A clear understanding of window film and recognizing what it can and cannot do is vital to making your installation decision. Read about a few window film myths and many of the real-world benefits of window films below. You might be surprised by what you find.
A Look Into the Mirror
Initially, window film was invented for use in space. This out-of-this-world fact makes sense when you consider the particular heat rejection properties of window film. After leaving the Earth’s atmosphere, spacecraft are subject to temperatures ranging from -240C to over 200C. To help spacecraft tolerate these astronomical temperatures and keep the passengers safe, a reflective tint was developed.
Commercial building applications of this type of window film began in 1966. Tint before ’66 had little heat reduction properties, and therefore couldn’t contribute meaningfully to energy savings. Tint was improved again in 1976 by the addition of reflective coatings.
Modern window film can provide nearly 80% heat gain reduction, and therefore significantly reduces energy costs.
Utilities are usually the single largest energy consumption source in a household in the summer and the winter months, and installing window film can significantly reduce this financial burden, regardless of the season.
Window Film Myths
Building managers and business owners often have concerns about window films that are not founded in fact or are entirely outdated. Here are a few common myths about window film, so we can all get on the same page:
01 MYTH: WINDOW FILM WILL CAUSE SEAL FAILURE IN INSULATED UNITS.
Fact: For more than 40 years, window film has been applied to millions of square feet of insulated glass and has never proven to cause seal failure. Federal specifications require that windows tolerate a minimum of 3.30 psi, and window films will only cause a pressure increase of around 0.55 psi – that is a sixth of what the window can comfortably tolerate. Many manufacturers offer warranties against seal failure.
02 MYTH: WINDOW FILM WILL CAUSE THERMAL GLASS BREAKAGE.
Fact: Window film can only contribute to thermal glass breakage if the glass was not manufactured or installed to industry standards in the first place. Many manufacturers and installers offer warranties to protect against thermal breakage.
Window film can also cause thermal breakage if the wrong film has been selected for the glass. Therefore, a personal consultation with an IWFA Master Accredited specialist is essential.
03 MYTH: WINDOW FILM IS A SHORT-TERM SOLUTION TO A LONG-TERM PROBLEM.
Fact: Modern, high-quality films have abrasive resistant coatings and advanced adhesion technology that ensures high performance for more than 20 years. After a few decades, the film can easily be removed and replaced.
04 MYTH: WINDOW FILM QUICKLY DISCOLOURS.
Fact: High-quality window films use ultraviolet inhibitors to protect against discolouring. The notion that window film will quickly discolour is exceptionally outdated and only applied to low-quality film.
05 MYTH: REFLECTIVE FILMS INHIBIT VIEWING OUT OF WINDOWS AT NIGHT OR DURING LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS.
Fact: In fact, window film reduces the amount of glare which improves visibility.
There has never been a better time to invest in high-quality window film. Our unbeatable products are guaranteed to make your building more comfortable and efficient and are infinitely customizable to suit your needs. If you have specific questions regarding how window tint can improve your home or office or are just looking for additional information, please give us a call or send us a message.
