Advantages of Window Film
Window Film is a highly effective energy control retrofit that reduces heat gain, light loss and glare. In addition, it also helps protect furnishings, fabrics and artwork from damaging UV rays.
To begin with, prepare the glass windows by washing with mild soap and water. Then, wipe down the windows to remove dust and debris.
Decorative
Decorative window film offers homeowners, business owners and renters the opportunity to add style and privacy to existing glass without the cost of expensive replacement. The patterned and frosted film comes in various designs from minimalist geometric patterns to intricate floral prints, or custom graphics that reflect personal or brand identities. Adding this layer of design to your windows can transform interior spaces into sophisticated office environments, serene bedrooms or vibrant living areas.
Frosted window film is commonly used in commercial spaces to keep areas like meeting rooms private and prevent passersby from seeing occupants working inside. However, it’s also increasingly being added decorative window film to home kitchens where open concept living and work-from-home offices are becoming popular. This is because the frosted film creates a screened effect to separate designated live/work space while still allowing natural light and fresh air into the home.
Frosted window film can be applied to the interior or exterior of your doors, and it’s easy to wipe clean to ensure it stays looking shiny and new. Unlike textured glass, which can trap dust and dirt, the surface of a window film is smooth and can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap or detergent. The process is simple: Mix your cleaning solution, dip your cloth into the mixture and then gently wipe down the glass.
Architectural
Architectural window film helps enhance a building’s appearance and performance in many ways. It can be installed on new construction or retrofitted to existing glass in homes or commercial buildings. Window films are PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic sheets that are applied to windows or glass surfaces to improve a home or business’s aesthetics, safety, energy efficiency and privacy.
Most architectural window films are metallized or dye tinted to minimize the amount of solar energy that can pass through a window. This reduces heat buildup and lowers energy bills. These films also help keep interiors comfortable, reduce glare and prevent the fading of furnishings. Some architectural window films are also impact-resistant, allowing them to withstand more additional force and to better contain glass shards should a window break.
Decorative window film allows homeowners and businesses to add their own personal touch to a room or office by choosing a color, pattern or design to apply to their glass surface. It can give a room a more unique look that will catch the eye of those passing by. For businesses, it can help promote their brand by adding a company name or logo to the film. Many safety and security window films from Madico are designed to withstand a significant amount of added pressure against glass windows, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass and burglary.
Safety
Window film offers an extra layer of safety that makes it difficult to break the glass. This is especially important in buildings where there are large windows, such as schools and hospitals.
Window security film also helps hold shards of glass together in case the window breaks, which can be an issue during severe weather or natural disasters. Often, the shards of broken glass would Glass Window Film scatter everywhere and create dangerous situations for people inside the building or outside.
Unlike tempered glass, which is reinforced with metal strips to meet building code requirements, security window films can increase the strength of regular glass without adding any additional weight or thickness. In addition, safety film can be anchored to the glass with various attachment systems. This can significantly increase the level of protection from burglaries, vandalism and other acts of dishonesty.
The best way to ensure a successful installation is to hire a professional installer that has experience and knowledge of the window film product and application process. A professional installer will also have the tools to ensure that the window film is properly measured and cut and adhered to the glass surface.
Once the window film is installed, it will take time to completely cure. This will allow the adhesive to fully bond with the glass and reduce any haziness or water pockets that may be visible on the window.
Energy Efficiency
Window film helps control solar heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, thereby decreasing the load on cooling systems. This leads to lower energy costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased comfort.
In addition, window film can block up to 100% of damaging UV rays, protecting furnishings, fabrics and artwork from premature fading and degradation. By reducing fading, window film can help extend the life of draperies, carpets, furniture, and store merchandise and can save on replacement costs or lost revenue.
Depending on the type of film selected, window films can provide both solar absorption and reflectance properties. Dyed window films (which don’t contain metal) only reflect solar energy, while metallized and nano based films combine both reflection and absorption properties. Consult with a Johnson Window Films professional to determine which film will best meet your solar control needs.
The exact method of removing window film depends on the film and adhesive used and can vary from simple hand peeling to more intensive methods such as heat or chemicals. Regardless, always prepare the work area. Lay down towels or drop cloths to protect floors, and be sure to catch any debris that may fall during removal. Soften adhesive with a hair dryer or heat gun before peeling. This will prevent damage to the glass surface and ensure that the adhesive comes off cleanly.
