Benefits of Window Film
Window Film can make a building’s occupants more comfortable, increase energy savings and enhance the aesthetic of existing glass. It is also an effective tool to help reduce safety risks in a break-in by holding glass shards together and reducing the risk of injury.
Before installing the film, the glass surface should be clean and prepped with soapy water and a plastic squeegee. The film should be slightly oversized to allow for trimming after installation.
Reduce Solar Heat
Films reduce the amount of solar energy entering buildings by reflecting or absorbing visible and invisible infrared radiation, making a building less comfortable during the hottest times of day. This is accomplished without darkening the glass or reducing natural light. The result is more comfort, fewer distractions, and improved interior temperatures.
Window films also have a low emissivity, which means they reradiate very little heat back into the room. This reduces the strain on HVAC systems in hot climates. In fact, a single-pane office building can see paybacks in as little as 1.4 years after installation of a commercial window film.
Unlike conventional windows, which are expensive and require a long lead time for replacement, window film can be installed without removing the existing glazing. Film can be applied to new construction, retrofits, or existing windows in a few hours and with minimal disruption to the business.
Window film is tested to withstand a range of environmental conditions, including temperature extremes and exposure to sunlight and wind. It also resists corrosion and is available with a range of coatings to protect the surface. In addition, a wide variety of safety and security options are available, including intrusion deterrence, which slows forced entry for up to two minutes, giving valuable time for police and occupants to react. Films also withstand rigorous shock-tube and open-arena explosive tests to protect against chemical or bomb blasts.
Increase Privacy
Window film can obscure windows and reduce glare, helping to maintain privacy in homes and offices. Using window films to create this effect is more effective than closing curtains, and can also reduce the chance of theft because valuables will be less visible to passers-by. Window tint can also help to protect the occupants of vehicles from harmful UV rays and the furniture in interior rooms from fading.
Decorative window films come in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit any style, from 3-D designs to frosted glass. They work well on doors, cabinets Glass Window Film and even bathroom shower doors to add a decorative touch. These types of window films offer varying degrees of privacy, with some being nearly invisible and others offering transparent daytime visibility while appearing opaque at night.
One way vision window film is available in a variety of shades, with darker films providing more privacy than lighter ones. They present a mirror-like surface that blocks views from the inside during the day Glass Window Film and only allows light to be seen through when viewed from outside.
Many of these types of window film are also reflective at night when they reflect light from the inside, keeping a home or office illuminated while still blocking out view from those on the outside. However, this mirrored aesthetic may not appeal to all and some people prefer the obscurity offered by translucent window films or standard blackout film.
Reduce Glare
Glare reduction window film allows natural light to stream through windows while eliminating excessive sunlight and glare that causes discomfort and eyestrain. It reduces UV rays that cause carpet and furniture to fade, too. Unlike blinds and shades, window film doesn’t eliminate natural light or change the appearance of your glass; it simply redirects the sun’s harmful rays.
Depending on your specific needs, there are a wide variety of options for energy efficient glass window films. Look for a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) rating that best matches your goals. A lower VLT rating will be better for glare control and higher VLT ratings will allow more natural light into the space.
Metalized window films use metals within the film to reflect heat and solar radiation. These films are typically silver or bronze in color and can provide high-performance at a relatively low cost. Ceramic window films use ceramic technology to absorb and reject heat without the need for metals, providing a more transparent finish.
3M Prestige Series window films use hundreds of ultra-thin layers to precisely control the way that light passes through windows. This unique construction enables the film to reflect certain wavelengths and let others pass through, giving you more protection when the sun is at its highest and brightest. These window films also increase their performance at a faster rate as the sun’s angle rises, offering even more protection when you need it most.
Increase Energy Efficiency
Window film helps reduce energy transfer in a home or commercial building, allowing it to save on heating and cooling costs. It reduces radiant energy transfer through the glass, while it simultaneously reflects and absorbs some of the infrared energy that would otherwise pass into the space. Window tint can also help protect furniture, carpeting and artwork from fading due to the sun’s harsh UV rays.
A variety of energy efficient window films are available, and it’s important for consumers to know the performance characteristics of each option. Look for the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible light transmittance rating when selecting a window film. The higher the SHGC, the more effective the window film. A lower U factor, on the other hand, can decrease energy consumption by keeping interior heat inside during colder climates.
Dyed, pigment or hybrid window film uses a blend of dyes and pigments that absorb the sun’s heat, rather than reflecting it as in the case of reflective window films. This type of film does not have a metallic appearance from the outside, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce cooling costs without sacrificing natural light. Ceramic window films are also available, which provide a high degree of heat rejection with low SHGC and VLT ratings. These window films typically cost 50-100+ percent more than their reflective counterparts, but offer a superior level of energy efficiency.
