Whether you want to protect your windows, increase privacy, or reduce sunlight, window film is an excellent solution for commercial facilities, homes, cars, and more. But just what exactly is a window film? And how do you use it? Worry no more, because we are here to give you a guide about the applications, types, and benefits of window film that is used for commercial, residential, and even automotive markets.
What is Window Film?
Basically, a window film is a sheet that is made of the polyester coating. It is applied to glass, and it is commonly used to reduce the amount of sunlight that will pass through the glass. When window film is used in cars, it is often called as a window tint. Light reduction is not the only reason why window film is used in vehicles and architectural structures. Because aside from that, there is also window film that can reduce heat and glare, even prevent vandalism and storm damage. Here are the different types of window film.
- Reflective Film – This is the most common type of window film that is used in residential and commercial settings. Reflective window film can absorb and reflect the heat from the sun and other light sources, which typically pass through a standard glass.
- Safety and Security Film – Aside from protecting your house or car from heat and light, some film can protect from accidental or intentional impact. While the glass may still likely break after an effect, the safety and security film can help prevent excessive shattering and keep the glass in place. In the case of a storm, this type of window film reduces the risk of having injuries that are caused by flying glass. And it case of burglary, criminals may think twice if they notice that the window or glass door does not break that easily.
- Anti-Graffiti Film – Industrial, commercial, and even government facilities prefer this type of window film to be used on the windows of their buildings. This is because an anti-graffiti film can help reduce the resources, time, and effort to remove vandalism manually.
- Decorative Film – This type of window film can be used to add patterns or designs to windows. It can also be used to increase the privacy of an office building or a house. If you do not want to have any patterns or design, you can also opt for frosted or colored window tint because they also provide privacy while adding appeal to your windows.
- Dual Reflective Film – This type of window film works in the same way as the ordinary reflective film. The only difference is that the second reflective film has the ability to absorb the energy that is passing both directions through the glass. This process means that the amount of light traveling in and out of the applied window can be reduced with a dual-reflective film.
- Neutral Film – A neutral window film has the ability to reduce the amount of heat that is entering a room without having to change the appearance of the windows. Using a neutral window film can help reduce cooling costs without having to sacrifice the expanse of natural light that is coming into your home.
Common Applications
Despite having several uses, most window tinting film installations are used in these two categories.
- Automotive Film – Also known as a window tint, this window film is a common addition to many vehicles. This is because installing a tinted film on your car window makes it more resistant to damage. And it can also help reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your car. Not only that, but window tint can also help to keep the people in your vehicle more comfortable because it helps to minimize sun damage to the upholstery, dashboard, and even the finishes of your car. Windshield protection film is one of the new types of window film today. It is applied to the outside part of the glass. This helps to protect the windshield of your car from damage more efficiently.
- Architectural Film – Architectural film fare used in both commercial and residential structures. Window film is often used to reduce the amount of sunlight that is entering the building. However, there are other reasons why window film is installed in specific structures. For example, a safety and security film is commonly installed in many homes and businesses so that people on the outside could not see what is going on inside. In case there’s a storm, a specialized window film can help to hold the glass together.
Benefits of Window Film
- Energy Efficiency – Energy efficiency is one of the main benefits of applying a window tint, particularly in homes and commercial buildings Because during summer and winter, energy bills tend to skyrocket, and window film can help you manage them somehow. Basically, window tint cannot stop the heat or cold. Still, it can help reduce the amount of sunlight and energy that is coming into your house or building. The film does this by reflecting ultraviolet rays that are coming from the sun, then decrease the interior temperature, especially during summer months. On the other hand, during winter, the window tint can help to reflect the heat back into your house or building, which in turn helps to reduce your heating costs.
- Privacy – Another great advantage for having window tint installed is the privacy it provides. Even having a standard window tint installed can make it harder to see inside your house or a building. In short, window film increases the privacy of the building.
- Sun damage protection – As most of us know, the prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can also be harmful to people and as well as the things inside our house. This is why applying window film is a must, especially if you live in a location where the sun’s rays are always pointing. The window film can help to reduce the damage by blocking these harmful UV rays.
- Glare reduction – Window film are not just for windows, you can also apply it on your TV screen to increase the visibility of your TV and other device screens by reducing glare. It also decreases the need for artificial lighting because window film allow more natural light in.
- Scratch and Crack Prevention – One of the things that most drivers are terrified about is the feeling of frustration and dread that comes from a cracked windshield. Even a thing that is small as a pebble can put a crack into a windshield. And as we all know, once a windshield is cracked, you need to replace it as soon as you can because the break will only worsen. Applying a quality protective film can help prevent scratched and cracked windshields. Window film or tint is applied to the exterior side of the window and can help absorb the damage of the debris that will come in contact with the windshield of your car.
- Return on Investment – Aside from the things that we mentioned above, adding window film to your home can also be an excellent return on investment. This is because windows with tint can increase the resale value of your home. After all, they are one of the things that home buyers look for.