New Technology in Window Film

New technology in window film makes for a bright future in the business of window film.  Presently, energy saving films and decorative films are hot and that market is continuing to grow as well as new advancements in these films.  Four films have been developed and their use is becoming more present in buildings.  By 2020, it is predicted that these films will be used on a large scale.  (www.technicalwindowfilms.co.uk/window-tinting-news/future-window-films/) The four films are:

• Photochromic film which darkens when exposed to light like transition eyeglasses.
• Smart glass or electrochromatic changes from a clear glass to a frosted glass or a colored glass with an electrical current.  The current is controlled by a switch, a computer, or even a cell phone.  This can add privacy to an office, conference room, etc.  Another example is film applied in a lobby that is controlled by a computer to change to a darker film when the light is bright and then lighter or clear when it gets dark.
• Photovoltaic film converts daylight into electricity.
• Daylighting or Daylight redirecting film allows more light in at the top of the glass and directs it into the room reducing the need for electric lighting.  Presently, a metal shelf can be used for this, but the film is much more attractive and easy to clean.

Solar Vision, Inc is keeping well informed about these new technologies to bring its customers the best available product.

Window Film Products

There are many window film products.  The technology to create these new films is continuing to advance.  We can look forward to many new uses for window film to save energy and to improve safety.  The way we use window film to create beautiful working and living environments will continue to improve.  I'm sure my list is not complete, but here is a good start to what is available in the window film industry. Anti-Fog Window Film is a film that is used in areas of high humidity. The glass does not fog.

Anti-Graffiti Window Film is used as a sacrificial layer when vandals use acid, permanent markers, paint, etc. The film is removed and replaced and protects the glass.

Anti-Spy Window Film protects computer information from hackers or communication from being overhead by listening devices.

Blackout Window Film is film that blocks almost all light.  It is used in places like sports viewing rooms or to completely block a view.

Bomb Blast Protection Window Film is used in buildings where there may be a risk of an explosion or terrorist attack.. The film holds the glass fragments together and greatly reduces injury. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqUjGNmh0zg)

Bullet Proof Window Film prevents or slows the ability of a bullet to penetrate the glass.

Daylight Redirecting Window Film controls the light coming into a room, directs the light to the ceiling and down into the room, reducing the amount of artificial light needed in a room.

Decorative Window Film is used to provide privacy and beauty to a room. It comes in patterns and a number of degrees of frost. It can be die-cut to do branding or almost any custom design.

Dichroic Window Film has a shimmering color shifting effect. It comes in warm and cool colors. The cool have a range of purple and blues and the warm yellow to red.

Exterior Window Film is film applied to the outside of the window when it is very difficult or impossible to apply it to the inside.

High Impact Rear Projection Film is film that transforms any window or glass partition into a digital display screen.  It can be any shape or size.  (multimedia.3m.com/mws/.fn=PROJECTION%20COMBINED.pdf)

Gradiant Window Film starts with frost on the bottom and gradually goes to clear. It can also have a color on bottom and go to clear on the top.

Graphic Window Film has any picture printed on it and at any size.  The picture can be seen on one side and a clear window on the other.

One Way Mirrored Film has a mirrored surface and one can be see through from the other side undetected.

Photovoltaics Window Film has tiny solar cells to convert sunlight into direct current electricity.

Reflective Window Film has a metallic look.

Smart or Switchable Window Film changes from frosted to clear when it is turned on or off.

Safety and Security Window Film prevents intruders from getting into a building easily. Also comes with attachments to increase effectiveness.

Solar Control Window Film is the most common window film. It is used to reduce glare, eliminate UV Rays, protect furnishing, increase comfort, and provide energy savings. There is a wide range of this film.  (solutions.3m.com)

View Controlled Window Film is a film that controls what is seen through the glass. There are 3 different view control films that offer 2 angles of view. The product is applied vertically or horizontally giving a different view. This can accent one space over another. This product is put out by Lumisty.

Most of these products are offered by 3M.  Other brands also carry some of these window film products.  Solar Vision is a dealer for the 3M Prestige line.  We know that the 3M company stands behind all their products.  The reputation of the 3M company is unsurpassed. We are, however, able to install other brands as well.

School Comfort and Window Film

School classrooms that are  comfortable are more conducive to learning.  The first consideration for window film is school safety. (See previous article)  Window film can be used in a number of ways to improve school comfort, make learning easier, and save energy as well. Comfort and Energy Savings

During my 34 years of teaching, I have been in a number of buildings.  All of those buildings have had hot spots.  There are rooms where the sunlight coming into the room is unbearable during certain parts of the day. It is distracting to be in a classroom that is overly hot. To keep those rooms at a temperature that is somewhat comfortable, the air conditioning has to be turned up. Many of the rooms in the school are then too cold and students need their sweaters or just shiver.  A hot room does not help students concentrate on their studies nor does a cold one. More schools are going to a year round schedule, so they have to deal with even more summer heat.  Solar Control Window film applied to classroom windows reduce the heat entering the room.  Not having to lower the thermostat, saves energy.  In winter, the film acts as an extra insulator on the window.  Savings is realized in the winter also.  The US Department of Energy says a third of a building's cooling comes from solar gain through the windows.  Window film will make the windows more efficient.  (http://solutions.3m.com/)

Window film also eliminates glare on whiteboards.  The film protects occupants from harmful UV rays which can cause skin cancer.  Some rooms may require a combination of window film and blinds.  When the blinds do not have to be closed, natural light enters the classroom.  Students learn better in natural light. Eyes get less tired.

We know that students learn better in natural light.  Attendance and behavior is also improved. (http://www.healthyschools.org/Daylight.pdf) Window film still allows natural light.  A new 3M Window Film is 3M Daylight Redirecting Film.  If you have just the right space, the film brings in more light at the top of the window and redirects it to the room.  This lessens the need for artificial light.

Mirrors or Perforated Graphics

I worked in some areas where we took data on the behavior of students.  Graphics or mirrors can be put on  the window to observe students undetected.  The graphics are made with tiny dots. On one side you see a picture.  On the other side you can see through.  A mirrored film can be put on a window and from the other side observations can be made.  This could work well when the dean's office has a window to the cafeteria.  The possibilities are endless in the school.

Smart or Switchable Film

A smart film can be turned on and off.  When it is on the film is frosted.  When it is off the window is clear.  Think of the many uses for offices like the principal's office. He/She can see what is going on when it is off and can have privacy when he needs it for conferences with parents, teachers, students, etc.

Sports Viewing Rooms

Black out film can be used in athletic viewing rooms to eliminate screen glare.  Solar Vision has installed this at a number of colleges and universities.

Anti-Bacterial

A film that is not a window film, but is an architectural film is Di-Noc.  Some Di-Noc contains silver which cuts down on the growth of bacteria.  In areas, such as the nurses office and preschool classrooms, the film applied to smooth walls may help reduce the spread of germs.

Solar Vision can do a study of how window film can save energy and help you plan ways to use window and architectural films in your school.  If you would like a study done, give us a call at 303-862-6376 or e-mail us at info@coloradosolarvision.com.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film

At the 3M Conference in Puerto Rico, 3M introduced its new product 3M Daylight Redirecting Film, which is intended to help create green buildings.  The 3M Daylight Redirecting Film uses micro-replication to redirect the light that would have originally hit the floor a few feet from the window.  The light is directed to go up to the ceiling and then be reflected off the ceiling to light the room as far as 40 feet from the window.  About 80% of the light is brought into the room.  This reduces the need for artificial light during the day.  The natural light coming into the room increases productivity, people buy more, and reduces the need for electric lighting.  This energy efficient new window film technology can be used in retrofitting as well as new construction.   It is generally a commercial window film. The Daylight Redirecting Film is installed on the south, east, and west facing windows and is installed above a sill height of 6 feet to keep the sunlight out of the eyes of the people in the building.  The appearance of the glass with the redirecting film has the appearance of frosted glass.  The window film still keeps out harmful UV rays and stops glare and fading.  Some of the same benefits could be gained by putting a shelf on the window frame that reflects the light.  This shelf is not very attractive and is difficult to clean.  The window film is attractive and can be cleaned like any other window.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film will increase the sustainability and tenant satisfaction of a building.  It can be an effective energy management tool.  For specific information on how to use this new technology, contact  a Solar Vision Inc. representative.