There are several types of easy clean glass currently available. When glass is viewed under a microscope you can see that the surface has an uneven surface (very small peaks and valleys). Easy clean glass is available in two types of easy clean. Pilkington actually make their easy clean glass smoother (this removes most of the mountains and valleys). Several other glass companies smooth their glass in a secondary process by applying a solution to the surface of the glass (much the same way as applying polish to your car). Both methods do the job and make it easier to keep the glass cleaner.
Self cleaning glass
Actually there is no such thing. Easy clean glass needs the ultra violet light from the sun to harden the surface dirt and rainwater to wash the flaky dirt away. So if you glass is shaded and does not get much direct light or shaded from the rain the glass will not clean itself.
Effective easy clean glass
Is easy clean glass effective absolutely if exposed to direct sunlight and rain. Sheltered locations are not suitable for easy clean glass. Self cleaning glass requires UV rays from daylight and rain to wash off the loosen dirt. In the right location easy clean glass is very effective.
Pilkington Activ
Pilkington activ glass is manufactured smoother at source in one process. Being manufactured smoother it has been said the easy clean surface will last the life of the glass.
SGG BIOCLEAN self cleaning glass
SGG BIOCLEAN has a secondary coating applied to the glass to make the glass easy cleaning with daylight and rain. It has been said that this type of applied secondary coat can ware off.
Clean windows
No body likes cleaning glass and it often falls to the window cleaner. When the glass has been cleaned the home looks great this is why easy clean glass was created.