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Window Film FAQ`s |
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What is window film?
Window film is composed of micro thin polyester laminates with UV
stabilizers in the body of the film and within the acrylic pressure
sensitive or quick dry adhesive system. Window film is designed to be
applied to glazing for purposes of carbon reduction, solar control, privacy, safety,
security, window graphics and decoration and depending on its design
performance can be dyed, metalized, frosted or clear.
What
are window films used for?
Window
film is designed to be
applied to glazing for purposes of solar control, privacy, safety,
security, window graphics and decoration and depending on its design
performance can be dyed, metalized, frosted or clear.
How is
window film applied to the glass?
Window film is applied to the glass with a
mild soap and water solution. Once the glass has been prepared it is
sprayed with the solution, the backing sheet is then removed from the
film and the film is also sprayed. The film is then applied to the glass
using an application squeegee.
Can
window film reduce energy costs?
Solar control window films can reduce solar
heat gain by up to 75%, this reduces the load on air conditioning units
and forced draught ventilation resulting in lower energy costs and lower
CO2 emissions.
How
long will window film last?
Applied internally window film is normally
guaranteed for between 10- 15 years and is often looking good and
performing long after ten years. Externally
applied window film has a shorter life span due to its exposure to the
elements; typically external film warranty will be between 5-7 years.
Can
window film be removed easily?
Window film can be easily removed by pulling the film away from the
glass. A residue of adhesive will be left but this can easily be removed
with soapy water and a scraper blade.
Can the
windows still be cleaned?
Once window film has been installed the windows
can be cleaned with soap and clean water, using a soft, particle-free
cleaning cloth or sponge. Solvents, acids or abrasives should not be
used on window film.
What is
meant by curing?
Curing is the drying out process that takes place after the window film
has been applied. During this period it
is perfectly normal for the film to have a slight hazy appearance and
for small water
bubbles to be distributed across the film, these will normally disappear within a few weeks.
The hydrophilic nature of window film actually attracts trapped water
and absorbs it into the molecular structure of the film and then to
evaporate from the surface. Exact
curing times will vary depending on the thickness of the film and
atmospheric conditions such as temperature and humidity.
Will
window film reduce fading?
Fade reduction film cuts ultra violet radiation (UV) one of the main
causes of fading of fabrics, furniture, painted surfaces and natural
wood. Ultra Violet Light (UV) causes approximately 33% of fading.
Clear ‘UV’ Reduction Film fitted to glass can cut UV radiation by up to
99% helping to protect fabrics, textiles, painted and varnished
surfaces, natural wood features, furniture, fittings.
How
does solar window film reduce heat?
Solar heat-gain reduction film reflects the sun’s heat away from
glazing, improving thermal comfort and helping to avoid tiredness and
headaches and improves mental alertness. Solar Control films can reject
significant amounts of the suns energy whilst maintaining good light
levels.
Is
tinted window film better than tinted glass?
Applying tinted window film to glass is far
less costly than replacing windows with tinted glass, and has excellent
solar heat gain and glare reduction properties. Film has the added
benefit of holding glass together in the event of breakage.
What is
manifestation?
Glass manifestations are
markings or graphics added to glass to ensure the glass is clearly
visible. It is a legal
requirement that all glazed screens and doors are clearly defined to
prevent people walking into them.
What
are safety and security films used for?
Low-level-glazing safety - CL 100 SRC safety
window film transforms ordinary glass into safety glass to
BS EN 12600 Class 2b
standard helping to comply with the requirements of the workplace
(health, safety and welfare) regulations 1992 (1996 amendment). The
regulation requires employers to ensure glass or glazing within critical
locations meets a minimum safety standard when subjected to impact.
Clear 175 SRC bomb-blast security film
BS
EN12600 Class 1b holds the glass together in the event of an
explosion, this mitigates the damage caused to persons and property from
shards of flying glass.
Can
window film be fitted to any type of glass?
Solar control window films, tinted
(architectural) and some privacy window films work by reflecting,
absorbing, transmitting and re-radiating solar energy. The way this is
done can cause the glass to expand at a slightly greater rate than glass
without film. With laminated glass, Georgian wired glass and some tinted
glass this expansion can lead to thermal stress, under certain
circumstances, that might cause the glass to fracture. It is therefore
important to ensure compatibility by fitting the correct film to your
particular glazing. |
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