In this section we shall aim to answer any questions you may have about window film, what it can do and anything else you may wonder about. It also contains a glossary of specification terms so you know which figure is important to you. When we recieve any new questions we shall add them here.
What is Window Film?
How Is Window Film Applied To Glass?
Can Window Film Be Applied To Any Surface?
To What Extent Can Window Film Reduce Heat?
How Long Does Window Film Last Once Applied To Glass?
What About Warranties?
Why Is Window Film A Better Choice Than Tinted Glass?
Can Window Film Stop Fading?
Can Window Film Save On My Energy Bill?
Can I Install The Film Myself?
Are There Different Types Of Window Films?
Can The Film Be Scratched During Cleaning?
Does Window Film Reduce The Chance Of Glass Breakage?
How Long Does It Take To Install Window Film?
What Is Meant By "Curing" And How Long Does It Take?
What Do I Need To Know About Maintenance?
Can I Replace My Existing Window Film WithSunTek?
What is Window Film?
Window film is optical grade polyester sheeting with colored dye and/or metal particles imbedded into its surface to reduce the transmission of solar heat, light, and ultraviolet rays through a pane of glass, simultaneously reducing glare. It can also be developed to protect glass by keeping shattered glass in place, even in extreme cases of bomb blast.
How Is Window Film Applied To Glass?
The film has a powerful adhesive on one side that is kept clean by a protective liner which is removed at time of installation. Professional installers completely clean and prep the glass prior to installation. Using a special mounting solution, squeegee and stainless cutting blades, they prepare, fit and secure the film to the glass.
Can Window Film Be Applied To Any Surface?
NO.SunTek's window film is designed for application to smooth window glass only. It is not recommended for use on any unsmooth surfaces or polycarbonates.
To What Extent Can Window Film Reduce Heat?
Heat rejection properties of our window films vary from one product to another. Some films can reject as much as 78 percent of total solar energy.
How Long Does Window Film Last Once Applied To Glass?
The life of our window film depends on factors that include the application of the film, orientation of the window and geographic location. When properly installed, it is not uncommon for window film to remain attractive and effective for as long as 30 years or more.
What About Warranties?
SunTek International provides limited lifetime warranty coverage for a number of our residential films. Other products are backed by varying degrees of warranty coverage, depending on the film and application. Ask our sales team for a copy of the specific warranty for your film selection.
Why IsSunTek Window Film A Better Choice Than Tinted Glass?
SunTek window films provide numerous benefits including solar heat and ultraviolet rejection and they can be easily fitted to most existing glass which makes them less costly than replacing windows with tinted glass. They also help protect occupants from flying shards of broken glass in the event of accidental breakage.
Can Window Film Stop Fading?
SunTek window film is constructed with ultraviolet-stabilized, dyed polyester which blocks up to 99 percent of the ultraviolet energy that is harmful to humans and damaging to fabrics and furnishings. However, ultraviolet energy is only one of the factors that contribute to fading. It is estimated that ultraviolet is responsible for roughly 40 to 60 percent of fading. Solar heat and light energy also contribute to fading, as do humidity, moisture, abuse and the quality of some dyes used in fabrics. Since these factors vary for different types of films and materials, the fade reduction benefit will also vary depending on the type of film selected, the quality of the products being protected and the environment.
CanSunTek Window Film Save On My Energy Bill?
Once installed, our window film helps reduce the amount of solar heat energy coming through a pane of glass. This makes it easier to cool a room or the interior of a car, resulting in lower energy consumption. The extent of savings will depend on the type of film selected and the geographic location where the film is used. Find out more in our Go Green section.
Can I Install The Film Myself?
SunTek's window films are designed exclusively for professional installation and sold only through supply & install avenues. This dedication to our product exclusivity helps ensure the proper installation of your film. In many cases, our strong warranty for replacement film and removal is valid only if the initial installation is performed by a certified SunTek installation professional.
Are There Different Types Of Window Films?
The SunTek window film line up includes product solutions for just about any solar control, safety or security need. Contact us for help in selecting the film that best serves your needs.
Can The Film Be Scratched During Cleaning?
Proper care and cleaning are critical to maintaining the beautiful appearance of window film. All window film products are susceptible to scratching and damage if they are not properly maintained. To help prevent minor scratches that can occur with cleaning, SunTek window films come standard with a very tough, scratch-resistant coating. Still, it is important to follow the care and cleaning instructions provided by your dealer to ensure a long service life from your Global window film product.
Does Window Film Reduce The Chance Of Glass Breakage?
Standard solar control window films can help hold broken glass together in the event of accidental breakage. However, these films do not strengthen the glass enough to provide shatter-proofing, or reduce the chance of glass breakage. For this, you would need to install a film from our safety & security range.
How Long Does It Take To Install Window Film?
The amount of time it takes to install window film depends on the site of the application, access to the glass andfilm chosen. If you are concerned about the time frame, be sure to ask your sales consultant for an estimate of installation time.
What Is Meant By "Curing" And How Long Does It Take?
All our installers use a special soapy solution during installation. It is normal for some of this solution to become trapped between the glass and the film, requiring time to "dry-out". The curing or dry-out time is necessary for window film adhesive to properly bond to the glass. How long it takes depends on factors such as the film type and climate during and after installation completion.
What Do I Need To Know About Maintenance?
After the dry-out process is complete your window film will not need any special care. Cleaning window film can be done safely with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or soft paper towel. Do not use any rough or abrasive materials for cleaning the film side of the glass. Always use cloths that are free of contamination or dirt particles.
Can I Replace My Existing Window Film With SunTek?
A major benefit of window film is that you can remove and replace it whenever you want. Our sales team will be happy to discuss this with you.
Specification Terms
Visible Light Transmission – Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of solar visible light (daylight) that passes through a glazing system.
Total Solar Energy Rejected – Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER) is the percentage of total solar energy (heat) that is rejected away from a glazing system. This equals solar heat reflectance plus the amount of solar heat absorbed that is then re-radiated outwards.
UV Light Reduction – UV Light Reduction is the percentage of Ultraviolet Rays that is rejected away from a glazing system.
Infrared Rejection - Infrared Rejection is the percentage of Infra-Red Rays (IR) that is rejected away from a glazing system.
Exterior Reflectance – Exterior Reflectance is the percentage of reflectivity (mirror effect) that occurs on the outside of a glazing system.
Interior Reflectance – Interior Reflectance is the percentage of reflectivity (mirror effect) that occurs on the inside of a glazing system.
Solar Absorption – Solar Absorption (TSA) is the percentage of total solar heat that is neither transmitted through nor rejected away from a glazing system (i.e. the percentage of total solar heat absorbed by the glazing system).
Solar Reflectance – Solar Reflectance (TSR) is the percentage of solar heat that is reflected away from a glazing system.
Solar Transmission – Solar Transmission (TST) is the percentage of solar heat that passes through a glazing system.
Glare Reduction – Glare Reduction is a ration of the difference in visible transmission of the glass before and after installing a film onto a glazing system. It is expressed as a percentage and is determined by the respective visible transmission values of the glass with and without film.
Shading Coefficient – Shading Coefficient (SC) is the ratio of solar heat gain passing through a glazing system to the solar heat gain that occurs under the same conditions if the window were made of clear, un-shaded double strength window glass (lower SC equals better solar shading performance).
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the percentage of total solar heat that enters a glazing system. This includes heat directly transmitted as well as heat that is absorbed by the glass and then transmitted inwards (lower SHGC means less heat transfer from the exterior to the exterior).
U Factor – U Factor or (U Value) is a measurement of solar heat transfer due to outdoor/indoor temperature differences. It's the amount of heat passing through one square foot of glass in one hour for each 1 degree Fahrenheit temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor air (the lower the U Value, the less solar heat passes through a window).
For a full presentation explaining the terms, uses and benefits of our window film products please contact us to arrange a sales consultation.
