have pockets of time in between window cleanings where your windows are dirty. This can improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.

Valley Windows – Melbourne’s No. 1 Window Retailer

Valley Windows is the number one supplier and retailer of custom windows and doors in Melbourne and we have been serving the needs of the local community for decades. If you’re still unsure about whether self-cleaning windows are the right fit for you or if you should stick with traditional experts, why not enlist the expertise of our experienced professionals? Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help with all of your window needs.

Image Source: SamJades