Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window film installed on glass reject 95-99% of solar ultraviolet light.

Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With window film, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained.

No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.

Facts About Fading

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Just think about it… by adding window film to your commercial building or small office, you will be creating a uniform outward appearance, rejecting a large portion the suns heat, reducing your heating/cooling costs, reducing glare, helping prevent carpet and furniture fading, and helping deter burglary and break-ins.

All these benefits can work for you and your company by simply putting window film on the doors/windows of your office building. The results will speak for themselves.

How long will the film last?

The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located. There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years or more in some instances. This should not, however, be assumed to be the normal expected life.

All quality window films for residential and commercial use are warranted by the film manufacturers for a minimum of five years (certain products may have extended coverage). The warranty includes an address to contact the manufacturer directly should any questions arise either before or after the installation of the window film.

How should I clean my windows after the film has been applied?

Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:

1. Use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.

2. Use a soft cloth or squeegee for drying the window.

3. Use any normal glass cleaning solution which contains no abrasive materials.

The availability of scratch resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.

Will the window film kill my house plants?

In most cases if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be retarded, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter colored ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.

Can window film be used on Low E windows?

Whether window film should be used on low E windows and how much you will benefit depends on three factors:

1. Type of low E surface used on glass.

2. Location of low E surface in the window system.

3. The desired amount of heat gain reduction, heat loss reduction, or other film benefits.


There are two basic types of low E surfaces on glass. One of these is a conductive coating put on glass as it is being made. It gives some heat loss reduction, but does little to reduce heat gain into a building. The second type is a more complex system of multiple layers of metals and conductive coatings deposited on glass after it has been made. This type of low E glass gives heat reductions of 30% to 50% in addition to reducing heat loss. Obviously there will be more heat gain reduction using film on the first type. If there is any question about the type you may have, ask your glass company or the window manufacturer to send you the specific information about your glass.

The location of the low E surface in your window system is also very important in deciding whether film should be used. If the low E coating is on the room-side surface of the innermost pane of glass, the use of window film may reduce or eliminate the heat loss reduction of the glass itself. This may be more than offset by the heat gain reduction/heat loss reduction properties of the films to be used. Most low E window systems, however, consist of double pane windows where the low E surface faces the air space between the panes. In this case, film can be installed without eliminating the heat loss reduction benefit of the low E glass. The type of window film you choose for low E glass depends entirely on your desired benefit -whether you want to reduce heat gain, control glare, prevent heat loss, reduce fading or enhance the safety of your windows and glass doors. Carefully consider all these benefits before making a final decision.

Will window film cause glass to break?

Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:

1. Thermal Stress--from absorption of solar radiation.

2. Tensile Stress--from the weight of the glass itself.

3. Mechanical Flexing Stress--from wind.

4. Impact Stress--from flying objects, hail, baseballs.

5. Twisting Stress--from building or window frame sagging or settling.

The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.

The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by factory-trained dealer installers. If a consumer is ever in doubt, he/she should request a copy of such guidelines. Listed are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without extreme caution. SINGLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 100 SQUARE FEET. DOUBLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 40 SQUARE FEET. CLEAR GLASS THICKER THAN 3/8 INCH. TINTED GLASS THICKER THAN 1/4 INCH. WINDOW FRAMING SYSTEMS OF CONCRETE, SOLID ALUMINUM, OR SOLID STEEL . GLASS WHERE SEALANT OR GLAZING COMPOUND HAS HARDENED. VISIBLY CHIPPED, CRACKED OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED GLASS. REFLECTIVE, WIRED, TEXTURED, OR PATTERNED GLASS. TRIPLE PANE GLASS. LAMINATED GLASS WINDOWS.

Benefits

Benefits of dealer installed window film products for residential and commercial buildings:

In response to the many requests for a statement on the benefits of installed window film products the International Window Film Association has compiled the following information. This list may not include all potential applications and depending on the product recommendations, many products will not provide all of the benefits listed. It is the responsibility of the installing dealer, as well as the informed consumer, to determine which window film product will best suit their need. Working with an International Window Film Association (IWFA) accredited “Solar Control Specialist” assures the consumer that the dealer they are working with has successfully completed testing on important areas of technical and installation expertise.

All window films typically offer: Up to 99% Ultraviolet (UV) light reduction resulting in: Significant fade protection for furniture, carpet, draperies, wood, etc.Reduced fabric/textile deterioration Rduced exposure to UV radiation, which has been linked to certain cancers.Increased shatter resistance resulting in: Increased peace of mind Increased safety for family & friends Heavy gauge security films offer significant benefits from: Natural disasters such as violent storms, earthquake, high winds, etc.Vandalism, terrorist bombings, smash & grab, etc.Scratching/graffiti (glass tagging) on exterior windows, restroom mirrors, elevator doors and glass, and similar flat/smooth surfaces

Scratch resistant hard coating protects against: Accidental abrasion and product deterioration from normal cleaning Hazy appearance typical with plastic type materials Good performance in all climates

Metallized/solar control window film can provide: Significantly reduced solar heat gain resulting in: Increased comfort Reduced air conditioning costs Reduced HVAC equipment wear and tear/maintenance Increased fade resistance Glare reduction Daytime privacy Attractive accent to home and business windows Lower energy demands from utilities resulting in: Lower overall energy costs Decreased demand for new power generating facilities Decreased environmental emissions

With “Accredited Solar Control Specialist” installations you can expect: Knowledgeable sales consultants High quality materials and installation Manufacturer warranties covering product failure Glass thermal shock fracture and IG unit seal failure coverage Confidence you are dealing with an industry professional] What Is Window Film? The trend towards more open floor plans and areas that bring the outdoors inside is unmistakable. Today's homes and commercial buildings use more glass than ever before. As attractive as this is, it leads to a host of problems ranging from excessive glare, heat build-up and high energy costs to the premature fading of carpets, furniture and draperies.

window film can alleviate these problems while providing increased comfort and lower overall costs Increase comfort by moderating temperatures Reduce energy costs Protect fabrics and furnishings Reduce glare Block 99% UV rays
SunTek™ is committed to providing the Best Quality Residential/Commercial Window Films at the Best Price.

SunTek’s flat glass lines offer great looks, efficient installation and outstanding performance features.Modern, up-to-date colors and shades Superior optical clarity Exclusive water-activated adhesive. er’s warranty

SunTek™ offers three Residential/Commercial product lines:          SymphonyDS Dual Reflective Series           InfinityDS Series           SilverDS Series

Excellent solar performance | All metal construction | Great value Superior optical clarity | Neutral elegant appearance; clear not dark or shiny

Available in neutral and bronze | Great solar heat and UV rejection | Fade and corrosion resistant | Superior optical clarity

New, natural elegant appearance | Patent pending technology | Best solar performance in its class | Pleasing, "less reflective" interior appearance

Fade and corrosion resistant | Faster drying than any sputtered film on the market | Greater longevity, more advanced UV protection

Hybrid Film
Window film that is made up of a combination of metallic film and dyed film to achieve the qualities and look fo tinted film.

Infrared Light
A form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 0. 7 micrometres (0.0007 millimeters) and 1 millimeter.
These wavelengths are longer than those of visible light, but shorter than those of microwaves. (The prefix 'infra' means
'below; infrared refers to radiation below the frequency of red light.) Infrared light is primarily thermal radiation, and we
can think of this as being heat.

Metallic Film
Window film that uses either a sputtering process or deposition process to deposit metals onto its surface to achieve
the qualities and look of tinted film.


Polyester Film
Polyesters are made from chemical substances found mainly in petroleum and are manufactured in fibers, films, and
plastics. Polyester film (PETF) is a semi-crystalline film used in many applications such as videotape, high quality
packaging, professional photographic printing, X-ray film, floppy disks, etc.


Reflectance
The amount that is bent or sent back by a medium.


Shading Coefficient
The ratio of solar heat gain passing through window film to the solar heat gain that occurs under the same conditions if
the window were made of clear, unshaded double strength window glass. The lower the number, the better solar
shading qualities of the window film/glass system.


Solar Absorbency
The percent of incident solar radiation that is absorbed by the window film/glass system. The lower the number, the less
solar radiation absorbed.


Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
The ratio of total solar heat passing through a given window product relative to the solar heat incident on the projected
window surface at normal solar incidence (I.E. perpendicular to the glazing surface). The lower the coefficient number
for a particular window film/glass system, the better it is able to reduce heat.


Solar Reflectance
The percent of incident solar radiation that is reflected by the window film/glass system. The lower the number, the less
solar radiation reflected.


Solar Transmittance
The percent of incident solar radiation that is transmitted through the window film/glass system. The lower the number,
the less the solar radiation transmitted.

Sputtering Process
A form of physical vapor deposition (PVD) often used for deposition of metal films.Sputtering involves knocking metal
atoms off a disc of pure metal with charged, energetic, chemically inactive atoms called ions (from a plasma). The metal
atoms will re-deposit and build on top of polyester film .


Total Solar Energy Rejected
The percent of total solar energy (heat) rejected by the window film/glass system. The higher the number, the more
total solar energy (heat) rejected.


Transmittance
The amount that is allowed to pass through a medium.

U-Value
The ability for heat to transfer through 1 square foot of window film for each 1° Fahrenheit difference in temperature. It is
dependent upon the local climate or environment that the window is located in effects the level of heat transfer and the
rate; in summer, heat transfers from the outdoor air to indoor air. In winter, heat transfers from indoor air to outdoor air.
The lower the U-Value, the better insulating qualities of the window film/glass system.


Ultraviolet Light
Light having a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. Ultraviolet light is potentially damaging to library,
archive and museum objects. Removing UV light can reduce the rate of deterioration. Certain acrylic sheets have UV
filtering chemicals built into them.


Ultraviolet Transmittance
The percent of ultraviolet light (UV) that is transmitted by the window film/glass system. The lower the number, the less
ultraviolet transmitted.


Visible Light
electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths which the human eye can see. We perceive this radiation as colors ranging
from red (longer wavelengths; ~ 700 nanometers) to violet (shorter wavelengths; ~400 nanometers).


Visible Light Absorptance
The percent of total visible light that is absorbed by the window film/glass system. The lower the number the less visible
light absorbed.


Visible Light Reflectance
The percent of total visible light that is reflected by the window film/glass system. The lower the number the less visible
light reflected.


Visible Light Transmittance
The percent of total visible light that is transmitted through the window film/glass system. The lower the number the less
visible How Does Window Film Work?

Tint is created when tinting film is bonded onto a piece of window glass. Tinting film is usually made out of clear
polyester film with a very thin and even layer of tinting agents such as dyes and/or metals deposited onto the film.

A common misconception is that window tint is dark, and night-time driving is impossible when a car is tinted. The truth
is that there are films of ANY darkness that suits your preferences. Also, unlike sunglasses that do impair your ability to
drive at night, tinting film is designed to reduce glare and not impede night-time driving. State window tint laws also
protect consumers against illegal tint that may put them in harm's way during night-time driving.

Another misconception is that window tint is bonded onto the outer surface of auto glass. Window tint is applied on the
inner surface which also protects the film itself from flying debris outside the car.

Once tinting film is applied to a window, the characteristics of how visible light comes into the car changes. Normal auto
glass without tint reflects around 5% of visible light (known as VLR%), absorbs another 5% (known as VLA%), and
transmits 90% of visible light (known as VLT%) into the car.

Depending on the type and quality of tinting film applied to a window, these percentages change dramatically. Some
tint are more reflective, and others absorb more light. The number you will most commonly see is the VLT% (Visible
Light Transmittance). Almost all the official names of films include the VLT% within it like Johnson Executive PBC30 or
Madico Charcool CH-55. VLT% tells you how much visible light is allowed to shine into the car, and also indirectly how
dark the tint looks.

Tinting film doesn't just block visible light. It also blocks harmful cancer-causing ultra-violet (UV-A and UV-B) rays as
well as infra-red (IR) rays that cause heat to build up in your car; however, how effective a film is in blocking these rays
depends on the type of film, the manufacturer, and the quality of installation