All your Window Film questions answered

Can I install window Film DIY?

Although it is possible for a practical person to install the standard range of window films it is recommended that an experienced installation technician should be utilised. Apart from ensuring an acceptable aesthetic finish it will mean that a full warranty (typically 10 years) can be obtained.

Why use a GGF Member?

The use of a GGF will ensure that the installation will meet all the stringent industry standards applicable. These cover all aspects of the installation from visible appearance through to thermal compatibility to make sure the installation does not cause any detriment to the glazing system

What is Window Film

Window is a base of clear polyester which is either then dyed, extruded or metallised to produce a product that reduces heat and glare from the sun that increases comfort and reduces energy usage.

Is Window Film suitable for both New and existing buildings?

Yes film is suitable for both new and existing buildings however its greatest use is being retrofitted in existing buildings.

Will Window Film stop my Conservatory Overheating?

The use of a high performance window will dramatically reduce conservatory overheating making the space much more user friendly.

Do I need Planning Permission?

Planning permission for film is not normally required.

Is Window Film Bullet Proof?

Window films are not bullet proof, blast proof or burglar proof. However they will give a greater level of safety and security when used for these purposes. You should always ask for the appropriate certification when using window film for these reasons.

How is film maintained once installed?

Once installed window film should be cleaned in a similar way to glass and a soapy water solution and squeegee are ideal. However abrasives of any type should be avoided.

Does window film improve both U and G Values?

Yes film will improve both the heat gain and heat loss properties of the glazing system.

What are they for?

Films can broadly be divided into 4 types: solar control, safety/security, automotive and privacy. Advances in manufacturing techniques now allows for 2 or more of these types to be combined into one film.Solar Control films are designed to reduce incoming solar heat, glare and ultra violet (UV). They are available in many colours and tend to have 3 or 4 ‘strengths’ per range- from high-reflective to very light. Solar films can totally transform a building by giving it a uniform colour and hiding untidy looking office environments- such as the backs of work desks, wiring, etc. Many buildings can benefit financially from an application of solar control film in the form of reduced air-conditioning costs.Safety/Security films range from 50 microns to 350 microns and more. They are extremely tough and hold glass together in the event of accidental or malicious impact. Safety/security films are used extensively in commercial buildings to bring glazing up to current British and European safety standards. The heavier gauge films are often specified in high-risk areas such as banks and government buildings. They resist unwanted entry and protect occupants from terrorist and accidental explosions.From totally opaque to a light sand-blasted appearance and available in every colour imaginable, Privacy films offer an attractive, cost effective solution for creating privacy or hiding areas of a building. Typical applications include cloakroom privacy, hiding curtain-walling behind large panes of glass and creating private areas within office environments.

I think I need a solar film but don’t want a mirrored look.

Whilst a silver solar film can make a building look very modern it would not suit a domestic application or an old, historic building. However, there are several neutral films available which can give maximum protection yet are hardly noticeable. Also, sputtering technology has led to several high-performance films which are extremely light.

How long will it last?

Window films are extremely durable and typically last 5-10 years and more, depending on where they are applied. There are documented cases of films lasting longer than this.

What happens if I want it removed?

No problem. The film itself can be pulled from the glass which will generally leave adhesive residue on the glass. This is removed by spraying with soapy water and using a razor-scraper. No need for any over-powering adhesive removers.

Can I clean the window after a film is applied?

Yes, using a soft, clean cloth or paper towel to clean and the same or a rubber squeegee to dry. Use mild detergent or every-day glass cleaning solutions. Basically, avoid using abrasive tools and chemicals.

Archives

2017

Agenda_Film_GroupMay_17

Window Film can enhance your energy efficiency and provide thermal comfort

Energy

Over the past twenty years the UK has had a 60% increase in air conditioned buildings. Cooling a buildings temperature with the use of air conditioning often uses a lot more energy than heating the building; this is without allowing for the extra energy use by new technology systems often found in homes and working environments.

The most obvious source of high temperatures in buildings is the energy from the sun, followed by internal heat generated by technology, people and poor ventilation. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK reported that 40% of the load placed on air conditioning in offices comes from direct solar gain through windows.

As companies make changes to improve their energy efficiency, window film is becoming one of the key options. Window film is a retrofit layer applied to the internal or external surface of existing glass, designed to enhance the performance of windows by reducing solar heat gain and glare.

“As an energy saving product, window film is ideal. It reduces the amount of heat coming into a building by blocking solar energy. This in turn reduces the load on air conditioning unit and will reduce energy bills.  Technological advances have created a range of shades and even virtually clear window films to suit all building types. In many cases it can upgrade the building’s efficiency coupled with improved visual appearance or even blast protection utilising combination window films.”

With the global shift towards a greener way of thinking the members of the Window Film Group of the Glass and Glazing Federation consult with companies in their drive to reduce their carbon emissions along with their carbon footprint and cut energy costs. With the correct film installed it is possible to cut cooling loading by upto 30%. With Carbon Reduction Commitments by Government and Corporations there is an urgent need to act and Window Film can be a quick and very visible solution to help reach the target. With an approved energy calculator dealers can consult with clients about their type of glazing and required film. This then provides an idea of estimated savings.

Thermal

Commercial building owners, facilities companies and managing agents are tasked to maintain a reasonable temperature to satisfy its occupants whilst making every effort to control how much they spend on energy and other operating/maintenance bills.

In addition, UK businesses are asked by the EU Directive and Legislation such as Document ‘L’ of the Building Regulations to maintain comfort in the workplace for employees. This states that temperatures in the workplace are optimum and not at extremes; this is typically around 21°C/70°F. In achieving this, energy is consumed to either raise or lower the temperature.

Window film when applied onto existing glass will help to achieve this by balancing the temperature, minimising hot spots within the building. Extra benefits of an application of window film can also provide excellent glare control for screens, reduce the fading of interiors and with combination film can enhance the glazing to create blast mitigation.

Safety and Security is of the upmost importance

Members of the GGF Window film Group can offer the latest advice on current Health and Safety legislation, increased Security Measures & Anti-Bandit protection with the installation of a specific Window Film upgrade.

With most Employers taking their Duty of Care, Current Legislation, the heightened Security status as well as Health and  Safety Regulations very seriously, the addition of window film to new or existing glass and glazing can greatly enhance the Performance & reduce the associated risks.

The Safety & Security films are available in numerous thicknesses, performances and specifications, many of them combining the very highest Performance and latest technologies, to not only Protect you in the event of an Accident or worse involving glass, but also offer added  Solar and UV Protection.

For added Safety, applying Window Film can greatly enhance the existing glass performance and:-

• Offer added Impact resistance in line with the Workplace (Health Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992,specifically Regulation 14 and current DDA Regulations (link to GGF Reg 14 Doc PDF)
• The installation of window film manifestations to make glazing apparent and conspicuous,can enhance existing glass, and ensure it is also compliant with Regulation 14 and DDA Regulations
• Gives added containment to Balustrade or overhead glazing, ensuring broken glass stays in place reducing the risks with the dangerous pieces of unprotected glass(link to GGF overhead glazing Doc PDF)
• Window Film can hold dangerous shards together if glass is shattered, keeping people safer.
• Complies with the current European standards such as EN12600 (link to GGF testing report PDF)

For Increased Security the addition of Window Film can be highly recommended, as it creates an invisible barrier without changing  the aesthetics of your Building envelope, it can  :-

• Offer Greater Bomb Blast Resistance and added Blast Mitigation Performance to reduce the damage in the event of a bomb blast, protecting people & lives.(link to GGF BB report PDF)
• Window Film combined with Anchorage and containment systems protect from Anti-Bandit & Burglary,slowing down intruders & reducing the chances of smash and grab crime, therefore protecting the most vulnerable areas.
• Added Visual Security with One-Way and obscure films can be used to protect & prevent against criminals
• Window Film Complies with numerous security Tests to upgrade glass including GSA standards as well as 16933,16944 & EN356 (Add PDF covering details of relevant Security tests)

With so many solutions to the most common glass problems and so many types of glazing installed throughout the UK, the GGF Window Film Group work closely with Glass Manufacturers and Film Manufacturers to ensure, all of the recommendations and specifications are up to date & comply with all current legislation.

In fact the GGF’s member’s expertise is often an integral part in the latest Test Measures & specifications.

Insist on the use of the GGF Window Film Group Members, to ensure your Window Film installation on glass is of the highest quality and complies with the latest regulations, which is extremely important when considering the reason for Window Film being applied in the first place!

Here are the most commonly used types of window film:

Adhesive Backed Polymeric Window Film (known as Window Film)

What is Window Film?

Adhesive backed polymeric window film is a high clarity polyester film that has been design for application to glass to improve its performance.

It is a glass treatment that can be professionally applied either in the factory to new glass or insitu to existing windows, glass doors and partitions.

The correct application of film onto glass can upgrade the original glazing to meet the requirements of Building Regulations, Health & Safety Regulations as well as British and European Standards.

Types of Window Film

Safety Film

When applied this type of film will transform an ordinary annealed glass into a safety glass that can be classified by EN 12600.

Security Film

This type of film can enhance the performance of glass with respect to:

Resistance to manual attack;

Resistance to explosive pressure;

Resistance to ballistic attack spall reduction

Solar Control Film

When applied this type of film will modify the spectrophotometric properties of the glass. These films can be coloured and/or highly reflective. and/or low emissivity.

Low Emissivity Film

When applied this type of film will reduce the thermal transmittance (u value) of the glass.

Others Specialist films

Special Ultra Violet Reducing film;

RFI/EMF Shielding Film;

Privacy Film;

Decorative/Manifestation Film

Anti Graffiti Film

Adhesive backed polymeric film should comply, in the future, with prEN 15752-1.