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01 · Ask
Replace, install or emergency?
Broken pane, new splashback, full balustrade? Describe the job and the AI tells you scope, glass grade and turnaround.
Install self-cleaning glass.
Hydrophilic coated glass — for high-up or hard-to-reach windows. Cuts cleaning by 50–70%.
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Read the brief on toughened glass, low-E coatings and warm-edge spacers — then let three GGF glaziers quote.
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02 · Read the brief
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BS 6206 toughened safety zones, argon vs air, low-E coatings, warm-edge spacers, BFRC A-rating. Know the spec.
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03 · Compare
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Top tips
Hiring a glazier, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Toughened glass for safety zones.
Floor-to-ceiling, near doors, bathrooms, low-level — all need BS 6206 toughened glass. Insist on the kitemark on every pane in those zones.
Argon-filled, low-E coating.
On any double-glazed unit, argon fill + low-E (low emissivity) coating cuts heat loss by half. Cheap units skip both — and you pay in heating bills.
Pilkington K vs Activ.
Pilkington K is low-E coated glass; Activ adds self-cleaning. Activ on conservatory roofs and high-up windows saves a fortune in ladder hire.
Get the spacer bar grade.
Aluminium spacer = standard, conducts cold. Warm-edge spacer (silicone foam) = no cold bridge, no condensation. Insist on warm-edge.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Single double-glazed unit (replace)Mid-size pane
£120–£350
Toughened glass shower screen
£250–£800
Glass balustrade (per linear m)
£350–£900
Splashback glass (kitchen)
£250–£700
Frameless glass partition
£600–£2.5k
Emergency call-out (board-up)
£120–£350
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Self-cleaning glass has photocatalytic coating that breaks down dirt with UV, then water sheets cleanly. Pilkington Activ leading brand. Expect to pay £40–£200 per m² premium over standard glass.
What Does the Work Involve?
Glass manufactured with titanium dioxide coating. UV breaks down organic dirt. Rain (or hose) sheets cleanly down vertical glass. Reduces need for window cleaning. Especially useful for inaccessible glass (conservatories, roof lights).
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilkington Activ per m² | +£50 | +£200 | Premium over standard |
| Conservatory roof Activ | +£40 | +£150 | Per m² premium |
| Standard window with Activ | +£30 | +£100 | Per pane |
| Annual cleaning savings | £50 | £300 | Less professional cleaning |
| Conservatory full Activ install | +£500 | +£2,500 | vs standard glass |
| Replacement Activ pane | +£40 | +£200 | Per pane |
| Roof light Activ | +£50 | +£250 | Per Velux |
How Long Does It Take?
Same install time as standard glass. Custom Activ glass: 2-4 week lead.
DIY or Professional?
Specialist glazier. Conservatory specialist for premium installs.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Pilkington Approved Installer for Activ warranty. AGC Sunclean, Saint-Gobain also offer similar technology.
UK Regulations
Building Regs Part L (thermal) — Activ available in low-emissivity glass. Standard safety regulations.
Common Problems
- Marketing exaggeration: "Self-cleaning" reduces but doesn't eliminate cleaning. Annual hand clean still needed.
- Won't work in shade: Coating activates with UV. Heavily shaded glass less effective.
- Cost premium not significant: For accessible glass, manual cleaning often cheaper than Activ premium.
- Inside surface: Activ coating is external. Inside still needs manual cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Worth the premium?
For inaccessible glass (conservatory roof, roof lights): yes — saves on professional cleaning. For typical windows: marginal.
How does it work?
Titanium dioxide coating reacts with UV light to break down organic dirt. Rain hydrophilic — sheets off cleanly.
How long does coating last?
Lifetime of glass. Coating bonded permanently. Manufacturer warranty 25+ years.
Will it stop bird droppings?
Reduces sticking — easier to clean. Doesn't prevent. Still hand-clean required for major bird damage.
Activ vs traditional glass cleaning?
Activ: reduces frequency, lower long-term cost. Traditional: lower upfront cost. Activ better for high-up glass.
Combined with solar control?
Yes — Pilkington Activ Suncool combines self-cleaning + solar control. Premium for conservatory roofs.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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