Glass Window Film
Glass window film is a self-adhesive polyester film that can be installed on many windows and glass surfaces to upgrade their safety, solar control and appearance. When solar energy – comprised of light, heat and UV rays – strikes a window without window film, it is mostly transmitted through the glass.
Reduces Heat and Glare
When solar energy (heat, light and UV rays) passes through untreated windows it can cause uncomfortable glare inside the home or office. Window film reduces glare by filtering out certain wavelengths of light, making it easier to read, work or watch TV. This allows natural light to pass through while reducing the need for artificial lighting, helping save on energy costs.
There are several types of window film designed to solve heat and glare problems. Reflective window films, also known as one-way mirror film, have a silver reflective coating on the outside of the glass and are almost completely invisible from the inside. They allow 89% of daylight to enter a room while reflecting out excess heat and reducing glare. Neutral window film has a low emissivity which helps to keep interiors warm in the winter and cool in the summer while reducing glare and blocking 99% of harmful UV rays.
Both types of window film provide excellent energy savings and comfort year round by reducing heat gain in the winter and solar heat gain in the summer. Most importantly, they help to prevent the expensive damage to furniture, carpet and merchandise caused by fading from harmful UV rays. Most quality films are warranted by the manufacturer for a minimum of ten years. Some of the better films can last up to 25 years.
Increases Comfort
Window film is a simple solution that lowers energy costs, reduces glare and blocks UV rays. By lowering a window’s solar heat gain and visible transmittance (VT), it allows natural sunlight to enter decorative window film a room while rejecting the unwanted UV rays that cause fading of furniture, fabrics, carpet and artwork.
Window Film also performs well with multi-pane windows, unlike low-E glass that can often create fogging and condensation between panes. The lower SHGC of window film allows in more of the desired short VT rays during the winter and less of the unwanted long UV rays during the summer to help increase comfort and decrease cooling bills.
Glass window film comes in a variety of designs, patterns, colors and textures to meet the specific needs of customers, such as reducing glare, increasing privacy or enhancing décor without replacing existing windows. With so many options, architectural window films are an affordable and quick way to add functionality to any space.
Reduces UV Rays
The sun’s harmful UV rays contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. Window film blocks 99% of these rays and helps protect your loved ones. UV rays also pass through windows and cause furniture, artwork, woods and fabrics to fade over time. Quality window film can prevent these expensive items from losing their color and fading.
When sunlight passes through untreated glass, almost 90% of it becomes heat in the building. Window film reduces the solar energy that comes into your home or office by reflecting Glass Window Film it before it can reach the surface of your window. This causes a reduction in heat transfer to the interior, which keeps buildings cooler and more comfortable.
Professional installation is essential to the success of any window tint application. A good installer will ensure that the film is properly trimmed to avoid any creases or bubbles. He or she will also use a clean dry brush to dust off the window and its frame before applying the film to the surface.
High LSG (light transmittance shading grade) window films are designed to narrow the spectral region that allows solar radiation to pass through. This can sometimes result in a slight colored appearance in certain light conditions. This is most noticeable under fluorescent lighting and can range from imperceptible to very noticeable. This phenomenon is also known as Thin Film Interference (TFI).
Decorative
A wide range of patterns are available in decorative window films. With these, the distinctive look of etched glass can be achieved at a fraction of the cost and with varying degrees of privacy. The designs also allow for designated work/live spaces without sacrificing natural light.
Decorative window film is also easily removed and can be replaced if the design is changed at any time, providing flexibility for interior designers and homeowners alike. Because of this, decorative window films are an excellent alternative to custom etching. In addition, while textured custom glass can be difficult to keep clean as oils and dust can get lodged in the texture, a smooth, easy-to-clean surface such as window film allows for quick and simple cleaning.
Typically, architectural window film is applied as a retrofit to existing windows. It is made of multiple thin layers of polyester, often featuring a tinted coating of dyes or pigments that reduce the amount of visible light transmitted while offering protection from shattering glass and solar heat gain. A clear hard coat is then applied to protect the film from scratching and offer durability. Window films are primarily applied to the interior surface of glass, but can be installed on the exterior surface under certain circumstances. Window films are available for commercial and residential applications, as well as in a variety of thicknesses and coatings. Professional installation of window film is highly recommended to ensure proper preparation of the glass and a quality finish with no bubbles or wrinkles.