Window film can be a very cost-effective solution for a variety of building issues: minimizing cooling costs, cutting glare and heat buildup, upgrading windows to safety standards, creating privacy in places like interior conference rooms, reflecting heat inside and more. Window film can be visibly clear or nearly impossible to see through from the outside even when those inside can see out.
Below are several common questions we are frequently asked about window film.
There are several types of window film products; each type specifically is designed for a particular end use. These include solar control films, insulating films, ultraviolet (UV) blocking films, safety/security films, glare control/privacy films, decorative films, and automotive films.
Quality window films offer up to 99% UV protection, and solar control films are available with different levels of insulation improvement. For exterior windows, products that offer solar control and safety/security in a single product would likely be the most beneficial. For interior windows on doors or glass partitions, decorative products or safety/security products could be used.
Films can be darker for glare control or privacy purposes or appear almost totally clear, depending on the required building and customer needs. More than 250 solar control films are National Fenestration Rating Council-certified, so users can be assured of the energy performance potential of the window film. Safety/security films and solar-control films offer up to 99% UV protection as a standard feature.
Safety/security window film works when glass breaks, controlling the post-break behavior of the broken fragments, generally by holding the pieces together attached to the film. This may greatly enhance the safety of building occupants and protection of furnishings/interiors from damage caused by broken and/or flying glass pieces. These products can be used to bring unprotected glass up to certified safety standards for impact by objects and humans; enhanced blast protection, such as from a chemical explosion; and other events that create hazards from broken glass.
Decorative films can be used to make standard glass look like frosted, etched, or patterned glass in colors or in white or black matte looks, enhancing aesthetics and privacy. Although not designed specifically for that purpose, standard solar control films and decorative films have the ability to minimize a portion of flying glass fragments should the glass ever break.
However, normal glass stops little UV energy, so even the addition of clear UV blocking window film offers benefits. In addition, some newer windows have extremely high visible light transmission and may create areas of excess glare. Therefore, window film may be desirable to make an area more comfortable.
Even the newest windows, which advertise added UV protection as a benefit, usually provide no more than 70% UV block. A trained window film specialist, using specific tools and guidelines from a manufacturer, can determine how much added energy savings or other benefits might be achieved by adding window film to these newer types of windows.