Choosing the right sun control window film for your building is important. Commercial buildings with a lot of glass can achieve enormous energy savings by applying sun control window film. These films transform ordinary glass into energy efficient, high-performance glass, knocking dollars off your utility bills. Your savings can add up fast. And if you already have "energy efficient" windows you can still benefit. Why, because today's modern solar control films can make them even more energy efficient. And it's there's an easy way to tell If there's too much heat coming through your glass you will probably benefit from applying sun control window film.
How to pick the right solar control window film
Picking the right window film for your building, for most people, comes down to three things - looks, performance, and price. While there are a lot of variables to choose from, it really boils down to those three items. Luckily you have a lot of films to pick from to match whatever combination of looks, performance, and price you need. Here are the different types of sun control window films broken down by technology categories. These are arranged from lowest to highest price.
There are the "Classic" older technology films -
Silver Reflective "Classic" window films - Silver reflective films are the Granddaddies of the window film family, having been around since the 1960's. They are proven, effective and incredibly affordable if you're willing to have reflective mirror-like finishes on your windows.
Single Reflective Neutral Films - Around for many years, just like their reflective silver cousins, neutral films offer affordable solar performance with less reflectivity. They are typically metalized films and the darker versions can have very high solar absorption levels, limiting their application. They offer a neutral color and look similar to tinted glass. As the name implies these films have the same level of reflectivity on both sides of the film.
Dual Reflective Neutral Films - Similar to the Single Reflective films mentioned above, both in appearance and performance, dual reflective window films are less reflective on the inside surface of the glass, making it easier to see out, especially at night. Again, they will give your building that neutral, tinted look.
And the latest "High Visible Light Transmission, High Heat Rejection" window films -
Ceramic films - Ceramic films were all the rage when introduced a few years ago. They give you better solar energy performance while letting in more visible light. Non-metallic or conductive, they don't interfere with radio, satellite, and mobile phone signals. Ceramic films are incredibly clear, with some of the best clarity in the window film family of products.
High Visible Light Transmission Films - Available in both metalized and non-metalized versions, depending on manufacturer, these offer very high light transmission levels, relatively great performance and are the most popular high-end window films today.
Which Sun Control Film is Right for You?
So which film is the best for you and your building? That depends (doesn't it always) on what you are trying to achieve as well as on your building, glass type, location, building orientation, and architectural design, to name a few.You can figure out what films will benefit you and provide you with the greatest payback. It's not as simple as selecting the latest and greatest window film on the market and going with that one. By putting in some thought and research you can be assured of getting the best cost-effective option tailored to your building. Here at Starmor we are window film professionals. We can help you select the right film for your building. Call us for a no obligation building survey and energy analysis a payback calculation and some recommended film choices. We strive to make your window film installation easy and hassle-free. We can be reached at 800-297-3862 or with our contact form. Speak with one of our technical experts. You'll be glad you did.
