Windows with Pilkington's Self-Cleaning glass now available from two Detroit-area Companies

While Ducana's primary distribution is in Ontario, it does have a window distributor based in Eastpointe, Mich. Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass, introduced in North America in late June, is the first and only available glass that virtually cleans itself.

Windows with the new Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass are available either directly from Ducana, or from Tailor Made Windows & Doors in Eastpointe, Mich. Ducana also sells its windows through Quality Sales & Installation, based in Hamilton, Ont. Ducana has showrooms in Tilbury, Chatham, Sarnia and Windsor.

In addition to Tailor Made Windows & Doors, Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass has been available through Cincinnati-based Champion Window Manufacturing Co., which has sales and installation offices in Livonia and Auburn Hills, Mich.

Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass is produced with a durable, microscopically thin coating of titanium dioxide applied to one surface of the glass as it is being made. It uses the sun's UV rays to gradually and continuously break down and dissolve organic dirt through what's called a photocatalytic effect.

After being installed, windows with Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass need to be exposed to the sun's UV rays for several days to activate the photocatalytic properties. Once activated, the photocatalytic process will continue to work at night and even on cloudy days.

At the same time, Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass reduces the surface tension of water to cause it to sheet down the surface and wash away dirt to leave windows clean. This is called a hydrophilic effect.