We come across two different types of glass when cleaning windows and you may think Glass is Glass? There is a difference between hydrophobic and hydrophilic glass, but Well you’re not wrong but do you know what the difference is and how do you spot the difference. We teach our team to spot the difference, because they require a different cleaning approach.
Glass, a versatile and ubiquitous material, plays a crucial role in various industries and everyday life. Engineers and scientists continually innovate to enhance its properties for specific applications. One such innovation involves the development of hydrophobic and hydrophilic glass. These two types of glass exhibit distinct characteristics when it comes to interacting with water. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic glass, exploring their applications and the science behind their unique properties.
Hydrophobic Glass:
Hydrophobic glass, as the name suggests, repels water. The surface of hydrophobic glass is treated with special coatings that create a water-resistant barrier. This barrier prevents water from forming droplets on the glass surface, causing it to bead up and roll off. The hydrophobic nature of the glass is attributed to the low surface energy of the coating, which minimizes the adhesion of water molecules. Meaning dirt and grime don’t stick so much to the surface.
Advantages of Hydrophobic Glass:
1. Self-Cleaning: The hydrophobic coating can also possess self-cleaning properties, as dirt and contaminants have difficulty adhering to the surface. Rain or a simple water rinse can easily wash away debris, maintaining a cleaner glass surface.
2. Prevention of Water Stains: Hydrophobic glass is less prone to water stains and mineral deposits, as water does not linger on the surface long enough to leave residue.
Hydrophilic Glass:
Contrary to hydrophobic glass, hydrophilic glass attracts and retains water. The surface of hydrophilic glass is treated in a way that encourages the even spread of water, forming a thin and transparent film. This is achieved through a combination of coatings or treatments that modify the glass surface to lower water surface tension.
Advantages of Hydrophilic Glass:
1. Enhanced Cleaning: Hydrophilic coatings can make glass surfaces more receptive to cleaning, promoting the effective removal of dirt and contaminants. This is particularly advantageous in architectural glass where maintaining a pristine appearance is crucial.
2. Uniform Water Distribution: Hydrophilic glass ensures that water spreads evenly across the surface, minimizing distortion or obstruction. The glass gives a waterfall effect when cleaned with the water fed pole system and streams down the glass.
Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic glass require cleaning but depends on the specific requirements of our clients and the location of the glass as to how often we clean it. Our team carry our general window cleaning every 6-12 week for domestic customer, or 4-8 weekly for commercial clients. Glass roofs, conservatories or skylights might be less often.