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.
There 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.
Window 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.
Our Window Films are Certified
EWFA window films manufacturers members extensively test their products to ascertain individual performance and ensure continued durability. There are many existing standards to which products can be tested – however the most widespread standards used in our industry are: European Standards EN 12600 and EN 356, or International Standard – ISO 16933.
The EWFA promotes the production, specification and use of products which meet this level of performance and certification.
Our Companies are Certified
In addition to product certifications, EWFA members also continually strive to achieve certification to ensure best practice in their internal operating procedures. Certification such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Standards) are the most common ones to recognise their commitment to high-quality products and services.
Let’s Talk About Quality & Durability
Technology transforms our lives; even if most of the time it is difficult to appreciate the technology used to produce apparently simple materials. For example, up to 230 layers are used in some window film to create its advanced properties. Advanced technology makes window film highly durable, quality products. Quality window film complements and enhances the benefits of glazing.
Manufacturing Window Film
The comment “Window film is simply a sticky backed plastic” might have been true thirty years ago, but contradicts and misunderstands the complex technology, high quality, high performance materials that are used in modern window film.
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.
As 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.
The 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.
With 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.
