Everything You Need to Know About Activ Blue Self-Cleaning Glass

Apr 11, 2025 | Fixaglaze Explains...

What Is Activ Blue Glass?

Activ Blue glass is a stylish, blue-tinted glass that reflects over 60% of the sun’s solar energy. This helps keep conservatories cooler during the summer while significantly reducing solar glare and harmful UV rays that can fade furnishings and fabrics.

The sealed unit includes a low-emissivity inner glass pane filled with argon gas, making Activ Blue glass twice as insulating as standard double glazing. It also features a self-cleaning microscopic film coating that uses daylight and rainwater to wash away dirt and grime effortlessly.

Benefits of Activ Blue Glass

  • The world’s first self-cleaning glass
  • Saves time and money while being safer than manual window cleaning
  • Unique coating breaks down and loosens organic soiling
  • Works even on cloudy days and at night
  • Suitable for most external domestic applications — perfect for conservatories, windows, and replacement conservatory roofs
  • Coating is durable and lasts the lifetime of the glazing under normal conditions
  • Easily cleaned during dry spells with a soft cloth and warm soapy water
  • Helps reduce the visual appearance of external condensation

Exactly What Is Self-Cleaning Glass?

Pilkington Activ™ is standard glass enhanced with a special dual-action coating on the outside. Once exposed to daylight, the coating first breaks down organic dirt and then allows rainwater to sheet down the glass, washing away loosened grime.

Does the Coating Affect the Glass?

The coating has minimal impact. It doesn’t affect the strength of the glass and only reduces light transmission by about 5%. It may appear slightly more reflective with a faint blue tint, giving the glass a cleaner, brighter look.

Can the Coating Be Scratched or Worn Off?

The coating is integral to the glass and will not flake off or discolor. However, it can be damaged by pointed objects, abrasive cleaners, or materials like steel wool, so care should be taken during cleaning.