Benefits of Glass Window Film
Glass Window Film offers a wide range of benefits for commercial and residential buildings. From enhancing the appearance of windows to adding privacy and security, these window films are available in many colours and textures.
Some plastic window films that have high LSG values can produce a color cast in the light passing through the windows. This is because they narrow the spectral range that allows solar radiation to pass.
Reduces Heat
Window film reduces solar heat gain and glare while allowing natural daylight to penetrate the window. It also blocks damaging ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, while still allowing desirable visible light to pass through the windows.
With the recent freezing weather, it is important to keep warmth inside, but poorly insulated windows can cause chilly air to seep through, forcing your heating system to work harder and increasing your energy bills. Window film turns your glass into a better insulator, reducing the amount of heat that is lost through the window during colder months.
Unlike tinted or absorptive films, reflective window film only absorbs a small percentage of solar xygraphic pvc film heat before reflecting it back outside. This reflects the sun’s harmful UV rays, helping to protect furnishings and artwork from premature fading.
Window film is one of the quickest and easiest ECM’s to install, and can be used as a retrofit solution or on new construction. By reducing the amount of solar heat that passes through your windows, it will save on your utility costs year-round and eliminates hot spots (temperature inconsistencies from one area to another), resulting in less wear and tear on your HVAC equipment. Window film will also help protect your valuable furnishings from harmful UV rays that can damage furniture and carpeting. Most high-quality window films are fade and scratch resistant, with a manufacturer’s warranty backed up for ten years or more.
Reduces Glare
The glare of bright sunlight or light reflecting off surfaces can be distracting and annoying. Window film can reduce glare to make it easier and more comfortable for people to work and read in a room without straining their eyes.
Window films with anti-reflective coatings allow more natural light to enter a space while blocking the harsh glare of direct sunlight or artificial lighting. In a commercial setting, employees can stay comfortable and productive in their offices throughout the day with the help of sun-rejecting window film. By adding window film to any glass surface in your building, you can create a more comfortable work environment while still maintaining beautiful views of the outdoors.
When shopping for window film, be sure to look for options with a higher visible transmittance (VT) value. The VT value refers to how much light passes through the window film when compared to clear, unfilmed glass. The higher the VT value, the less glare your windows will produce.
However, some clients want glare reduction but don’t like the payoff of losing visible light. If this is a concern, be sure to ask for window film samples that show what the effect will be in a room full of window film. In this way, you can see if the dark film will be too dark for their liking once installed in their home.
Increases Safety
Window film can be used to reduce the dangers of shattered glass from burglaries and natural disasters. It’s harder to break and holds the shards of glass in place, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry to your home or business. It also helps mitigate injuries from flying glass caused by natural events such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.
Window tints are available in Glass Window Film clear, dyed or pigmented varieties and can be metallized to provide privacy, solar control, insulation and/or safety. Some window films are printed with decorative patterns that mimic the look of frosted or etched glass, and are designed to add visual interest to buildings and residences.
There are also heavy security film options that can make a window more resistant to break ins. This type of film is very thick and often carries a lifetime warranty for homeowners and 10-years for commercial use.
It’s important to choose the right window film for your needs based on the performance criteria that is most important to you. For example, if you want to reduce heat gain, it’s best to choose a film with an LSG (Light Streak Gain) value below 1.0. This will help reduce the amount of heat entering a room, but allow adequate amounts of light to enter, which is important for those with photosensitivity and/or glare issues caused by sunlight.
Decorative
Decorative window film doesn’t just transform windows and other glass surfaces, it inspires fresh ideas about privacy, light filtering, design and more. Carefully curated to fuel imagination, these styles offer varying degrees of transparency and privacy that help solve problems and create the perfect aesthetic.
Frosted window films offer a sophisticated look similar to expensive frosted and etched glass at a fraction of the cost and with varying degrees of privacy. These styles are available in a wide variety of patterns, shades and thicknesses that work for both residential and commercial properties.
Gradient window films feature a soft transition from transparent to opaque that adds visual interest and privacy to windows and partitions without sacrificing natural light. Using a variety of organic and geometric patterns, these window films can be oriented to allow varying degrees of visibility from various angles.
To remove a decorative window film, simply rinse the glass surface with clean water and use a non-abrasive cleaner or degreaser to clean the adhesive residue. Once the surface is clean, peel off the film starting at one corner and working your way across the surface. You can also use a razor blade or scraper to help lift the film if necessary. Once the film has been removed, rinse the glass with clean water and use a mild soap or detergent solution to remove any remaining adhesive residue from the window.