ESG's market leading glass product range is now available with the added protection of the innovative ClearShield Anti-microbial protection system for indoor use. The non-stick surface acts as an anti-microbial barrier, which resists the adhesion and growth of bacteria, and other micro-organisms. ClearShield Anti-microbial can be applied to any ESG glass products on request. ESG recommends it for use in hospitals, nursing homes, leisure centres, swimming pools, shower enclosures, washrooms and catering establishments to help reduce rates of MRSA, C-Diff and other infections. Interior ESG glass surfaces treated with ClearShield Anti-microbial protection can be cleaned up to 50% less frequently while still helping to reduce the incidence of harmful microbes; improving environmental hygiene and saving on cleaning costs.
ESG adopted the ClearShield Anti-microbial protection system after tests confirmed its ability to prevent bacteria deposits and to make it easier to remove bacteria during cleaning. These were conducted at the world famous Porton Down Public Health Laboratory in Salisbury. Scott Sinden, ESG's Managing Director commented, ESG has used the established ClearShield system that produces non-stick easy clean glass for several years, but the new anti-microbial option will prove a valuable additional asset in applications such as hospitals and swimming pools, where conditions might otherwise encourage bacteria to multiply. ClearShield Anti-microbial will help us to eliminate a potential breeding ground for bacteria where condensation tends to collect. The system also has great potential for housing, especially for the elderly, the very young, or those with asthma, helping to reduce levels of airborne impurities and promote a healthy indoor atmosphere.
ESG offers the established ClearShield system treatment as well as the new anti-microbial version. Unlike ClearShield Anti-microbial , the standard ClearShield system can be used for exterior surfaces. ClearShield is a polymeric resin which forms a strong chemical bond with the glass; once applied it becomes part of the glass itself. Transparent, chemically inert, non-hazardous and UV stable, ClearShield enhances, and never detracts from, the ESG glass product. ClearShield becomes part of the glass so that, unlike a coating, it does not peel, crack or discolour. Glass can then be cleaned using normal methods; the application making cleaning easier and its effects longer lasting.
Despite its apparently smooth surface, glass has microscopic peaks and recesses which can allow dirt to collect, bringing organic and non organic materials in contact with the surface. Once in contact these can react chemically, and will bond with the glass, causing surface damage. More surprising still, glass, like metal, is subject to gradual corrosion caused by gases present in the atmosphere. Even moisture such as rainwater can cause damage to glass. The ClearShield system can prevent all of this damage from occurring, preserving ESG products in their original condition for longer. ClearShield can now be applied as part of the manufacturing process, giving glass the benefit of protection during production, and helping to prolong the life of the product in its original state.
ESG recommends the ClearShield protection for both interior and exterior surfaces. For external glazing the benefits include lower maintenance costs for commercial and domestic buildings and a better appearance for longer between cleaning.
ClearShield makes the glass more hydrophobic; helping it to repel rain; discouraging rain from settling on the glass panels; and making it more difficult for dirt deposits to collect. This is a great advantage for facilities managers, landlords and cleaning companies as, using conventional cleaning methods, a better and more long lasting result can be achieved, so that the end users of buildings are more satisfied.
By adding Clearshield during glass processing, glazing products can be protected from one of their most critical periods, during construction of the building. Glass panels can arrive onsite already protected from concrete splatter, cement dust and slurry and other types of alkaline construction materials. These can damage and corrode the surface of glass on building sites, and often make cleaning in preparation for handover of the completed building more difficult and the result less satisfactory.
Internally, Clearshield is also an added bonus in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms which all generate higher levels of water vapour through bathing, cooking and laundry. Shower screens in particular will benefit from treating with ClearShield, especially in hard water areas. Tests have shown that shower screens treated with ClearShield do not suffer from limescale build up, which is a pervasive problem in shower rooms; one which takes time, effort and resources to combat on untreated glass.
ClearShield can be added to any of ESG's innovative and practical glazing products, from its tried and tested Pyrotech ESG fire resistant safety glass to its ESG Visionary Polymagic privacy glass, which can be opaque or optically clear at the flick of a switch. The ESG range also includes toughened laminated glass for architectural applications; bullet resistant glass; intruder resistant security glass; and a range of special effect glasses for designer projects; all of which can now be protected by ESG using the ClearShield method.
