Calculating the approximate fade factor reduction of a window film is a simple process. Add the Visible Light Reduction percentage of the film to the Total Solar Energy Rejection percentage of the film, then divide by 4. Add 40% to this figure and voila, you have your estimated Solar Fade Factor Reduction Percentage.
Example:
A film with 60% Visible Light Reduction and 55% Total Solar Energy Rejection – (.60+.55) = 1.15, Divided by 4 is .2875 (28.75%), add .4 (40%) to that figure and you have a total of .6875, or 68.75% – this is the total approximate solar fade factor reduction of the film in question.
Clear films with no heat or visible light reduction only have the benefit of the UV blocker added to the adhesive, which qualifies for the 40% added on top of the calculated figure.
This is an invaluable tool to anyone in the process of choosing a window film to protect their funishings from the damaging effects of the sun. Most people discover that the expensive Spectrally-Selective film they were so excited about really doesn’t offer as much protection as a traditional film at half the price. Others are willing to give up additional protection in favor of a higher light level. In either case, with this formula at your disposal you will be able to quantify the benefit of each film you are considering before making your purchase.
Although several types of frosted window film exist, there is only one style that naturally mimics etched glass – white matte frost. The most popular style of frosted window film, white matte frost window film is dramatically easier to clean than etched glass, comes at a fraction of the cost, and most importantly – can be removed.
The ability to dramatically transform the glass in your business in a way that will last, yet allow for the removal of the changes at the end of your lease, make for a happy tenant/management relationship. You can feel free to design as bold as you’d like, without breaking the rules of your lease.
Other styles of frosted window film are out there – dozens in fact – but don’t offer the “natural” appearance that you can find with white matte frost. These films usually offer less privacy and are available only in limited roll dimensions. White matte frost is available in up to 72″ width, which allows larger windows to be covered without requiring a seam.
Small projects can sometimes be completed by novice installers using temporary “static cling” films, but won’t have the same longevity, durability or appearance of professionally installed etched glass film. Temporary films applied by novice installers most noticeably “pucker” along the edges and have bubbles and/or dirt stuck under the film, making for a very obvious film application. Professionally installed etched glass window film needs to be closely inspected to discern that it is an applied film, not etched glass.
Another distinct advantage to etched glass film over custom etched glass is the dramatic savings. Even hand or computer cut designs can be completed at a fraction of the cost a custom fabricated piece of glass would run you.
If you would like to learn more about the versatility of etched glass window film, or would like to set up a free consultation, call us at 800-683-8468 or click here to contact us.
If you are having trouble with sun fading, UV window film may be the solution. Our company installs UV window film in Chicago and all neighboring areas and has the #1 source for window film information in the city. This article will get you started, but be sure to read our other posts as they will help you make an informed decision about what UV window film is best for you.
Now that winter is here, the low track that the sun follows through the southern sky reaches deep into homes and storefronts causing fading situations that can actually be more severe than the summer months. If this scenario sounds familiar – don’t wait. Even if you decide that UV window film isn’t the solution for you, cover your windows with some type of treatment quickly. Fading issues can start after only 3 months of exposure.
There are a few things you need to know when selecting a UV window film to protect against fading. The first is that a clear UV window film with only a UV protectant applied to a clear substrate is the least effective in protecting against fading. Blocking just the UV light only stops 40% of the fade factors that the sun produces. You must reduce glare and heat in addition to UV light for maximum fade protection. Together heat and glare are 50% of the fade factors that the sun produces.
With a number of shades to choose from, you can find a UV window film to suit your specific tastes. Most commonly our clients choose a Suntek Symphony UV window film with 60% glare reduction and 55% heat reduction. This combination of attributes produces nearly a 69% reduction of the fade factors produced by the sun, yet allows abundant light to pass through the glass.
Depending on the colors in your room and your individual taste, you can use a UV film that blocks an even higher percentage of fade factors, or choose to reduce protection in favor of a higher light level.
Some of the most commonly used UV window films our company installs can be previewed by clicking here. All window films offer nearly 100% UV reduction. Pay attention to the glare and heat reduction statistics – the higher those numbers are, the more fade protection you will get. If you are located in the Chicago area and would like a free estimate for UV window film, call us at 800-683-8468 or click here to request a free estimate.
Useful Information | Administrator October 2, 2012 | 
Comments (0) 
