Architectural window film is a retrofit for existing glass
Architectural window film is applied to existing glass to change how the glazing performs or looks without replacing the full window system. Depending on the product, it can be used for solar control, glare reduction, UV reduction, decorative design, privacy, safety or security.
The Whole Building Design Guide has published an overview of window film fundamentals that discusses several of these common applications. The important point is that different films are designed for different jobs, so the product should be selected around the glass and the performance goal.
Solar heat control
Solar-control films can reduce the amount of solar energy entering through treated glass. That can improve comfort in areas with strong sun exposure and may reduce cooling demand.
The actual result depends on the film, glass, orientation, amount of glazing and building operation. Window film should not be presented as guaranteeing a fixed energy-savings percentage.
Glare reduction
Excessive visible light can make offices, homes and other spaces uncomfortable, especially around screens and work areas. Window film can reduce glare by lowering visible-light transmission.
Stronger glare control usually means reducing more visible light, so appearance and brightness should be considered along with comfort.
Fading mitigation
Many professional architectural films reduce up to 99% of ultraviolet transmission through treated glass. Lower UV exposure can help slow fading of flooring, furniture, artwork, merchandise and other interior finishes.
UV is only one contributor to fading. Visible light, solar heat and the materials themselves also matter.
Decorative and privacy applications
Decorative films can create frost, patterns, gradients, graphics and other finishes on existing glass. They are often used in offices, conference rooms, storefronts, homes and other spaces where privacy or design is needed without replacing the glazing.
Reflective privacy films work differently from frosted or opaque films because their privacy effect depends on lighting conditions.
Safety and security applications
Safety and security films are thicker films designed to help hold broken glass together. For forced-entry applications, the film may be paired with an attachment system that secures the filmed glass to the frame.
Film does not make glass unbreakable or impenetrable. The complete glazing system—including the glass, frame, film and attachment method—determines performance.
Glass compatibility comes first
Insulated glass, Low-E coatings, laminated glass, tempered glass and solar exposure can all affect which products are appropriate. Some applications may be better suited to exterior film.
That is why ECWF reviews the glazing before making a recommendation rather than selecting a film based only on appearance or a single performance number.
How ECWF approaches architectural film projects
East Coast Window Films typically reviews the glass, problem areas and performance goals, takes measurements and shows appropriate film options before preparing a proposal.
For commercial projects, visit our South Jersey commercial window film or Palm Beach County commercial window film pages. For residential projects, see our South Jersey residential window film or Palm Beach residential window film pages.
You can also review the Whole Building Design Guide’s Window Film Fundamentals for additional background.