When designing, constructing or refurbishing a multi-storey building, overlooking the causes of "Problem Glass" is like having an "elephant in the room" but paying no attention - the risks are so huge they should not be ignored! Equally important are solutions offered by durable, "non-stick" surface projection - the added value opportunities are so great they should not be ignored. Problem Glass includes any architectural glass that has lost, or is at risk of losing, its original light transmittance (t-value), "sparkling" appearance and cleanability. These losses are caused by the biggest enemies of glass - moisture, alkalinity and dirt (MAD). For new glass, proven solutions provide long-term protection against attack by MAD. For glass surfaces already attacked and damaged, renovation solutions bring the glass back to an "as new" appearance and condition, then protect against further damage. In this article, the author discusses the causes of Problem Glass and proven solutions, along with the big risks taken and important opportunities missed if either one of these huge "elephants" in the room is ignored at the time of new construction or building refurbishment.
