Do my plants need the UV rays that window film blocks?
According to landscape horticulturist Dr. Robert E. Moon of the Agricultural Extension Service, the lack of UV rays does not in any way affect the natural growth of either desert or tropical plants. The only light rays that plants require for natural growth are far reds, red and blue; and these colors are not part of the UV color spectrum. Blue and Red light which plants absorb, have the greatest effect on plant growth. Blue light is responsible primarily for vegetative (leaf) growth. Thus, red light when combined with blue light encourages flowering. Plants look green to us because they reflect the green light rather than absorb it.
Don’t my plants require full natural sunlight and heat?
Most plants require far less light and heat than they now receive. Proper selection of film will provide adequate light and heat allowing your plants to grow naturally, without drying or burning leaves.
How can I tell which plants need more light than others?
Variegated plants, or light green plants require more light than darker green plants. Dark green plants have more chlorophyll and can take better advantage of available light for photosynthesis.
How much heat and light should I block without harming my plants?
Most plants will do just fine with films that have a visible light transmission of 25% or more. In the case of certain plants that require higher levels of visible light, maintain 50% light transmission or higher. As for heat, most plants will do just fine with as much as 80% heat block.
WILL WINDOW FILM MAKE MY ROOM DARK?
A common concern about installing window film is that it may reduce too much of the visible light so making internal areas darker.
'This concern is often more perception than reality'
The human eye works like a camera lens. It adjusts to the loss of light and therefore compensates any major changes in light levels received by the brain.
Our Window film will enhance your conservatory making it an extra room to the home, which can be used even in the height of summer.
Available in a selection of tints and shades our range of premium solar control window films reduces solar heat gain by up to 80%, solar glare by up to 80% and will eliminate up to 99% of U.V. light penetration, transforming your hot conservatory into a comfortable room all year round.
Our window films also stop some internally generated heat
escaping in winter saving money!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR CONTROL WINDOW FILMS?
Reduces fading of carpets, upholstery, and interior furnishings
Rejects from 98-99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays
Reduces your energy bill thereby helping to keep warmer in winter and cooler in summer
Increases your comfort by helping to eliminate “hot spots”
Rejects up to 80% of the sun’s solar energy
Reduces the sun’s glare
Increases your level of privacy
Enhances the appearance of a building by creating a uniform appearance
Provides improved safety when glass is broken
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE WINDOW FILM TO DRY?
One aspect to consider when talking about the drying time of window film is the time of year. Cold and non-sunny weather conditions can lengthen the dry-out time. Warm weather and direct sun light exposure will shorten the dry-out time. If slow drying occurs, do not be alarmed. The trapped moisture will dry-out completely.
Some safety and security window films will always have a longer dry-out period due to their increased thickness. Thicker films and a less than perfect drying climate will lengthen the dry-out period. Dry-out times can vary from a few days to as long as several months.
Window film creates an efficient vapor barrier between the glass and the film. During the installation process, we will remove as much of the mounting solution as possible by using a squeegee, although a small amount will remain. Trapped installation moisture can cause small water puddles and/or a slightly cloudy look. This is normal and should be expected. Do not attempt to pierce a water puddle during the dry-out period. This water and cloudy look will eventually dissipate. Attempting to pierce a water puddle in an effort to drain moisture will damage your film.
IS WINDOW FILM SCRATCH PROOF?
Window film utilises numerous types of scratch resistant coatings during the manufacturing process. This scratch resistant coating is applied to the exterior surface of the window film to protect the film from normal wear and tear and abuse by humans by the natural environment.
While most quality films are scratch resistant, no window film is entirely scratch proof. With a small amount of care and precaution, window film can provide you with years of service and protection.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER INSTALLING SAFETY OR SECURITY FILM IN MY HOME OR BUSINESS?
Every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world are injured, maimed or killed by lethal shards of flying or falling glass. Many events can cause glass to break unexpectedly resulting in potentially thousands of dagger-like projectiles.
Unfortunately, many glass breakage events are not predictable, such as a child falling into a patio door while playing. In these cases, existing homes or buildings may have no form of glass protection causing a high-risk potential of injury to the property and/or occupants.
There are many potential users of safety film. It may be a homeowner who lives next to a golf course, a storeowner with hight priced merchandise in a display window, or anyone who wants to protect him or herself from injury due to broken glass. Flying or falling glass shards can result from acts of terrorism, vandalism, smash-and-grab burglaries and natural disasters.
HOW LONG WILL WINDOW FILM LAST?
The life of your window film will vary due to a variety of factors including:
The type of window film installed
The type of glass
The construction of your windows
All quality window films for both residential and commercial uses are warranted by the film’s manufacturer.
most residential window films are warranted for at least ten years.
CAN I TINT MY SKYLIGHTS?
Application of window film to the inside surface of skylights is very difficult. The film tends to hang down at a ninety-degree angle, and is extremely difficult to handle and apply to the glass surface. Another difficulty is that many of the newly designed homes today have tunnels leading to the skylights. This along with the difficulty level is the main reason why you should make sure that the window film company you choose has the specialised equipment and training to do skylights properly OF WHICH WE ARE EXPERTS.
The cost of tinting skylights can be slightly higher than tinting other windows. This is due to the difficulty and height of most skylights as well as the length of the tunnel leading of the windows.
The benefits of tinting skylights are tremendous. With the sun’s rays being more direct in the spring and summer, window films will reduce the fading of items below the skylights. Window films also reduce the heat coming in thru your skylights by 50%-80%.
The application of window film to skylights is more restricted versus tinting other windows in your home or business.
OUR HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. WHEN SHOULD WE HAVE THE WINDOW FILM INSTALLED?
Window film should generally be installed in new or renovated buildings only when all other work has been completed. There are many reasons for waiting until the end of construction.
There is little sense in applying window film to windows that have frames that may need to be stained or painted. This could lead to stain or paint splatters on the film itself which would need to be cleaned off. Some cleaning agents would damage the film requiring the film to be replaced.
Other reasons could be the potential for damage to the film due to the high amount of activity in a construction environment. Also, in many cases, there is a high level of dust and particles, such as wood dust or carpet fibers, in a construction area that could become trapped between the glass and the window film.
The best, most convenient time to install the window film is just before your furniture is placed in from of your windows and before the window treatments have been installed. However, this is rarely the case.
DEFINITIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING WINDOW FILMS?
Below are a few definitions to help you understand how to choose the best window film for you:
Total Solar Transmittance: The percent of incident solar radiation to be directly passed through a window system
Total Solar Reflectance: The percent of incident solar radiation to be reflected by a window system
Total Solar Absorption: The percent of incident solar radiation to be absorbed by a window system
Visible Light Transmittance: The percent of total visible light to be passed through a window system
Visible Light Reflectance: The percent of total visible light to be reflected by a window system that can be seen visually
Percent Ultraviolet Transmittance: Percent of total ultraviolet light to be passed through a window system
Percent of Total Solar Energy Rejected: The percent of incident solar energy rejected by a window system, equals solar reflectance plus the part of solar absorption which is reradiated outward
HOW DOES WINDOW FILM WORK?
Most window films are applied to the inside glass surface of a window. As the sunlight hits the glass surface, four basic things occur:
Sunlight hits the window and a part of its energy is reflected away from the window.
The glass absorbs some of the sun’s energy.
A portion of the sun’s solar energy is transmitted through the window film into the room.
Part of the sun’s energy is absorbed by the window film and part is re-radiated in and out of the room.
HOW DOES WINDOW FILM WORK IN THE WINTER?
in the winter, window film helps to reflect radiant heat back inside your home. By reducing your heat loss, you will stay warmer as well as save money both day and night all winter long.
WILL WINDOW FILM PREVENT MY GLASS FROM BREAKING?
Generally speaking-No.
While the glass industry has yet to make a product that will prevent glass from breaking, both solar control window films and safety films provide protection against the effects of glass breakage. Window films help to prevent glass that has been shattered from flying dangerously through the air resulting in personal injury or property damage.
Flying and broken glass can be a result of a variety of acts ranging from natural disasters, playing catch with your son or family pet, to vandalism or theft. Standard window film will hold broken glass in place to some extent.
If safety of your glass is a concern, talk to us about our line of safety and security in mine. Most residential films are 2 mIL thick. Safety and security films can range from a 4 mil to up to 14 mil thickness.
WHAT CAUSES FADING?
Fading is a complex issue. Each and every material will fade at different rates from exposure to ultraviolet radiation as well as other contributing factors. An example of this is the different color dyes in fabrics. Red and green colours tend to fade faster than other colours.
It is generally accepted that UV radiation can be responsible for roughly 40% of all fading. In addition to ultraviolet radiation, other factors that cause fading include:
25% of fading is caused by heat
25% of fading is caused by visible light
10% of fading is caused by a variety of factors including artificial light, fabric eyes, age of the fabrics and the humidity in your home or office.
HOW IS WINDOW FILM INSTALLED?
The basic procedures for installing window film will vary for different types of window film and from installer to installer. It is the responsibility of each installer to determine the best method for installation depending on the type of film being installed. Whatever method is used, the end result should be a clean, optically clear installation.
The installation begins by clearing access to the windows. Any furniture or window treatments should be moved to the side or out of the way to provide easy access to the windows. Care should be taken since window treatments are very expensive.
Your window tinting installer should cover any flooring or carpeting in from of the windows. Drop cloths should be used to protect the flooring from the water solution used during the installation process.
The next step is to properly clean the glass and frame. Your installer should pay special attention to remove any foreign particles from the glass and from around the edges of the window, such as paint, varnish, caulks, etc. The window is then squeegeed to dry.
The window film is now ready for the actual installation. A release is pulled from the top of the film to expose the adhesive on the film. While the film is being peeled, soapy water is sprayed on the film and window. This helps to reduce the static electricity generated by the liner removal and allows for proper positioning of the film on the window. The film is squeegeed and trimmed to fit the window. A final check for excess water both under the film and around the framing is done.
Finally, any drop cloths are picked up and removed. Any window treatments that may have been moved are replaced along with any furniture moved back into place.
CAN WINDOW FILM BE INSTALLED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOW?
The application of window film to the outside surface of some windows may also be considered.
Most window film manufacturers make a few products for exterior applications. As these films are subjected to an extreme amount of weathering and may easily be abused because of their location, or as a result of careless window cleaning, they have a somewhat limited life. These products generally have limited warranties for shorter periods of time.
Weather conditions need to be considered in the installation of exterior window films. When an exterior application is needed, high winds, cold temperatures (outside air temperature less than 40 F), rain and snow can prevent installations from being scheduled. Please remember your window film professional is at the mercy of ‘Mother Nature’.
CAN I APPLY WINDOW FILM TO A WIRED GLASS WINDOW?
Solar control window film should not be applied to the interior surface of the wired glass which receives any direct sunlight. The wire contained within the glass absorbs heat and if the film is installed on the interior surface the heat reflected out of the film greatly increases the heat absorption of the wire, leading to a high rate of expansion. The wire expands to a point that the glass can no longer withstand, resulting in glass breakage.
For the above reason, we strongly recommend that are wired glass window not be tinted.
If your wired glass window received no direct sunlight or it is an interior window and has a smooth surface, this window may be considered for tinting.
CAN PATTERNED GLASS OR TEXTURED GLASS BE TINTED?
Patterned or textured surfaces will not allow window film adhesive to form an adequate strong bond to the uneven glass surface. Obviously, the type and degree of pattern or texture will influence this bonding.
HOW DO I CLEAN WINDOW FILM?
Most window films have a scratch resistant coating on the outside surface of the film. This scratch resistant coating is used to protect the film from normal wear and tear. However, care and caution must still be used in cleaning the surface of the glass on which film has been applied to reduce possible damage:
Use any normal household glass cleaning solutions or plain soapy water.
Do not use any solution that contains abrasive material, such as baking soda. Comet, Softscrub, etc. Also, do not use anything sharp such as razor blades or scrubbing pads.
Use soft clean lint-free towels or synthetic sponges to apply cleaning solutions.
Use a soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying the glass. Care must be taken when using a squeegee for drying the glass. Care must be taken when using a squeegee, as to not gouge the film any sharp metal edges.
WILL WINDOW FILM HELP IMPROVE THE COMFORT OF MY HOME OR BUSINESS?
Yes, window film will definitely help improve the comfort of your home or business.
The biggest problem in controlling comfort in homes and businesses is dealing with the radiant heat from the sun. The energy generated by the sun literally pours through the windows and is absorbed by all it touches. The greater the glass area of a home or building, the more potential for excessive radiant heat gain.
One of the most outstanding characteristics of solar control window film is its ability to regulate or control the amount of solar energy that passes through the glass.
We will be able to assist you in choosing the right window film to help with you comfort needs.