Solar Film |
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How Window Film Affects Glass
Glass is designed to act as a barrier from exterior elements (i.e. wind, rain and snow) while providing a natural view of the outside world. When solar energy or sunlight, comprised of heat, light and UV Rays hits an untreated window, almost 90% of the energy is transmitted through the glass. In contrast, once solar control window film is applied to glass nearly 80% of solar energy can be blocked. The special dyes, metals or Nano technology within the film, act as a solar energy barrier by either absorbing or reflecting a percentage of the energy from passing through the glass. The level of absorption and reflectance is dependent on how the film is constructed. Dyed films contain no metal and are considered non-reflective because they absorb solar energy. They are not as effective in controlling solar heat and light because they do not provide any solar reflectance. On the other hand, metallized or Nano films provide both solar absorption and reflectance. They do a much better job of solar control since their construction properties control both heat and light from passing through the glass surface. . Variety of Uses One of the primary reasons people choose to add window film is to control the negative effects of the sun such as heat, glare, UV damage and fading. By minimizing heat, window film can reduce A/C costs and increase comfort in your, home and office. Glare reduction helps to improve visibility, and reduces eyestrain. Rejecting UV rays helps to protect your skin and eyes from damage and slows fading of interior furnishings, carpets, artwork and other valuable belongings. There are a variety of window film shades or colors that can enhance the look of a window as well as complement the design of a home or office. Window film can also provide additional privacy as well. Accidents involving glass can create dangerous situations, especially in residential homes with children. Safety film effectively holds broken glass together, greatly reducing the chance of injury. Protective films are available to help prevent vandalism and theft. While they cannot entirely stop someone from breaking through glass, the thickness of the film makes it more difficult and time consuming to breach the glass. Anti-Graffiti Glass is expensive to replace. Many commercial building owners choose removable anti-graffiti film to protect their glass from damages caused by graffiti and glass etching. Other commercial uses include; display cases, bathroom stalls, mirrors, elevator doors and most non-porous surfaces. Window Film 'Myth vs. Reality' Myth – Window Film will stop fading of interior furnishings 100% Reality: While window film does a tremendous job in reducing the amount of fading caused by harmful UV rays (blocking 99% or more), solar heat (cutting up to 82%), and visible light. It cannot eliminate 100% of the deteriorating effects of the sun. Window film is an effective solution to reduce fading in comparison to untreated glass. Myth – Window Film will ruin the view Reality: Although a dark or reflective film may reduce the view from the outside looking into a home or office, the same is not true when looking from the inside out. This is due to Visual Acuity where the human eye adjusts to the amount of light it is receiving, enabling you to see outside, even when the light transmission has been reduced. Myth – Security Film is bullet resistant and hurricane proof Reality: Many companies claim that security window film will protect glass from such extreme forces such as hurricanes and even bullets. The tests used to promote these claims are often conducted using ½-inch thick glass and multi-layers of security film—both uncommon situations. Most installed glass is 1/8-inch to ¼-inch thick in general. No window film can stop a bullet on standard glass. In addition, "hurricane proof" is a complete misnomer. If a hurricane can rip open a roof, it only makes sense it can destroy a glass window as well. Security level window film is designed to reduce injury and damage by holding glass together after it breaks. Myth – Anyone can install window film Reality: Installing window film may look relatively easy but there are many circumstances that could lead to an unprofessional installation. It is very easy for the film to become contaminated with dirt, dust or hair, thus ruining the film and creating dissatisfaction. A professional installer is experienced with proper preparation and application techniques to prevent contamination or other problems with the film, and ensure a quality installation. Heat Gain and Heat Loss Approximately 60% of the solar energy that strikes a window in summer enters into the home and approximately 25% of a home’s heat loss in winter escapes through the windows. |
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