How Window Film Can Transform Your Space

A common misconception is that window film keeps out light. The truth is that window film reduces a percentage of visible light, but the human eye perceives this reduction differently than a spectrophotometer would.

Whether you’re designing a building for aesthetics or functionality, there are many benefits of glass window film. The best ones provide privacy, comfort, security and energy efficiency.

Decorative

Decorative window films offer homeowners and business owners the chance to upgrade their space’s visual appeal without spending more than they would on new glass windows or etching. The wide variety of patterned decorative films can fit a diverse range of aesthetic tastes. From gradients and textured styles to bold geometric patterns, these films can create unique levels of coverage by skillfully balancing transparency, matte areas, and surface finish.

Frosted, tinted, and colored window film come in varying degrees of opacity to provide a variety of privacy options. Many of these styles also look great when affixed to shower doors or glass partitions. As more and more people are working from home or pursuing distance learning, decorative window film can help to define designated live/work spaces. These frosted or printed films also create an attractive screened effect to deter nosy neighbors and passersby from seeing into private living areas.

Security and safety film protects building occupants from flying glass by holding the shards of Glass Window Film broken windows together, while solar film can help to reduce energy costs by keeping cool air in and warm air out. Some of these films can even be used to comply with Title 24 standards, which allows a single pane window to perform like a dual pane unit by reducing glare and reducing solar heat.

Architectural

Architectural window film is a polyester film construction that is applied to existing windows as a retrofit to improve the look or performance of the glass. These films are usually made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and often feature reflective coatings to reduce solar heat gain, save energy costs and protect interior furnishings and fabrics from harmful UV radiation.

The textured and gradient decorative window film lines offer a visual pairing of gradual transitions with minimal sightlines. They help eliminate the decision between privacy or light control and allow for the best of both.

Energy saving and protection window films are usually clear in appearance, but can be tinted with metals, dyes or pigments to serve a variety of purposes. Generally, these films reduce the amount of radiant heat passing through the window and conserve up to 50% of a building’s heating energy on cold days. Some of these films are also treated with ceramic nanoparticles to block harmful UV rays.

When selecting an architectural film it is important to understand your client’s needs and goals. Be sure to advise on the type of film that will provide them with maximum return on their investment. The key is to balance what they want with industry recommendations and your expertise. This will ensure that their vision xygraphic pvc film is brought to fruition in a practical way that fits their life style and business operations.

Safety

When shattered, ordinary glass creates sharp, dangerous shards that can cause severe injuries. Safety window film transforms these panes into a protective shield, deterring break-ins and burglaries by limiting potential glass-related damage. It also helps to hold shattered glass fragments in place, protecting people and reducing potential injuries in the event of an explosion or natural disaster.

This heavy-duty polyester film is installed to upgrade existing windows. It’s designed to add protection without altering the appearance of windows, glass doors, bathroom mirrors and elevator finishes. Engineered for strength, it’s capable of resisting spray paint, scratching and chemical attack. The film bonds to glass with strong adhesives, forming an invisible defense system that improves the safety and security of your building.

Unlike window tint, safety and security films have been tested for their ability to perform in adverse conditions. The films have been rated for everything from basic personal safety ratings like ANSI Z97.1 to large scale blast mitigation (GSA). When choosing these types of products, make sure your installer can provide certification that the film meets the appropriate standards.

Window film is a relatively inexpensive way to add decorative accents, functional protectants and energy efficiency to your home or business. It’s available in a wide range of shades, colors and thicknesses, making it easy to find the perfect match for your project. Window film installs much the same as other types of window treatments, but it’s a good idea to select a supplier that offers a trim to size service. This will ensure that the film arrives already sized for a precise fit within your window frame, saving you time and frustration.

Energy Efficiency

Window film improves energy efficiency, reduces glare and keeps the building cool. This lowers electrical use which saves money on energy costs and helps meet stringent environmental standards such as New York City Local Law 84 that requires large buildings to benchmark their energy usage and provide the results publicly. By adding 3M® Window Film, the average building can quickly achieve a payback period of less than three years.

Energy efficiency films are a thin coating that is applied to existing windows to help control heat, light, and glare. They can provide an energy savings of up to 40 percent compared to traditional single pane glass. They have a low emissivity value and a visible transmittance (VT) that can meet NFRC performance ratings and comply with Title 24.

Low emissivity window film is coated with a metallic material that helps reflect the heat of the sun back outside, where it belongs. This is a highly energy efficient product that can reduce heating and cooling costs, and keep the space comfortable all year round.

The reflective property of window film also works to block glare from the sun, making it ideal for home office and entertainment areas where people want to be able to focus on work or watch TV without straining their eyes. This type of window tint can also add a privacy element to windows, although it is not effective at blocking out infrared heat at night, as it will still allow the sunlight through.