SunClean Self-Cleaning Glass by Sunrise

We Like Making Windows…
Sunrise Windows is dedicated to bringing you the latest technologies that improve your life – especially when it means making maintenance tasks less difficult and dangerous. We have introduced exclusive product options like our amazing energy saving Ultra-U + Plus Glass and our beautiful SunBlinds – mini-blinds actually sealed between the panes of glass. We have proven that investing in Sunrise Windows will not only save you money, but also save you from the old, frustrating ways of caring for your windows. For the best appearance, energy efficiency, and durability – and now self-cleaning technology – The Difference is Clear!

…We Don’t Like Cleaning Them
Since we started making windows, we have learned to love pretty much everything about them – except washing them! That is why we are proud to bring you SunClean™ self-cleaning glass by Sunrise Windows. It is the glass that actually lets you spend less time washing your windows and more time enjoying the clearer view from them.

SunClean™ self-cleaning glass by Sunrise Windows makes it easier to enjoy your new windows. How? By making it easier to do something you probably do not like about windows – washing them.

How Does It Work?
While Sunrise Windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass look slightly brighter from the outside, they look like ordinary windows from the inside. But looks can be deceiving: SunClean™ self-cleaning glass has a durable, transparent coating that is bonded to the outer surface of the glass during the manufacturing process.

The coating utilizes two natural resources – the sun’s ultraviolet rays and water – to slowly decompose and loosen organic dirt and then rinse it away. This two part action is why SunClean™ self-cleaning glass is easier to clean. Let’s take a look…


Photocatalytic Process In the photocatalytic process, UV light from the sun energizes the SunClean™ self-cleaning glass to help slowly break down and loosen dirt and other organic material. Since UV light is abundant even on cloudy days or in shaded areas, this process works non-stop throughout the day.	Hydrophilic Process The coating’s hydrophilic property makes water droplets spread out, or sheet, across the surface of the glass. Because of this, when rain or a light spray of water hits the window, the water helps to more effectively rinse away loosened dirt. This sheeting action, which works throughout the day and night, helps the window dry quickly with minimal spotting and streaking.

Traditional Glass Window (Wet) On the window with traditional glass, the water beads up, which can concentrate the dirt into spots.			SunClean™ Glass Window (Wet) When the window becomes wet, you can start to see a difference right away. Water spreads out over the surface of the SunClean™ self-cleaning glass. This sheeting characteristic is called hydrophilicity.
Traditional Glass Window (Dry) On the window with traditional glass, the beads of water keep the glass from rinsing clean. You can see how the water dries into spots and streaks on the glass.			SunClean™ Glass Window (Dry) As the window begins to dry, you can see how the sheeting action (hydrophilicity) helps rinse dirt from the surface of the glass and also accelerates drying time.

Living with SunClean™ Self-Cleaning Glass
You have never seen anything like SunClean™ self-cleaning glass, but making it part of your life is no harder than getting used to a new appliance. The following pages will give you some idea of what your life would be like after you install Sunrise Windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass.

Day One:
As with any new windows, once your Sunrise Windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass are installed, you will want to wash them right away. Of course , these are not regular windows, so be sure to follow the initial glass cleaning instructions found in our Care and Maintenance Guidelines [link?]. Other things you might notice on your first day with Sunrise SunClean™ self-cleaning glass:

It Looks Different – Logically, it makes sense that glass that is unlike any other will look unlike any other. And, from the outside, SunClean™ self-cleaning glass has a slightly brighter appearance. Inside, it is virtually indistinguishable from your other windows.

It Does Not Function Immediately – SunClean™ self-cleaning glass needs a few days of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays to reach its full potential.

Months Later:
A couple of months after you install Sunrise Windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass, you will have caught on to the best ways to take care of them. While you will still need to spray your windows from time to time with water to flush the surface, you may even start to look at thunderstorms as a great opportunity to let Mother Nature wash your windows for a change. And when the sun peeks through your now-cleaner windows, you will see why SunClean™ self-cleaning glass was one of the brightest choices you could have made.

NOTE: If you have exterior screens on your windows or overhangs above your windows, you will be much more likely to have to spray your windows with water from time to time to flush the surface.

As you live with Sunrise Windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass, you will probably start to think of them like your self-cleaning oven; they are a big help, but they are not magic. Like a self-cleaning oven, windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass need your help to look their best, and there are a couple of things you need to know about cleaning windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass.

Clean Water is Best
There are a lot of ways you can clean windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass, but one of the best ways is the easiest too. Simply fill a clean spray bottle or garden sprayer with clean water and spray the window. You will have to spray it thoroughly and completely, but once the glass is completely wet, you are done! Hand drying or squeegeeing is not required.

The sheeting characteristics of the glass evenly disperse the water, flushing away loosened dirt and debris. Of course, with larger or stubborn debris, you may need to use more traditional cleaning methods. For hints on other ways to clean SunClean™ self-cleaning glass and a list of approved cleaning materials, consult the Care and Maintenance Guidelines.

Picture Framing and Sill Effect
When your windows with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass are wet, you may notice that the edges of the glass – or even just the bottom of the glass – may exhibit beads of water from rain or rinsing. This is called “picture framing” or “sill effect.” This is a normal interaction between SunClean™ self-cleaning glass and typical window materials and it is generally only noticeable when you windows are wet.

Rinsing Effect
Where does the dirt go on a window with SunClean™ self-cleaning glass? A lot of it ends up running to the bottom of the window, and that can cause dirt to accumulate at the bottom of the window glass. It is not hard to clean off, and a thorough rinse of your windows should adequately remove the dirt.

Silicone Effect
It is possible that silicone residue from manufacturing or installation can be left on the exterior glass surface, which may then exhibit beads of water from rain or rinsing. Mineral spirits can be used to remove it, and then the SunClean™ self-cleaning glass needs a few days of exposure to the sun to reach its full potential.

SunClean Self-Cleaning Glass: Putting Your Windows to Work