About Window Films
Window films are self-adhesive transparent thin films that is applied to glass and glazing systems of existing buildings to modify and enhance the properties of the glass (or plastic) without changing the window or building structure. Window films can absorb and reflect up to 80% of the heat coming from outside, producing quantifiable energy savings from cooling systems or alternatively reduce heat loss from the building through the glazing system. Window films can be used on virtually any glazing type, complementing and enhancing the solar performance control of the glass.rnrnThere are often misconceptions about window films which are associated to a dark or mirrored-tint on vehicles and buildings. By going through this website, you will realise that this technology is much more than that.rnrnWindow films provides cost-effective solutions for a better life. High technology manufacturing processes allows window films to be used on various glazing systems to enhance the everyday working and living environment. Window films are made up of up to 230 different layers which contribute to their advanced properties, making them highly durable quality products.
A Short History of Window Film
The concept of window film for use in solar control flat glass application dates back to the early 1960s. At that time, the main objective was to control the heating and cooling imbalances that result from solar loading. Such early films were found to reflect solar radiation back from a window, preventing the warming of inside surfaces normally hit by direct sunlight while still allowing vision through the glass.rnrnAs the window film concept was developed and improved upon, a demand developed for coloured sun control film that would complement architectural design. Coloration of film was achieved through various means to produce colours such as bronze, grey, gold, amber, etc.rnrnThe energy crisis of the early 1970s prompted an interest in another aspect of window film use: the reduction of heat loss to the outside. It was discovered that polyester film tended to absorb and reradiate long wave infrared heat rather than act as a transparent medium. Through experimentation, new film materials and constructions were developed that enhanced this characteristic. These films greatly improved heat retention within a room’s interior.rnrnWith escalating energy costs, products such as window film are increasingly valuable as an investment for commercial and residential owners and commercial facility managers. Apart from potential cost and commissioning savings, from a green perspective, choosing window film has less of an environmental impact than creating a new window and disposing of the old one. Window film, both carbon- and cost-effective, reduces a building’s carbon footprint more effectively and at a lower cost than new windows. When looking to renovate an existing structure to achieve a high-performance building envelope, window film installation should be included among other retrofit upgrades.
