SGG Bioclean Launch - FAQS

Q: What is SGG Bioclean?

A: Following the successful launch of SGG Aquaclean in 2001, Saint-Gobain Glass has launched its second-generation self-cleaning glass, SGG Bioclean, where the cleaning principle is triggered by the dual action of daylight and water.
SGG Bioclean is made by fusing a thin transparent layer consisting of a photocatalytic hydrophilic mineral material onto ordinary glass. Exposure to natural light causes organic dirt to decompose, whilst giving the surface hydrophilic properties. The natural action of rain then completes the washing process by running over the surface of the glass and removing the residual decomposed dirt and dust deposits. SGG Bioclean's self-cleaning coating keeps the glass cleaner for longer than conventional glass, in all outdoor applications where the glass is exposed to daylight.

Q: What is the definition of a 'self-cleaning' glass?

A: The term 'self-cleaning' means that the glass is cleaned not only by human intervention, but also by natural elements such as the UV in daylight or rain. However, 'self-cleaning' does not mean that the glass is 'maintenance-free', especially if it becomes very dirty or is subject to significant pollution. Nonetheless, there is a notable reduction in required maintenance.

Q: How does SGG Bioclean differ from SGG Aquaclean?

A: SGG Bioclean complements SGG Aquaclean, but there is a growing demand for photocatalytic glass. SGG Aquaclean, a hydrophilic self-cleaning glass, provides a satisfactory level of performance for a moderate additional cost, in applications where glass, subjected to rain, is exposed to an environment with a low silicone content.

SGG Bioclean offers excellent performance, even in a very polluted environment, thanks to its additional photocatalytic property, which uses the UV in daylight and rain to clean the glass. It has a wider field of application than SGG Aquaclean, at a higher price. In time, it is expected to penetrate all segments of the market for exterior glass, including all-glass facades and glass roofs of large commercial buildings.

Q: Which products are available in the SGG Bioclean range?

A: The SGG Bioclean range of glass includes monolithic glass, available in sheets with dimensions of 6 m x 3.21 m and 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm thick, as well as all the processed products:

* SGG Bioclean Stadip, SGG Bioclean Stadip Protect and SGG Bioclean Stadip Silence laminated glass
* SGG Bioclean Securit toughened glass
* SGG Bioclean Climalit double-glazed units
* SGG Bioclean Climaplus double-glazed units with enhanced thermal insulation (low-emissivity coating on side 3)

Q: How will SGG Bioclean be distributed?

A: SGG Bioclean is sold throughout Europe by Saint-Gobain Glass, its downstream processing-distribution network (Solaglas in the UK, Dockrell Glass in Ireland) and its partners in each country. No exclusive distribution via specific partnership channels is envisaged.

Q: What price is SGG Bioclean being sold at?

A: As a ballpark figure for the end-user, the cost of a window fitted with SGG Bioclean glass will be in the order of 10 to 20% more than a conventional window, depending on the application.

Q: What are the advantages of SGG Bioclean? How does it differ from conventional glass?

A: SGG Bioclean has many advantages over conventional glass: The frequency of cleaning is significantly reduced: the glass stays cleaner for much longer. SGG Bioclean is particularly effective against all organic pollution and greases found in ambient air, which are then deposited onto windows; it is also very effective against rain streaks.

When cleaning does prove necessary, it is considerably easier as the residual dirt adheres less to the surface. The glass is 'easy-clean' in the presence of water.

* The cost of cleaning and maintenance are reduced.
* The view through the glass remains clear, even when it rains.
* Less frequent use of detergents is more environmentally-friendly.

The other properties of SGG Bioclean glass (mechanical, thermal and acoustic) are identical to those of conventional glass. With regard to its optical properties, transparency and visual appearance are maintained. A slight increase in light reflection is hardly visible to the naked eye.

Q: What are the benefits for the end customer?

A: For professionals, the use of SGG Bioclean results in a substantial saving in building maintenance costs. Cleaning can be reduced by up to a half, representing a reduction in the overall cost of cleaning of up to 50%. For individuals, choosing SGG Bioclean for the glass in their house results in more free time and less tedium. The 'chore' of window-cleaning is considerably reduced because the glass stays cleaner for much longer.

When cleaning does prove necessary, it is much easier: the dirt clings less to the surface. For everyone, the view through the glass remains clear, even when it rains.

SGG Bioclean is suitable for most sectors in the building industry, both new-build and renovation, in outdoor applications:

in private houses or blocks of flats:
- windows and doors
- French windows and patio doors
- conservatories
- skylights, rooflights

in the non-residential sector:
- glass facades - external windows
- external shop windows
- glass roofs, atriums
- street furniture

Q: What is the life span of SGG Bioclean?

A: Totally integrated within the surface of the glass, the self-cleaning coating of SGG Bioclean gives it excellent resistance. Tests of durability have demonstrated that its life span is of the same order as for double-glazed units. In addition, the coating's photocatalytic property is permanent over time, and is not eroded.

Q: Does SGG Bioclean work if the windows are in the shade and at night?

A: The most favourable situation is of course for the windows to be exposed to direct sun and rain. This is also the situation in which dirt is most evident. However, the photocatalysis mechanism begins as soon as SGG Bioclean is placed outdoors, even in the absence of direct sun, for example in cloudy weather or when the windows are in the shade. In the latter case, the speed of decomposition of the dirt by photocatalysis is simply slower.

Similarly, during the night, SGG Bioclean continues to be hydrophilic and therefore prevents the formation of streaks from raindrops. In contrast, the process of decomposition of organic dirt by photocatalysis only works when UV is present in daylight.

Q: How long after installation is the glass effective?

A: In the first few days after installation, SGG Bioclean gradually acquires its hydrophilic properties over almost the entire surface of the glass, although the areas around the edges may be hydrophobic (water-repellent) in their behaviour, depending on the type of sealant used. In certain special cases, those areas which are not perfectly hydrophilic can be identified when wet, over the course of a few weeks. This is just until photocatalysis takes time to eliminate the most stubborn marks.

Tel: 024 7654 7667 (+44 24 7654 7667 from Ireland)
Web: http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com/bioclean