Window Film

Window Film has a base of clear polyester which is either then dyed, extruded or metallised to produce a product that reduces heat and glare from the sun, increasing comfort and reducing energy usage.

Films can be divided into 4 types: Solar Control, Safety/Security, Privacy and Decorative.
Advances in manufacturing techniques, allows for 2 or more of these types to be combined into one film.

Solar Control films are designed to reduce incoming solar heat, glare and ultra violet (UV). They are available in many colours and range from highly-reflective to lightly tinted. Solar films can totally transform a building by giving it a uniform colour and hiding untidy looking office environments.

Safety/Security films range from 50 microns to 350 microns and more. They are extremely tough and hold glass together in the event of accidental or malicious impact. Safety/Security films are used extensively in commercial buildings to bring glazing up to current British and European safety standards. The heavier gauge films are often specified in high-risk areas such as banks and government buildings. They resist unwanted entry and protect occupants from terrorist and accidental explosions.

From totally opaque to a light sand-blasted appearance and available in every colour imaginable, Privacy films offer an attractive, cost effective solution for creating privacy or hiding areas of a building.

Most window films are applied to the inside glass surface of a window. As the sunlight hits the glass surface, there are a number of effects:

1. Sunlight hits the window and a part of its solar energy is reflected away from the window.
2. The glass absorbs some of the solar energy.
3. A portion of the solar energy is transmitted through the window film into the room.
4. Some of the solar energy is absorbed by the window film and is re-radiated.

In the winter, window film helps to reflect radiant heat back inside the building. By reducing the heat loss, the building stays warmer and is easier to heat.

Window film dates to the early 1960’s. Originally, window films were made only of a silver base with a highly reflective appearance.
As the concept of the window film was developed and improved, customer demand required the improvement for better window films. With new architectural designs requiring window films to compliment the appearance of buildings, the manufacturing of sun control window films in a variety of colors became a reality.

Window films are extremely durable and typically last 5-10 years, depending on where they are applied. There are documented cases of films lasting longer than this. The life of your window film will vary due to a variety of factors including:

• The type of window film installed
• The type of glass
• The construction of the windows

Film is suitable for both new and existing buildings, however, it should generally be installed only when all other work has been completed. There are many reasons for waiting until the end of construction work, but essentially this is to avoid contamination of the film.

Window Film will improve both the heat gain and heat loss properties of the glazing system.

Planning permission for film is not normally required.

Yes, window film will help improve the comfort of your home or business.

The biggest problem in controlling comfort in homes and businesses is dealing with the radiant heat from the sun. The energy generated by the sun literally pours through the windows and is absorbed by all it touches. The greater the glass area of a home or building, the more potential for excessive radiant heat gain.

One of the most outstanding characteristics of solar control window film is its ability to regulate or control the amount of solar energy that passes through the glass.

We can assist you in choosing the right window film to help with you comfort needs.

• Reduces fading of carpets, upholstery, and interior furnishings
• Rejects from 98-99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays
• Reduces your energy bill, thereby helping to keep warmer in winter and cooler in summer
• Increases your comfort by helping to eliminate “hot spots”
• Rejects up to 80% of the sun’s solar energy
• Reduces the sun’s glare
• Increases your level of privacy
• Enhances the appearance of a building by creating a uniform appearance
• Provides improved safety when glass is broken

Every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world are injured, maimed or killed by lethal shards of flying or falling glass. Many events can cause glass to break unexpectedly resulting in potentially thousands of sharp projectiles.

Unfortunately, many glass breakage events are not predictable, such as a child falling into a patio door while playing. In these cases, existing homes or buildings may have no form of glass protection causing a high-risk potential of injury to the property and/or occupants.

There are many potential users of safety film. It may be a homeowner who lives next to a golf course, a storeowner with high priced merchandise in a display window, or anyone who wants to protect him or herself from injury due to broken glass.

Solar control window film should not be applied to the interior surface of the wired glass which receives any direct sunlight. The wire contained within the glass absorbs heat and if the film is installed on the interior surface the heat reflected out of the film greatly increases the heat absorption of the wire, leading to a high rate of expansion. The wire expands to a point that the glass can no longer withstand, resulting in glass breakage.

Patterned or textured surfaces will not allow window film adhesive to form an adequate bond to the uneven glass surface. Obviously, the type and degree of pattern or texture will influence this bonding.

Most solar control window films are the result of a sophisticated manufacturing process using only the finest raw materials and manufacturing technologies. Under very careful monitoring, many transparent layers of quality polyester are laminated together. These layers are then coated using special adhesives, ultraviolet inhibitors and finally covered with a protective, scratch-resistant coating.

Next, a concentration of metal particles is applied to laminated sheets of polyester. This coating allows for the varying degrees of color in addition to the degree of solar energy rejection.

Tinted glass is a major absorber of heat and leads to a great deal of stress within the glass. Window film itself absorbs a certain amount of heat. If the combined absorption of the window film and tinted glass if very high, this can result in the glass cracking because of thermal stress.

Thermal stress may also occur if the sheet of glass has not been installed with the appropriate amount of care. An example of this would be if the edge of the glass is either chipped or damaged.

In cases where tinted glass is tempered or strengthened, the application of window film is unlikely to result in the glass cracking or fracturing.
If you have tinted glass or are unsure if your glass is tinted, we can advise the most appropriate solution.

Standard window films should not be applied to acrylic or polycarbonate (plexiglass) windows. These are plastic sheeting products and they all have the potential to outgas. Heat and visible light from the sun causes outgassing. Outgassing is the release of chemical components and/or moisture absorbed by the plastic. The outgassing interferes with the window films adhesive system, and results in bubbling between the plastic window and the window film.

Many windows, especially those on storefronts have stickers, decals, alarm tape and other such items on the glass. Depending on the circumstances, these might have to be removed.

Contract Blinds can discuss the potential problems with you and determine what to do with any decals. If they are not highly raised above the glass, window film can be applied over them.

Glass breakage can occur as the result of many factors. Some of the most common causes of glass breakage are:

• Twisting stress from building movements
• Tensile stress from the weight of the glass itself
• Mechanical flexing stress from the wind or direct pressure
• Impact stress from flying objects
• Thermal stress from absorption of solar radiation

Unfortunately, no. Window films and safety films can only provide protection against the effects of glass breakage. Window films help to prevent glass that has been shattered from causing personal injury or property damage.

Standard window film will hold broken glass in place to some extent. A range of window films are available to provide specific security solutions; we can advise which one will meet your needs. Security films range from 4 to 14mm in thickness.

The application of window film to the outside surface of windows can be considered.
Most window film manufacturers produce a small number of products suitable for exterior application. These films are subjected to an extreme amount of weathering and can easily be damaged by vandalism or careless window cleaning. As such, the lifespan is reduced, as is the manufacturer’s warranty.

Window films are available at a variety of stores for DIY application, however, these films come in a very limited selection.

Contract Blinds can offer the quality, variety of selection and manufacturer backed warranty that gives you the best window film for your investment. Though the process of installing window film appears quite simple, we have the training and expertise along with years of service to provide you with the best films available. Most high quality window films are available with superior warranties which include glass and seal-failure protection.

Contract Blinds can easily work around most window treatments. In the event of a window treatment restricting an installation, we will fully discuss this with you and offer a range of alternatives.

The basic procedures for installing window film will vary for different types of window film. We will determine the best method for installation, depending on the type of film being installed. Once complete, the film will be clean and optically clear.
To install the film, we require clear access to the windows. Any furniture or window dressings should be removed.
Flooring or carpets adjacent to the windows will be protected from water solution during the installation process.

The glass and window frames will be thoroughly cleaned, with special attention being given to the removal of any form of contamination.
On completion of the cleaning operation, the window film is cut to the approximate size and the backing film removed to expose the adhesive. Soapy water is sprayed on the film and window to reduce the static electricity generated by the liner removal and allows for proper positioning of the film on the window. The film is squeegeed and trimmed to fit the window. A final check for excess water both under the film and around the framing is carried out and the floor protection removed.

Yes, using a soft, clean cloth or paper towel to clean and the same or a rubber squeegee to dry. Use mild detergent or every-day glass cleaning solutions. Basically, avoid using abrasive tools and chemicals.
Most window films have a scratch resistant coating on the outside surface of the film. This scratch resistant coating is used to protect the film from normal wear and tear. However, care and caution must still be used in cleaning the surface of the glass.

• Use any normal household glass cleaning solutions or plain soapy water.
• Do not use any solution that contains abrasive material, such as baking soda or cream cleaner. Also, do not use anything sharp such as razor blades or scrubbing pads.
• Use soft, clean lint-free towels or synthetic sponges to apply cleaning solutions.
• Use a soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying the glass. Extra care must be taken when using a squeegee for drying the glass.

No problem, the film itself can be pulled from the glass. This will generally leave an adhesive residue on the glass which is easily removed.