One of the challenges our customers face is educating themselves on the types of window film. When we show up we don’t want to barrage you with a lot of facts and figures. Still we are excited about the options available to you. Why not take a few minutes and look at the various types of window films offered for your home. They can be broken down into 6 different areas:
• Reflective Film – Entry Level
• Dual Reflective Film – Newer technology
• Spectrally-Selective Film – Newest Proprietary technology
(less commonly used films)
• Niche / Special Use Film
• Exterior Film
• Safety & Security Film
TSER means “Total Solar Energy Rejected”. And is usually the most important bit of information. How much heat does the film stop? The TSER percent listed is the answer.
For Glare reduction concerns, darker the better. That darkness percent is in the product’s name. So, DR35 means it is Duel Reflective and allows in 35% of the visible light. However, while reducing glare, none of our tint appears to darken the room. It just reduces glare. The darker the better on glare reduction.
Details about each type of Window Film:
Reflective Film – Entry Level
Features reflectance on both interiors and exteriors for superior reduction in summer cooling costs and heat retention in winter. Providing a high level of glare and heat control, they are scratch-resistant, shield 99% of ultraviolet rays, and provide excellent heat rejection.
Dual Reflective Film – Newer technology
Offer superior energy savings through lower interior reflectivity and higher exterior reflectivity allowing for excellent views to the outside both day and night. Dual-Reflective films are suggested for residential and commercial applications where heat and glare are the primary concerns. They are scratch-resistant, shield 99% of ultraviolet rays, and provide excellent heat rejection.
DR35 Spec. Sheet TSER= 54%
DR25 Spec. Sheet TSER= 65%
DR15 Spec. Sheet TSER= 71%
V48 Spec. Sheet TSER= 47%
V38 Spec. Sheet TSER= 57%
V28 Spec. Sheet TSER= 64%
V18 Spec. Sheet TSER= 71%
V14 Spec. Sheet TSER= 80%
Spectrally-Selective Film – Newest Proprietary technology
Best looking tint out there. Period. 40% more heat rejected then DR tint. Films offer excellent heat rejection and energy savings with a virtually invisible appearance. They’re made with advanced technologies that single out regions of the solar spectrum resulting in a film that lets in more light than heat. These films are ideal for storefronts, commercial buildings, and homes that need minimal light control and maximum heat protection.
Niche / Special Use Film
— Ceramic Film
Features neutral color and low reflectivity for minimal change to exterior appearance. Ceramic films improve the view from inside, especially at night. In daylight the film rejects 99% UV rays for heat, glare and fade reduction. Not ideal for dual thermal pane windows.
Ceramic 35 SR PS Spec. Sheet TSER= 55% Absorption= 62%!
— Low-E (low emissivity) Film
Provide an insulating barrier to windows that improves year-round energy efficiency by helping retain heat in winter and helping keep the heat out in summer. Low Emissivity films are perfect for residential and commercial applications where energy conservation is of primary importance. Low-emissitivity (low-e) films are suited for cooler weather climates where energy conservation is desired. Reflective on both sides to increase insulation properties. Equal to dual thermal pane insulation on single pane of glass
VE35 SR CDF Spec. Sheet TSER= 72% with 0.29 Emissivity (twice any other film)
Exterior Film
Atmosphere series films are applied to the exterior face of the glazing and provide excellent heat rejection performance. Use where other films can’t be used on thermal pane windows. 7 year warranty. Edge sealing required.
Neutral – Where exterior look matters – non reflective
NHE20 ER HPR Spec. Sheet TSER= 64%
NHE35 ER HPR Spec. Sheet TSER= 51%
Reflective Silver – High TSER
RHE20 ER HPR Spec. Sheet TSER= 80%
RHE35 ER HPR Spec. Sheet TSER= 70%
Clear – Fix Low-E glass issues
Low-E glass can melt siding, burn grass, etc. This film solves this issue.
TXA-80 SR HPR Spec. Sheet
Safety & Security Film
Made with heavy-duty polyester bonded by the industry’s strongest adhesives to provide a powerful barrier that helps hold glass in place should impact occur. Safety & Security films are ideal for residential and commercial applications where there is the potential for glass breakage.
V38 SR PS8 Spec. Sheet *8mil TSER= 55%
SCL SR PS4 Spec. Sheet *4mil clear
SCL SR PS7 Spec Sheet *7mil clear
Now that you know more about our Window Film, you probably have an idea or two about what will work for your home?
Let us stop by and show you these films in person. We’ll even ‘install’ large samples so you can see and FEEL which film solves your concerns. Ready for an in-home consultation? Check out our Calendar and book right now exactly when you want us to show up.