Glass Window Film Can’t Do Some Things
The application of glass window film can solve many problems that occur in homes and businesses. However, there are a few things that window film cannot do.
Security films cannot stop a determined burglar from breaking in. What they can do is slow them down by making the glass much tougher to break.
Aesthetics
Window film enhances the aesthetics of a space while adding functional benefits to offices and homes. Glass window films offer a range of color options and styles that are often more affordable than more expensive decorative glass. Window film can also be applied quickly and easily without the need to remove existing glass, which saves time and money.
Decorative window film adds a custom level of privacy to interior spaces, which is especially useful in offices. Unlike traditional etched or tinted glass, Glass Window Film which can be costly to replace or repair, window film is less expensive and more durable, offering superior protection against dirt, dust, and fingerprints. Moreover, frosted window film allows for more natural light to enter interiors while still providing a level of privacy.
3M Fasara Glass Finishes offer a series of textured and gradient films that provide a more attractive alternative to etched or sandblasted glass at a fraction of the cost. For instance, DS Matte i interior window film offers a translucent sandblasted appearance and is ideal for enhancing doors, windows, and room dividers in commercial projects. These types of films can also be cut to create functional graphics such as logos and way-finding.
Using glass as a design element in an office environment has become a popular trend, as it opens up spaces to more natural sunlight and promotes collaboration between team members. However, many people are concerned that this will result in a lack of privacy, which is where window film can help. With a variety of gradients, textures, and patterns, 3M Fasara films offer the perfect balance between coverage and visibility. They can even be cut to create custom graphics, such as logos and distraction bands, which elevate brand awareness in the workplace while promoting safety and productivity.
Energy Efficiency
Window film can dramatically reduce energy costs. Often, the savings can cover the cost of the film installation within a few years. This is a great way to make your building more sustainable without expensive replacement windows, which can leave buildings exposed during construction and cause disruption to business operations.
Adding window film to existing windows dramatically cuts cooling loads. This helps to minimize temperature fluctuations and create a comfortable space all year round. Window films also significantly reduce UV ray penetration, which is the main cause of fading in fabrics and furniture placed near to the glass.
The type of film you choose will depend on a number of factors. There are a variety of films that offer different Glass Window Film solar optical properties. These include Visible Light Transmittance (VLT), Reflected Interior VLT, Reflected Exterior VLT and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). These properties will help designers, property owners and homeowners choose the best product for their specific needs.
Once you have chosen a film it is important to understand how the energy saving performance is calculated. This is based on the building’s set back temperature and day time occupancy, if these are not set then energy savings will be reduced. Once you have modeled the building with and without window film you can calculate the payback time in years based on daily air conditioning usage, the number of cooling days per year and the energy savings.
Safety
Window film helps protect buildings and their occupants from natural disasters, explosions, burglaries, and vandalism. Films physically reinforce glass panes and hold shattered pieces of glass in place, helping prevent injury from flying debris or sharp edges that may occur during a break-in or earthquake. Security windows films can also provide privacy and graffiti protection by making it nearly impossible for intruders to see which rooms are occupied.
While window film can solve a lot of problems, it won’t prevent a determined burglar from breaking into your home. But it will make a break-in much harder, slowing down the process so that the burglar has less time to get inside and grab what they want.
When installing window film, always start with clean glass and a freshly prepared surface to minimize the possibility of bubbles or air pockets. It is also best to cut the film slightly oversized, as it is hard to get exact measurements on a window that is already installed. Then spray the glass and film with the soap solution to wet them both. Carefully remove the liner, working from the center out to one side, then the other. Wet the squeegee and push out the water and any remaining bubbles with a pushing motion until the glass is fully dry. Finally, trim the film with a utility knife, taking care not to cut the frame or any other details.
Privacy
Window film can add a layer of privacy to your home or office by making it impossible for people on the outside to see in. These types of films are referred to as reflective or one-way mirror window tints and can be offered in a variety of colors and shades, including metallic hues such as copper and silver. Window privacy films are best used during the day since they create a mirror effect on the glass that makes it almost impossible to peer in.
Decorative window films are more popular with residential customers, providing a frosted or tinted appearance that can completely transform the look of the windows. They also come in a wide range of patterns and designs, giving customers the ability to create their own custom window treatments. This type of film is often used in offices to reinforce brand identity or add a unique touch to the interior.
Unlike curtains, window film blocks the harmful UV rays that cause sunburns and can discolor furniture and carpets in direct sunlight. It reduces glare by up to 79%, making it easier for people to focus on tasks and enjoy the natural light that comes through the windows. This is especially helpful for individuals with sensitive eyes or who are working in spaces with large windows. There is no window film that fully blocks the view from the inside at night when the lights are on, however.