Common Types of Architectural Window Film

Windows are great for letting in natural light and sunshine. However, the sunlight from your large French windows in your home might also be a disadvantage. The sunlight allows the lingering of excess heat, and as a result, your furnishings such as couches and carpets may fade. The solution for this issue is architectural window films.

What is Architectural Window Film?

Architectural window films are types of PET (or Polyethylene Terephthalate) window films installed or retrofitted over a window’s surface to improve performance, look, or both. PET is a combination of terephthalic acid and mono ethylene glycol derived from petroleum.

Window films come in many types, but the makeup is similar. On one side of the window film is an adhesive for attaching to the glass surface. The other side has a scratch-resistant coat that protects the film.

There are different types of films with multiple PET layers that protect you if the glass shatters. Other films have metals, pigments, or dyes that reduce the amount of light the glass transmits and block the sun’s heat.

Types of Window Films and Their Benefits

The best quality window films feature various high-performing attributes. Some of these features include sputtered and scratch-resistant coats, vacuum metallization, or nano-particle pigmentation.

Manufacturers of window films design them to last. They offer warranties of up to 15 years for commercial spaces and a lifetime in residential homes. The life of a window film depends on the type of glass, film, building’s geographical location, etc.

Benefits of Window Films

Window films have myriad benefits:

Privacy

 Films come in handy if you work in a building on the ground floor or your home’s windows overlook a street.

Regulates Temperatures

Do your office or home windows face the sun’s direction? Do you have plenty of natural light streaming in? Then summertime could be scorching in the office or house? Window films are suitable for bouncing back some of the sun’s rays. This helps keep the space cooler and reduces or eliminates the use of air conditioning or cooling fans.

During winter, the films keep your space warmer. 30% of heating in your home escapes via the windows. The film redirects the heat and prevents it from escaping, keeping the rook cooler in winter.

Energy Cost Reduction

Films prevent the gaining of solar heat, and as mentioned, they keep your house cooler. This means you can save on energy bills because you don’t have to run the AC.

Block U.V Light

U.V light fades colors, which results in faded furnishings. Window films reduce the sun’s glare.

Security

The film protects your home or business. If someone breaks into your home via the windows, the film prevents the shattering of the glass and holds it together.

Glare Reduction

Glare reduction improves the visibility of your computer or TV screen by minimizing the glare and the need for using artificial lighting.

ROI

Installing window films in your home is an excellent return on investment (ROI). Films add to your home’s resale value or curb appeal, as most home buyers appreciate them. Your ROI increases as well by the reduction of your utility bills and the longevity of your furnishings.

Types of Window Films

The types of window films in the market include:

1)    Reflective Window Films

Reflective film is the most prevalent type of film in commercial and residential settings. This type of film reflects light on the outside, also referred to as a one-way mirror film. Reflective window film prevents people from seeing through the windows but allows you to see outside.

2)    Dual Reflective Window Films

Dual reflective window films are laminates installed on windows for energy efficiency and privacy. The exterior of the film is exceptionally reflective, mirroring the surrounding landscape’s images. On the inside, it is less reflective, but you can still see through, but more subtly.

3)    Spectrally Selective Window Films

Spectrally selective window films select the amount of daylight allowed into a room and block out extra heat. Most companies call their films spectrally selective, yet they transmit less than 54% visible light.

Just because a window film has a tint does not make it spectrally selective. A truly spectrally selective window film should allow at least 89% daylight and 45 % solar energy. The ideal spectrally selective film should be clear but able to reduce glare and reduce solar heat.

Spectrally selective films block solar and almost infrared heat. They also enhance insulation against heat loss by at least 15%.

4)    Safety and Security Window Films

These films are transparent and single-layered, and their thickness provides you with additional security. The security films are not easy to break into and are designed to hold the broken glass together. It prevents glass shards from flying and harming anyone or damaging property. They also block UV light, thus protecting your property.

5)    Decorative Window Films

Decorative window films enhance your glass windows or doors with different visibility degrees. When you need privacy and elegance for shower doors or bathroom windows, decorative films come in handy. These films are helpful for hiding clutter in glass cabinets in the bathroom or kitchen.

6)    Neutral Window Films

A neutral window film can help If your home or office has reflective or shiny surfaces . This type of window film provides you with 99% protection from UV rays. It also reduces the glare of shiny surfaces by softening them.

Particular Use (Niche) Film

Ceramic Window Film

Ceramic window film suits all types of windows. The film is not dyed to make it darker, nor does it contain metals. The film does not conduct and is full of tiny ceramic-based nanoparticles invisible to the naked human eye. This film is entirely transparent and allows visibility day and night. The film is also more durable. Ceramic window film include:

• Shatterproof
• Blocks infra-red light
• Blocks UV lights
• Metal-free

Low-E (low emissivity) Film

Low-E or low-emissivity film is a coated plastic window film. It comes in rolls, sticks to your windows, and slows or blocks the transmission of UV rays. Low-E films reflect up to 70 and 80% of solar heat gain on hot days and conserve more than 50% of a room’s heat in winter.

How to Choose Architectural Window Films

People choose to install window films for various reasons. Window films have many valuable features, but you must be sure of what you intend to achieve with the film. Many factors contribute to the choice of architectural window film, including the cost and the benefits of each. That said, here are some things to consider:

1. Goals

As we have seen, there are various types of window films. Before you decide on an option, you need to be aware of what you intend to achieve. Are you looking for security, privacy, aesthetic, or appeal? Ask yourself these questions before you settle on a window film.

2. Security

If your priority is security, choose safety and security window films. These have protection layers, enhancing security and adding an extra resistance layer to your windows to minimize shattering in case of a break-in. They comprise heavy-duty polyester and are bonded with powerful adhesives.

If you live in a windy or dusty area with lots of debris in the air, a protective film will protect your windows from pebble damage and scratches.

3. Insulation

Among the primary reasons why people install window films is heat reduction. They help to regulate temperatures, which also reduces your energy cost. Choose a film that regulates how much light and heat comes in, such as the spectrally selective window film.

4. Tint

The color of your window film may differ depending on the tint you choose. Some tints have more tint percentages, thus more transparency. If you live in a mainly sunny area, choose a tint that lets in just enough light.

5. Type

Selection of the appropriate film is crucial to ensure thermal stress does not crack the glass. However, the glass may also break even with the appropriate film application. This may happen if the pane got damaged during the window glazing. The glass could also break because of physical stress that was not obvious during application.

6. Cost

Generally, window films are pretty affordable depending on the function and quality. To find out which type falls within your budget, talk to local specialists for a quote. However, remember the window film cost also contributes to your monthly energy bill savings due to reduced AC usage.

7. Fade Resistance

Since top-quality films rarely fade, they can last for years. On the other hand, low-quality window films start fading some time after exposure to sunlight. Check the quality of the film and its resilience to the sun when buying architectural film.

8. Privacy

If your primary concern is privacy, get a lower tint percentage. Window films with a 20% and lower tint percentage are darker and do not allow much light. These window films are ideal if your home has large windows and needs to let in light but still have some privacy. In bathrooms, you can opt for textured tints that prevent people from seeing through your windows at night when the lights are on.

9. Manufacturer

Look at the manufacturer’s credentials to know how much experience they have. As a rule of thumb, go for a dealer with many years of experience in the industry. Also, look at their previous projects and the feedback from their previous or existing customers.

Take note of any negative feedback and how they handle you. Do they respond to inquiries? How do they run on courtesy and friendliness? A good dealer will be professional from the start and will be transparent about their products.

10. Comparison

Depending on your goals, you may need to examine various performance qualities to compare different film options. Manufacturers often give a spec sheet for consumers who want to apply energy-efficient films. The higher the VLT, the better the film efficiency. Low U- values mean more savings during winter.

VLT (Visible Light Transmission)

VLT is how much visible light passes through the window film. VLT is expressed as a percentage. A lower VLT percentage is better for glare, and a higher VTL rating is better for natural light maintenance.

U-Value

U-value is a measure of the transmission of heat via a window or insulating material. Lower numbers indicate better insulation.

11. Warranty

Most window film providers give up to 15 years warranty for commercial buildings and private homeowners, a lifetime warranty. Depending on the type of film, glass, and geographical location, your film may last past its warranty.

Check if the warranty covers:

•  Bubbling
• Peeling
• Cracking
• Adhesive failure
• Rippling

Types Of Windows You Can Apply Window Films

Glass is a barrier from the elements such as rain, snow, wind, etc., and provides you with an outside view from your house. When solar energy comprises UV rays, heat, and light and falls on untreated windows, nearly 90% passes through the glass.

You can keep out almost 80% solar energy when you apply a solar control film on your windows. The films have special metals, dies, or nano-technology that act as barriers by either reflecting or absorbing energy.

However, the absorption level depends on the construction of the film. Dyed films have no metals but are rather non-reflective, and absorb solar energy. They are not the best in solar heat control as they do not reflect solar energy.

Spectrally selective films contain metals and provide both reflectance and absorption. They are better at solar control as their properties control light and heat that passes through the glass. All films are not compatible with all window types. You can apply window film on these window types:

• Monolithic windows or single-pane windows
• Dual-pane
• Tempered glass 
• Atrium and skylight windows
• Laminated

Conclusion

Architectural window films come in many varieties. If your home or office faces the sun, it may be detrimental to your furniture over time. The sun contains harmful UV rays and heat that can fade your furnishings.

If money is not a problem, you can opt to buy other windows with embedded coatings to mitigate the damage and heat. Otherwise, another best option is to buy window films.

Architectural window films are a significant investment that will enhance your home’s curb appeal. However, with the different types of window films available, you need to do due diligence before investing in architectural window film. Know your goals and consider all the above-listed factors before you settle on a film. Remember, films are built for longevity, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime project, so ensure you do it well.