Why glass coating for your shower is important.
Shower is a beautiful addition to every home and it is very important to keep it clean. A lot of homeowners overlook the importance of keeping their shower glass clean. There is a common misconception that glass surface will always stay clean and the water will roll off. In reality, glass showers get dirty and become very expensive to fix once corrosion settles. Taking early precautions to clean your shower will save you thousands of dollars down the road.
There are many ways to clean shower enclosures but it is important to understand the causes of corrosion, scum and water spots.
Causes of Corrosion
This might be a little bit technical so bear with me for a moment. Glass is mostly composed of Silica, Sodium Oxide, Calcium and Magnesium. When these chemicals come in contact with moisture (mostly water) leeching occurs(ion exchange). The ions of the glass exchange with the water ions in turn that creates spores. Overtime this constant chemical reaction corrodes the glass.
Temperature and moisture further accelerate the process of corrosion. Hot steamy showers actually increase the effect of corrosion. Although they maybe comfortable for you, hot showers are harmful for the glass. Temperature increases the pH levels causing many water spots or residue left over on the glass.
A quick note on cleaners
Be very selective about the glass cleaners that you use. Every glass cleaner must work to clean your shower glass and not enhance the corrosion.
Many acidic glass cleaners are harmful for the glass showers because the chemicals react with the glass. These reactions create pores in the glass structure (water marks). As the pores increase, the process of corrosion increases.
Always make sure that you are not using acidic or harsh glass cleaners for your shower.
Coating Eliminates Corrosion
There are many glass companies that are researching ways to create coatings that eliminate or delay the effects of corrosion. Coatings cannot eliminate 100% of the corrosion effects but they can prolong the quality of the glass.
Claravista glass conducted a study that was in coherence with PPG(http://www.ppg.com/en/Pages/home.aspx) standards. Their glass performed extremely well against regular glass and their competitors. The glass was tested using:
- Heat/humidity exposure.
- Mechanical durability.
- Chemical durability.
In each test the glass was tested in a high humidity heated environment called the PPG “Jungle Box”. In this box, the glass is exposed to high temperature to simulate corrosion.
The Claravista seems like a great solution to end all worries about glass corrosion. However I would like to see an independent study that is not done by the company itself.
A look at cleaning products
DRIVEN Extreme Duty Glass Cleaner Information
This product has some great reviews behind, as professional cleaners have been using this product. This product will work on any glass surface. It combines its gel with it’s trademarked “Extreme Cutting Abrasives” to give the bet results. Most of the customers have reported that it was able to clean their shower, decks and car glass windows better than CLR.
The customers have reported no faults even though the cleaner is acidic. The company must have a great formula that works well with any glass.
Posted in Shower Enclosures