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Glass, which is normally used in windows and openings, has developed over time and can now be even used as a wall material especially in new buildings and buildings of intricate design. In order to maintain the beauty and visibility of glass, cleaning is necessary. CLEARTECT®, with its photocatalytic effect is a revolutionary glass which is able to perform self-cleaning by breaking down and washing down stubborn dirt(organic matter). With this, the beauty of the building can be preserved for a long time and cleaning costs reduced.
Features and Benefits of CLEARTECT®:
- Maintains glass transparency: The photocatalytic properties of CLEARTECT®'s coating continuously breaks down and cleanses organic dirt, thus maintaining the glass' transparency and lustre. In addition, the optical properties of the glass remain the same.
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Clear view on rainy days: Due to CLEARTECT®'s hydrophilic properties, water spreads evenly and sheets off the coated surface of the glass instead of forming water droplets. This will not affect the light transmittance of the glass, giving clear view through the glass.
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Durable coating: The photocatalytic coating is applied in a pyrolythic "on line" manufacturing process and it becomes an integral part of the glass making it durable.
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Cleaning costs savings: The frequency of glass cleaning is reduced, thus costs for cleaning services and cleaning expenses are reduced.
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Coating for various large size glass types: Coating is possible for various glass types such as clear glass and reflective glass. It is also possible to coat insulated glass units, tempered and laminated glass. The maximum size is 5,000 x 2,400mm.
CLEARTECT® Applications:
- External facades of buildings.
- All types of exterior applications and screens of buildings.
PRECAUTIONS DURING USAGE:
CLEARTECT® is developed as an eco-clean product that is able to preserve the outdoor surface of the glass in a durable and lustre condition. Not only are there big differences in environmental conditions for dirt on the glass, the cleaning effect must possess the combination of 3 factors: "sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays + sufficient rain water + washing down by gravity" as prerequisites. Also, the evaluation of the extent of dirt would also differ according to application conditions and observation methods. For best use of the product, the following instructions must be fully studied.
Three requirements for photocatalytic action of CLEARTECT®
I. Sun's UV Rays
It takes about a few days to 10 days for UV rays from the sun (even diffused outdoor light coming from the North in Japan) to activate the coating. The hydrophilic effects of the coating would remain in the glass and will still be effective for about 3-4 days even on cloudy days or at night.
II. Sufficient rainwater
Sufficient rainwater is required to wash down dirt, therefore, windows at eaves or overhangs requires the usual cleaning frequency.
III. Washed down by gravity
Both the weight of dirt and water spraying are required to do bring down the dirt. It is recommended that CLEARTECT® be installed vertically. Though sloped glazing is possible, the effectiveness must be tested beforehand.
Caution with regard to photocatalytic cleaning effects
I. Cleaning is required for CLEARTECT but less frequently
Through repetitive cleaning of dirt by rainwater from the moment the photocatalytic properties are activated, a long period of cleanli¬ness and lustre of the glass can be maintained. However, this would depend on the dirt and rainwater conditions. It is recommended that cleaning be done once to a few times a year. (In the presence of a lot of organic dirt such as oil, bird droppings etc., more time has to be spent washing it down. Also, in dusty and sandy conditions, dirt could be seen relatively earlier, and it is recommended to hose down dirt with clean water).
II. Prolonged Dry Spells
When there is no rainfall for about half to one month, self cleaning will not be effective. The glass surface would be as dirty as it is in ordinary glass.
III. At Eaves and Overhangs
Less rainwater could reach glass beneath eaves or overhangs so there would be no cleaning effects. On the contrary, more dirt would accumulate on the glass surface. In such situations, it is necessary to clean the glass regularly by hosing down dirt with water.
IV. Skylight Designs
CLEARTECT® is recommended to be installed vertically. For skylight or sloped glazing design, a steeper slope is recommended or design with use of water spraying equipments.
V. Silicone Sealing Locations
Cleaning would be poor at areas where silicone sealant is used.
VI. Dirt due to material deterioration
Self cleaning would not be effective for dirt arising from material deterioration such as iron rusts.
Design and Installation Considerations :
- Self cleaning would not be effective for glass below balconies, eaves and projections due to insufficient rainwater reaching the glass surface.
- A thermal stress analysis may be necessary for CLEARTECT® depending on the glass type used.
- CLEARTECT® is manufactured under stringent process but, however, there could still be a minimal degree of reflective variations.
- Use coated surface of CLEARTECT® facing outdoor (Label on the glass shows indoor surface and should face indoor).
- When installing CLEARTECT, ensure that primer or silicone sealant does not adhere to coated surface of the glass. During installation, take extra care when handling Cleartect with gloves, tools, jigs or other handling equipments. Pre-installed bead or gasket (dry type) on the outdoor side is recommended.
- Use bamboo spatula since a metal spatula (or metal scrapper) could scratch the coated surface.
- Installation must be based on the standard installation procedures for each glass type.
Recommended Cleaning Instructions:
- Apply clean water or a mild liquid detergent onto the glass with a clean soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and leave for about one week. After exposure to the sun, sprinkle clean water on the whole surface of the CLEARTECT® and, when the water covers over 70% of the total area, the photocatalytic properties would be activated.
- Do not use cutter knives, metal part of a squeegee or metal objects on the coated surface as this could cause permanent damage.
- Avoid using abrasive, acidic or alkaline cleaners or detergent since these could damage the surface coating.
- Ensure sufficient protection of the glass's coated surface and do not use any acidic, alkaline solutions or fluorine compounds (used for cleaning curtain walls, tiles or stones etc) on the coating.
- Please refer to CLEARTECT® maintenance manual for further details.
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