Window Film

Welcome to our Window Film mini website. Here you will find a discussion about window film, a directory which consists of websites which can be used for window film purchasing, current news about the window film industry, a chat room, and videos about window film. Here you will also find a store which sells only window film. If you are seeking information about window film, or would like to purchase window film, then this site should be useful.

There are many different types of window film and each has it’s own characteristic functionality. Window film can be used for business, home, and auto. The following is a listing, and discussion about the various types of window films:

Window Film - Low-E Coating and UV Blockage:
If you desire energy efficiency, then you will need Low-E coated films. These films reduce the amount of heat transfer due to the impregnation of metal oxides or metal into the film. These metal oxides are invisible to the naked eye, but decrease the infrared (heat) transfer of energy. To keep the sun’s heat out of the building, the low-E coated film should be applied to the outside of the window. This is desirable for residential and commercial buildings which are located in warmer climates. This type of application would decrease energy cost needed for air conditioning by reflecting the heat away to the outside.

To keep the sun’s heat inside the building, the low-E coated film should be placed on the inside of the window, desirable for buildings which are located in colder climates. This type of Low-E Coating reduces energy loss by as much as 30%–50%. Low-E coated film has the added feature of reduced glare.

UV light has three different wavelength groupings. These are UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. Glass, with no film, naturally blocks UV-B and UV-C, the shorter wavelengths. UV-C causes sunburn and skin cancer. Glass does not naturally block UV-A. UV-A is less dangerous, and it is the UV-wavelength that is used in tanning lamps. But even UV-A, if exposed long enough can cause sunburn. UV-A can cause furniture and curtain fading. Window films are designed to block UV-A. The reason you do not get sunburn in a automobile is because the thin plastic coating of the plexiglass blocks UV-A, and the UV-B and UV-C are naturally blocked by the glass. If UV-A is not blocked, it well result in fabric and furniture fading, and long exposure can cause sunburn. Most window film is designed to block UV-A.

So this group of window films are designed to provide both the Low-E Coating (decrease heat transfer) and the UV blockage qualities. Today, you can buy windows which already have this film built into the window during manufacturing. These windows usually cost 10 to 15% more then regular windows, but the advantages far out weigh the additional cost. These films are inexpensive compared to total window replacements, last 10–15 years without peeling, save energy, reduce fabric fading, and increase comfort.

Window Film - Security and Shatter Resistance:
This type of film is mainly used for commercial applications, but may be used residentially as well. These films are a lot thicker, and can be tinted if desired. The functionality here is the same as the plexiglass which is used in automobiles. Simply put, by applying a film to the surface, a high impact will not result in the shattering of the glass. When impact takes place, their is a reduced probability that glass shards will be produced. Some of these films are so good that they eliminate the need for boarding up and or taping windows in preparation for a storm.

Window Film - Aesthetic and Privacy Uses:
These films are designed to be visually appealing, and may provide functionality from a security or heat energy transfer perspective, depending on the application. These are also sometimes referred to as wall paper for windows. Some of these can look like stain glass. These can be used to block an unappealing view, or provide a high degree of privacy when desired. These are used in homes and offices. These can be used for office glass walls, and can provide a professional looking setting. Some of these films have a sand blasted or etched glass appearance, and these tend to be used more commercially.

Many of these tinted forms are used for auto glass. These tinted auto forms should be installed by a professional and they must meet government standards. Tinted windows may result in decrease visibility by drivers of other vehicles when driving at night. It is very important to be able to see through other vehicles when driving at night. Therefore the degree of tinting is government controlled and must abide by government specifications.

Window Film - One Way Mirrors:
These window films can combine the UV blockage quality, the heat refraction quality, and the privacy function. If installed within a business setting, they have the added feature of surveillance capability which is beneficial for commercial retailer situations.

Window Film - Combination of Low-E Coating, UV Blockage, Shatter Resistance, Security, and Aesthetic
Many films available on the market offer a combination of most of the qualities listed above. As a matter of fact, most window film which is available for business and home use provide for the all of these functions. The question is to what degree do these particular qualities exist in the window film you are buying. Some are better at UV blockage, and some are better for reduction of heat energy transfer. It is up to the consumer to determine what total functionality exists for the window film you are purchasing.

Here we have provided a list of the current available features which can exist in the window film industry today. As you can see, there are many different types of window film which can be used for home, business, and auto. For the home owner who desires to replace old windows, and concomitantly is seeking to reduce heat transfer, increase UV blockage, with shatter resistance and decrease glare, buying and applying window film is cheaper then replacing all of the windows.

The following is a listing of websites where you can purchase the type of window film that you need. This list includes both commercial, and residential applications, as well as some sources for auto window film.

Window Film - Directory of Sites for Purchasing

• Window Film - Wallpaper for Windows
  Description:
  “Wallpaper” For Windows! decorative window film is the easy do-it-yourself way to decorate and add privacy to ordinary windows and glass doors.
• Window Film - 3M Window Films
  Description:
  As a leader in both adhesive and film technologies, 3M brings together these disciplines to create the finest products available for residential, commercial, government and automotive use.
• Window Film - Gila Film Products
  Description:
  Gila Do It Yourself Window Film and Tinting, the do it yourself way to meet all your automotive tinting and residential window film needs. Provides privacy, reduces fading and stops glare in your home or car.
• Window Film - Decorative Films, LLC.
  Description:
  Decorative Films, LLC. is a specialized company manufacturing a wide range of self-adhesive films for commercial and home use.
• Window Film - Vista Window Film
  Description:
  Professional solar control films for your Home or Business. Architectural films for Commercial and Residential Projects, and Safety Security Films Available to block heat, reduce glare, provide privacy and protection and improve the performance of your windows.
• Window Film - SnapTint
  Description:
  Home window tinting and car window tinting kits. Save money on summer cooling bills and your skin from the sun.
• Window Film - Solar Gard Window Film
  Description:
  Window Film for your business and home window film needs. Solar Gard has been one of the most popular window film lines for professional installers throughout the world.
• Window Film - LLumar
  Description:
  Professional Glass Tinting for your Car, Home or Business. Architectural films for Commercial and Residential Projects, Automotive Tint, Safety Security, Anti-Graffiti and Decorative Films Available to block heat, reduce glare, provide privacy and protection and improve the performance of your windows.
• Window Film Depot
  Description:
  Window Film Depot Inc. has been on the leading edge of the window film industry for 15 years. Sales, installation and customer service.
• Window Film - TintCenter.com
  Description:
  Comprehensive window tinting guides and reviews for leading car tint brands.
• Window Film - Armorcoat
  Description:
  Security window film, security window tint, home security window film, window film - Armorcoat Window Films - Armorcoat safety and solar window film is popular for hurricane protection, blast mitigation and theft prevention.
• Johnson Window Films
  Description:
  Johnson Window Films stand behind a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee policy. Provides residential, commercial, and automotive film.
• Window Film - WindowFilmWorld.com
  Description:
  Extensive selection on etched glass decals, decorative, privacy and stained glass window films.
• Window Film - Madico
  Description:
  From your car, to your office, to your home, the benefits of Madico window films are countless. Trusted by the Smithsonian, the Louvre, and the NASA space program.
• Window Film - American Window Film
  Description:
  American Window Film, Inc. is a 3M authorized dealer of quality window films.
• Window Film - Solarfilm Company
  Description:
  DIY Residential Solar Window Tint Films, Do It Yourself Window Film, One Way and Two Way Mirror Film, UV Protection Safety and Security Films and Transparent Window Roller Shades for Home and Office.
• Window Film - Window Film Depot
  Description:
  Budget Blinds is a franchise based business and each franchise is individually owned and operated.
• Window Film - TintDude.com
  Description:
  Your source for everything related to window tinting. Information for the window tint customer, the do it yourself and Window tinting professional.
• Window Film - Panorama Window Films
  Description:
  A quality leader in the industry with some of the most advanced spectrally selective or dual-reflective window films available.
• Window Film - Solar Security
  Description:
  Solar Security Films, Inc. representing the 3m company and the 3m window films since 1993, is recognized as the industry’s leader for glass protection projects, solar security films, window glass film and is committed to provide every client with the absolute highest levels of customer service.
• Window Film - Solutia
  Description:
  Solutia creates performance materials that are used primarily in the automotive and architectural, transportation and industrial markets.
• Window Film - LLumar
  Description:
  A comprehensive Manufacturer of specialty Window Film, offering window film and restoration services for your home, car or business.
• Window Film - Tint King
  Description:
  Tint King is the USA’s largest and most recognized name in Window Film, Glass Tinting and Coating, Saftey, Solar and Security film Installations with offices in New York, Maine, Florida and California.
• Window Film - Sun-Tech
  Description:
  Sun-Tech is a family run window film business. They have been operating from the same location, with the same name and same owner for over 25 years.
• Window Film - Formula ONE
  Description:
  Whether you hit the road in a sleek imported sports car or a family minivan, choose the only window film that offers 99.9% UV protection, maximum heat and glare reduction and a lifetime guarantee.

If you own a window film company, and you are not on the above list, send me an email (located on the About page), and let me know your URL, and I will include your company on the above list.

Window Film - Conclusion

Window film has improved over the years due to advances and developments within the window film industry. Window film is used commercially, by home owners, and applied to the windows of automobiles. Window film can be impregnated into the window during manufacturing, or can be applied externally by professionals or by do-it-yourselfers. Most commercial and auto window film is installed by professionals. Home applications can be professionally installed and are available for the do-it-yourselfer. Window film can be purely aesthetic or purely functional, or a combination of the two, depending on the needed application.