How to Select the Best Window Film

Tints and Films - How to Select the Best Window Film

Tints & Films: How to Select the Best Window Film

Window film is a fantastic solution for many residential and commercial spaces that suffer from too much sun exposure or not enough privacy, but there are some types of window film that work better than others depending on your needs—the same way that not all condiments go with the same meals, not all films and tints work on the same types of glass. Selecting a window film for your space is a matchmaking process that helps you ensure the type of film or window tint you use is suitable for its intended glass surface.

Why Use Window Film?

Before we jump into the selection process it’s worth noting the main benefits of using window film in your space.

Anti-heat solar film works like sunscreen on your window panes. It reflect & repel the scorching sun-ray that shines through your windows keeping your interior cool.

Filters up to 100% UVA and UVB. Decrease risk of skin cancer & lower melanoma risk by 50%.

Privacy window films, functionality is in the title. Whether you’re in a personal office, conference room, or bathroom at home, privacy film creates a visual barrier without disrupting or closing off the space entirely. The one-way mirror film is popular in preventing “prying eyes”.

Decorative films offer style and functionality, creating a bit more privacy or special differentiation while providing more visual interest to an otherwise bland room such as gradations film which are designer’s favorite.

Many businesses and home owners install window films for the purpose of filtering, limiting, or softening light. Working near the windows on the computer can be impossible due to the sun glare reflecting on the computer screen.

Window films can also help you save on power and energy costs because they act as an added layer of insulation. Its proven to save from 5-15% on annual electricity cost.


 

Selecting the best film for your glass


  • Now that you’ve made note of all the glass surfaces you’re ready to put film on, it’s time to begin the selection process! There are three major areas of consideration when selecting the best window film for your space: your glass elements, adhesive types, and material quality. 

  • Read on to gain a better understanding of how to find the best window films for you. Understanding glass components to make an informed decision on which window film or window tint to install, you must first determine what kind of glass you have— what is the type, thickness, and size?
Selecting the Best Film for Your Glass
Common Glass Types

This type of glass is one of the most commonly used in homes and commercial buildings and its is best to use solar safety film to enhance its performance as flat glass are venerable to breakage.

These types of tend to absorb higher heat therefore metallize film should be use. Metalized film made of nickel or aluminum deflects heat while keeping the glass cool.

Coated glass itself has some protect against heat and glare. When applying window film to coated glass, it’s important to take extra caution on the application and select a corrosion free film that are designed specifically for use on coated glass.

Glass like these are 2.5-5 times stronger than normal float glass, able to withstand greater temperature changes, less sensitive to shadowing hotspot and will have no problem hosting window films of varying opacities.

If you don’t know all the features of your glass panes off the top of your head, Window-Cool can help! Using our film-to-glass chart, we are able to make the ultimate match and determine the best window film for your space.

Film Adhesive

Once you’ve determined what kind of glass you have and your resulting window film options, it’s time to consider their adhesives. There are two types of window film adhesive in the market: pressure sensitive and dry adhesive.

works by using a one-way pressure activated release liner to stick to both your glass surface and the film material. This adhesive is ideal for glass that is not exposed too much water and has a smooth surface. The main benefits of pressure sensitive adhesive are that it is quick and easy to install, and it can be removed cleanly.

on the other hand, is applied like regular contact paper without leaving any residue on the glass. This type of adhesive is known for its strength and endurance—dry adhesive will not melt under long exposure to direct sun light and its lifespan is almost permanent.

Note: Common film failure derives from low quality pressure sensitive adhesive which causes peeling, bubbling and melting which its costly for them to be removed.

For a cleaner, smoother, and guaranteed symmetrical look it’s highly recommended that you get it professionally installed. Quality Materials & Installation

Types of Window Film

It reduces the amount of light and UV rays that enter the home, but it doesn’t provide privacy at night.

These solar film provides a reflective exterior view while allowing those inside to see outside.

On the outside, dual-reflective film has a mirrored exterior that blocks the heat while providing clear visibility for those inside the home.

This is a new technology that blocks infrared light while controlling heat.

Anti-shatter film holds broken glass together to prevent injuries and saves life. Meets GSA bomb blast requirements.

Various opacity & colour to suits the purpose. Available in solar privacy and even fabric version.


 

How long does window film last?

Best Window Film - Professionally Installed

Professionally installed window film can last between 5 and 30 years depending on film type and glass configuration.

Quality is the most important element of successful window film selection. Many companies selling and installing film, installation, and window tinting services make bold claims about their film performance without conducting tests for strength, duration, and efficacy. If a window film fails it can quickly become very costly to replace.

What’s more, even if the window film you’ve chosen is premium quality, without fine workmanship the film can’t perform; high quality window films, decorative films, security films, etc. are only as good as their installation. Qualified tinters must be factory trained to become a master in the trade—just like any artisan, they go through years of instruction and practice to achieve excellency.

Call us today to learn more about which window film is the best fit for you. Tel: 6288-8323 / WhatsApp 8288-8555