Category: FAQ

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Benefits of Anti-Glare Window Film

Anti-glare film is effective as soon as it’s installed, and can minimize glare by up to 95%. Additionally, anti-glare film requires no additional cleaning and maintenance.

In addition to glare control, such window films also provide a number of other benefits. One of the advantages to anti-glare film is its ability to filter up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Beyond being damaging to the skin, UV rays are also the main contributing factor to fading in furnishing and upholstery.

So with anti-glare window film, you can also add a layer of solar protection, as well as the ability improve a building’s safety and security.

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Why is SHGC important?

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1.

The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits. The nationally recognized rating method by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is for the whole window, including the effects of the frame.

Alternately, the center-of-glass SHGC is sometimes referenced, which describes the effect of the glazing alone. Whole window SHGC is lower than glass-only SHGC, and is generally below 0.8.

Solar heat gain can provide free heat in the winter but can also lead to overheating in the summer. How to best balance solar heat gain with an appropriate SHGC depends upon the climate, orientation, shading conditions and other factors.

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Is anti-graffiti film easy to install?

No. The most common problems that occur with the installation of anti-graffiti film are:

Peeling corners – the outer frames of windows hold onto a lot of debris. Even after several washings this debris will easily get sucked behind the edges of the film as it is being trimmed to fit the window. Not only does this produce a bubbly “rash” of grit behind the film, but weakens the bond between the film and the glass. Since the adhesives in anti-graffiti film are designed to be more easily removed, any amount of dirt that inhibits this already loose bond will result in the premature failure of the adhesive.

Wind – anti-graffiti window films are around 4 times thicker than average solar control window films. This means that even the smallest speck of dust will create a large bubble behind the film, because the film is too thick to mould around it. Storefront windows are big. To remove the liner on such a large piece of film, soak it with application fluid and get it onto the window without the wind catching the film or peppering it with dust is an issue every installer has to deal with, but only few are well experienced at preventing.

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Does the brand of anti-graffiti film matter?

Not to the consumer. As long as you are using an optically-clear multi-layered film with at least 7-MIL construction for a glass thickness of 8mm or above and 4 Mil for less than 8mm thickness glasses, then you are good to go.

The major difference between each brand is how easy the film is to remove. This is something that matters more to the company installing (and some day replacing) the film. Some films remove easily while others come off in small pieces leaving a lot of adhesive behind.

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How is anti-graffiti film different from security film?

The major difference is the adhesive. Security films are not meant to be removed and have an aggressive adhesive that is designed to hold the glass together in the event of breakage. The adhesives in anti-graffiti films are designed for easier removal.

Security film is meant to be installed on the interior surface of the glass and only has UV protectant in the adhesive layer of the film. Since anti-graffiti films are meant to be used outdoors, they have a UV coat on the exterior of the film in addition to the adhesive to prevent premature breakdown of the film.

Although some “safety” films come in thicknesses as low as 4-MIL, the most commonly used “security” thickness is 7-MIL, about 25% thicker than the most commonly used anti-graffiti film.

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Why are there difference in thicknesses of Safety film?

Not all safety window films are created equal. If you intend on having the film installed outdoors, make sure that the safety film is at least 7-MIL (175 Microns) in thickness. This is the industry tested gauge that can successfully stand up to diamond-tipped glass etching tools.

Lighter gauge safety films (like 4-MIL) are meant to only hold up against attacks by the casual tagger, who would most likely be using a key or coin to scratch the glass. 4-MIL films are most successful when used on Aluminum fabrication panels in public areas or on bathroom mirrors inside retail establishments.

The reason lighter gauge films are manufactured is because they use less material and are therefore cheaper to make.