ClearShield’s performance in minimising adherent bacteria and fungi, coupled with its resistance to pollution, limescale build up, salt spray and chlorinated water staining make it the first choice for glass in contemporary construction.

Nothing worse than concrete splatter and other types of construction material on newly installed glazing. Then the scratches of trying to remove the debris.

Prevent contaminants from damaging the surface of the glass during handling, storage, transportation and the construction of the building itself by having Clearshield on glass at installation.

It contains none of the following chemicals

• Crystalline silica,

• Synthetic amorphous silica,

• Reactive silicone fluids,

• Hydrophobic silanes,

• Nonofilaments

Introduction 

ClearShield is a surface treatment which forms a layer upon glass surfaces. Coated surfaces have been studied for alkali attack, autoclavability, humidity/weathering, mechanical abrasion, and contact angles. All data indicates that the coating is a good protective agent for glass surfaces. Following these results it would appear that this treatment could be useful on glass surfaces to aid removal of contaminating micro-organisms and could possibly hinder adhesion. Therefore an experiment was devised to study attachment and desorption of a strain of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium which has been frequently used in adherence work (Ashkenazi 1984; Jansson & Wadstrom 1984; Locci, Peters and Pulverer, 1981).

Glass treated with ClearShield, on average, reduces the frequency of routine cleaning by 50%. Around the home that’s fantastic news, but on a commercial scale the impact of that is massive.

Significant reduction in maintenance window / glass cleaning costs particularly for high rise commercial buildings. (by ~50% = large cost savings).

ClearShield resists limescale build-up, water spotting and dirt pickup.

Resisting contamination build- up maintains a pristine appearance for longer and makes the glass surface easier to clean.

Graffiti is more easily removed and glass retains its hydrophobic properties.

Resists adhesion and growth of bacteria/fungi creating a more hygienic environment.

ClearShield helps glass maintain its original light transmittance (t-Value), reduces energy requirements, operating costs and environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions by half, makes glass “green” in performance.

Specifying ClearShield contributes to ‘Green Building’ initiatives by significantly reducing the use of water and harsh cleaning chemicals, it is also the only glass surface treatment not classified as hazardous and unlike other glass protection products, ClearShield is safe for your family with no presence of harmful nano-particles.

ClearShield helps glass maintain its original light transmittance (t-Value), reduces energy requirements, operating costs and environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions by half.

ClearShield was awarded a two tick ‘Very Good’ rating.

What is the importance of designing for a Green Building standard?

Green Building status promotes the efficiency of buildings with regards to the use of water, energy and materials while reducing the building's impact on individual's health and the environment through better design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.

This represents a positive outcome for owners, tenants and the community.

Obtaining the ‘Green Mark’ label certifies superior environmental performance, benchmarked against industrial standards. Green Building products are assessed in the following categories: Mechanical, Electrical, Facade and Roof System, Concrete and Structural, Interior System, Finishes, Recycled Material, and Renewable Energy.

Ritec International Limited were the pioneers of 'non-stick' glass surface technology developing Clearshield in 1987 for the tough environment of oil rigs. ClearShield used on cruise liners around the world due to the durability and performance in harsh salt environments.

We commissioned an independent experiment to put ClearShield Glass to the test in brutal conditions.

Placed in an Acetic Salt Spray Cabinet for 1000 hours continuous exposure to assess its durability and make a comparison with regular glass.

A ClearShield Glass panel and an untreated glass panel were exposed to an Acetic Acid Salt Spray Test (AS2331.3.2).

The samples were placed at the bottom of the cabinet to ensure run-off from other metallic test samples dripped onto both panels, maximising pick-up of corrosion and salt deposits. After 1000 hours both panels were removed and rested for 24 hours at ambient temperature.

Reverse sides were cleaned with warm soapy water and photos taken.

We commissioned an experiment to put ClearShield Glass under the test with Spray Paint direct exposure to assess its durability and make a comparison with regular glass.

A ClearShield Glass panel and an untreated glass panel were exposed to over the counter Spray Paint. The samples were placed in open environment to ensure drying an atmospheric pollutants to maximise adhesion. After 48 hours both panels were removed and rinsed with cold water then and then a plastic scraper was used to remove surface paint.

The removal of the paint from the ClearShield treated panel was easy and the panels retained its hydrophobic properties. The untreated glass panel glass pores retained spray paint particles even after heavy chemical usage to remove paint.

While ClearShield can be applied pre-delivery in the glass factory, it can also be applied post installation.

Given it is the only liquid-applied glass treatment that is classified as non-toxic, on-site application does not present the same risks to site workers as other glass treatment products.