There are two basic types of coatings used on window glass; factory applied and field applied. They both need maintenance. Although only one can be reapplied if it is damaged. That of course would be the field applied coating such as Nanovations NG1010. Which is a field applied hydrophobic sealant. There are many other field applied coatings or sealants. They began as hydrophobic sealants. But have become rather diversified over the last fifty years. The factory applied coatings have also become rather diversified too. There are antireflective, low emmisivity (low e), heat resistant, solar/electric, hydrophylic/low maintenance, mar resistant, and many others. These can be found on any side of insulating double pained glazing. Here is a link to a company in Japan that specializes in some rather fascinating field applied coatings.
We are going to have to be on the look out for coatings as we perform our work. Much of the tech talk on our social media has focused on why some glass is very prone to scratches. Which is a VERY important concern. Because making a mistake here could create a lawsuit that could take your company away. The IWCA several years ago spent a heap of money on figuring this out. The scientific research was fascinating. But the problem remains. This problem is even more intense regarding glass coatings. Because these absolutely cannot be scraped. Ever! So when they become laden with concrete sealant overspray, paint, concrete splatter, or something else; we must first be able to quickly recognize that there is a coating; and then know how to work with it. To do that we must have products to work with. Which brings us to the study of superabrasives in the 100 micron range with a mohs hardness of 5 and less.
To cap this we must be able to identify any coatings that are present (whether factory or field applied), and know how to maintain them, and with what. We are maintainig a microscopically thin film measured in angstrom units, NOT a glass surface that can be ground off with a silicon carbide paper and polished with a high grade cerium oxide slurry at 3,000 rpms. This takes window cleaning to a whole new level. One I am sure that most of us will not want to move to. But there are hidden opportunities here for all of us to consider.
If you do know how to maintain, restore, and preserve coatings;...you will stand above your competition. You will be able to charge more for your labor. Also you will have the knowledge to actually apply the field coatings correctly when possibly no other window cleaning company in your area does. This will win you the contract and help you to keep it. Tell me I am wrong about this. It will give you a new income stream as well. Everything I just said speaks opportunity!
Keep coming back as we move ahead. Coatings are driving the float glass manufacturing industry. And they will drive ours too. So let us NOT ignore them. Because they have the potential to make you gobs of money.
Henry
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