Differences In Window Film

This is a question we get a lot: “What are the differences in window film brands?” While it is easy for most salespeople to say that all brands are the same – it just isn’t true.

Not only do the chemical composition of heat rejecting materials and the method used to apply them to the substrate differ from company to company, but so do the adhesives and substrate that each manufacturer uses.

The major difference that arises from the use of different heat rejecting materials is how much visible light is cut down by the films to achieve heat reduction. While glare reduction can sometimes be a desired attribute to a film, most residential clients are looking for a film that can reduce heat without making the windows too dark.

Around 2 out of 3 of the brands of film on the market today sacrifice heat reduction to allow more light through the film. It is the minority that pushes for maximum heat rejection and minimum light reduction.

The relationship of heat rejection to light reduction is known as luminous efficacy. Films with a high luminous efficacy reject more heat while blocking less light. Not surprisingly, manufacturers that produce films with lower luminous efficacy typically use adhesives and polyester substrate that can reduce or impair visibility through the film by adding unwanted distortion or clouding.

Some manufacturers are notorious for having distortive architectural films, such as Llumar and 3M. Dealers that carry these products are more likely to do mostly automotive tinting. Since they don’t do much work outside of a car, it just isn’t worth it for them to carry a manufacturer with films better suited for flat glass application.

Other manufacturers such as Panorama, Madico, Huper Optik and V-Kool have shown time and again that the materials used to create their products are of the highest quality, and add no distortion or clouding to the glass they are applied to. Dealers that carry these products are likely to have more experience working in homes and businesses and probably do little or no automotive application.

Regardless if you are having a semi-metallic, ceramic or spectrally-selective film installed – make sure that you have taken the time to look at the film sample to see if it looks cloudy or distortive. Check to see if there is an alternative brand with a higher luminous efficacy.  Although these characteristics may not matter in some commercial installations – when it comes to a home – the less noticeable a film is, the better.

If you live in the Chicago area, give us a call at 800-683-8468 to get a free estimate. If you would like to learn more about our company and products, visit www.precisefilm.com

2011 Window Film Tax Credit Info

The tax credit has been reduced from before. See below.

Pretty much everything you need to know about your film’s eligibility conditions can be found by going to your film manufacturer’s website. Each type of film has eligibility depending on the “climate zone”, or area of the country the film was installed. Locate the manufacturer’s letter of compliance and read it to determine if your film qualifies for a credit in your climate zone.  Once you’ve found that the film is eligible, print (2) copies of the letter so you have one to send in with your taxes and one for your records. If you’re having trouble finding the letter from your manufacturer, contact them by phone to ask them where you can find it or ask them to send you a copy. 

Below is a short list of links to manufacturer certification letters. Please let us know if any of these links no longer work and we will remove/update them ASAP.

1. Make a copy of the dealer invoice/receipt (make sure it states the film type and has the material cost itemized)
2. Fill out the 2011 Form 5695. Window film is referred to as an “insulation material or system specifically and primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of your home” so the film cost should be put on this line (2A).
3. The total from Form 5695 should be claimed on your Form 1040, line 52.
4. Send the copies of the certification letter and dealer reciept in with your Form 5695 when you file your taxes.

That’s it. If you have any other questions, let us know.

Window Film Benefits For The Home

The benefits of window film in the home are so great, it is an investment that almost everyone should consider making. Just like using compact flourescent lightbulbs or putting in double-pane windows in your home – window film starts saving you energy the day you have it installed.

Energy savings is only the tip of the iceberg. Window films reduce the 3 major causes of fading: UV light, heat and visible light. This means that you can protect your floors and furnishings in your home without having to have your shades drawn all day. Perhaps you have angle-top windows or arches that you don’t want to cover up with shades – window film is the solution!

Another benefit of window films in the home is privacy. Whether you just want to slightly darken the window, make it reflective or completely frost it over – there is a window film that can complete the task.

Most solar film installations pay for themselves in 3-5 years and provide immediate comfort. Expensive double-pane low-e gas-filled windows are great for keeping your home warm in the winter, but let the sun’s heat straight into your home. If you’ve already spent the money on the windows, take the final step and get film installed.

The window films of today are designed to easily cut down over 50% of the heat from the sun without over-darkening your windows. You need to see it to believe it. If you live in the Chicago area, give us a call at 800-683-8468 or visit our main website to arrange a free consultation.