Homeowners and business owners often opt for window film when they’re looking into energy-efficient solutions. Since window film is considerably less expensive than window and glass replacement, this is often a coveted benefit. Window film can also be installed within a few days or a week for more larger commercial properties, offering less downtime and better convenience than a full-on renovation. Window film seems like such an incredible investment with numerous benefits, but how does it work exactly? What’s the science behind this product that makes it so effective?
The Window Film Installation Process for Denver Homes and Businesses
Professional window film installation typically begins with an on-site consultation. This allows the window film contractor to better understand your property’s needs in order to create optimal product recommendations along with project estimate and timeline. Most residential projects can be completed in a few hours to a day at most, while larger commercial projects can take up to a week depending on the size of the property. Your window film contractor typically will cut the window film to size on-site during installation in order to provide the most accurate installation. Some window film contractors will take measurements beforehand and have your window film pre-cut prior to installation. Cleaning all of your glass surfaces is a must– our contractors carefully clean your glass with a straight razor to ensure optimal adhesion. Once prepped, a soapy water mixture is applied before the window film is installed. Squeegees are used to extract all air bubbles and provide perfect installation. Window film typically takes around a month to properly cure– we recommend not touching or cleaning your installed window film for that duration.
The Technology Behind Energy Saving Window Film
Window film manufacturers all have a different way of engineering and producing their products. The material and composition typically vary in order to provide better solar heat gain rejection along with solar heat absorption. These are the main four categories for window film material, but there are others that are not as popular:
Spectrally Selective Multilayer Film
This premium window film option utilizes multiple layers of spectrally selective window film in order to address solar heat gain without compromising views. With high visible light transmissions, spectrally selective multilayer window film offers a longer lifespan and better durability when compared to metalized and nano-particle window film.
Exterior Spectrally Selective Multilayer Film
Most energy-efficient window film is meant to be installed on the interior side of your glass. An exterior product may provide a more effective product but is only recommended for certain glass types. With similar solar heat rejection properties as metalized film, exterior spectrally selective multilayer film won’t compromise the optical clarity of your windows. This product typically provides higher visible light transmissions along with moderate durability.
Nano-Particle Film
For homeowners and business owners that are concerned with their nighttime views, nano-particle window film provides moderate visible light transmissions while reducing glare at night as well. Nano-particle film has moderate durability when compared to spectrally selective films and along with moderate solar heat rejection technology.
Metalized Film
Metalized window film uses different types of metals in order to create an effective solar heat gain rejection layer. This inherently delivers a tinted look that can provide privacy. With lower amounts of visible light transmissions and lower durability, this cost-effective option does provide high solar heat rejection. Metalized films are great for properties that don’t mind the tinted appearance for their windows.
Work with Denver’s Leading Energy Conservation Experts
GreenLight Window Films is honored to have the leading energy conservation experts on our Denver team. Work with our experienced contractors to learn more about LEED certification or to complete an energy audit for your residential or commercial property. We have the largest selection of energy-efficient window film and can help you choose the right option for your property. For more information regarding how window film works, please contact us!