What to Expect This Summer

Ivan and Julian out on a job site. Hopefully they can ditch these mask soon!

Wow! 2021 is already off to a crazy start. Business is up, but product delays are up too, and Labor is down. What does this mean to our customers? Hopefully nothing. Our plan is to be prepared to offer you our same services regardless of the crazy impacts the economy and supply chain have produced this year.

In the window film industry we’ve been lucky enough to not have too many material delays, and while procuring additional team members hasn’t been easy, we’re doing our best to complete as many projects as possible, while meeting our quality standard guidelines.

The most important thing to keep in mind as a customer is timing. Really think about when you would like your project to be completed. Window Film Installations will probably start booking about 4 weeks out come mid summer.

If you’re hoping to get your windows done to cool off your home or office before the summer ends, there are ways to speed up the process. You can start by getting a virtual estimate. Many window film companies can get a virtual estimate back to you within 24 hours. All you need to do is send over pictures, and window sizes, and a company like Solar Vision can get a price back to you quite quickly. If you have difficult to reach windows, are looking to add exterior film, or have French Panes, a site visit may still be required, however that can be worked out after you’ve received an estimate and are ready to move forward. See our Guide to Measuring your windows bulletin for information on what to send over.

Once you’ve received an estimate and are good on the pricing, it’s best to go ahead and get yourself on the installation schedule. We’ll send you samples to review, and if you are not quite sure which film you’d like at the time of scheduling, you’ll have a little bit of time to decide once you’re on the schedule.

If you want an in-home estimate, no problem. We’ll always try to get to your home or office for an estimate no more than a week out, with ASAP being the goal. There are a few of us here at Solar Vision that conduct onsite estimates, and we work together to ensure a timely site visit for our customers.

Window Film is in higher demand than ever, and we are super excited about that. However we want to ensure that this high demand doesn’t result in inferior customer service or quality. We’ll be working hard this summer, and year round to ensure our customers will continuously receive the exceptional Solar Vision Inc. service we are accustomed to providing.

Contact Solar Vision Inc. @ 303-862-6376 or at info@coloradosolarvision.com

Looking at Window Film Data

Have you ever been asked to look at data you aren’t familiar with, and to decipher it yourself? If not, you probably will soon if you’re shopping for window film. We in the Window Film Industry have a tendency to hand over product cards with tons of data, but not much insight on what it all means.

When shopping for window film, you’ll be handed a window film card, generally with an enclosed sample, and all the pertinent info about that product on it. But what does it mean to you, and what data or numbers should you be most concerned with? Well that all depends on what you’re buying solar control film for. Is it fading, one-way visibility, or just plain heat. This data can help you figure out which film product will work best for your needs.

The technical data above is for 3M’s Interior Prestige Window Film Products, and since most of us are looking to add film to double paned clear glass, we’re going to use those numbers in our examples below.

The First Number you’ll notice on Prestige or any window film card for that matter is a number following the name of the product. This number roughly represents the amount of visible light transmitted, and this is generally true for most window film manufacturer’s products.

Product Name = Visible Light Transmitted (The higher the VLT, the lighter the film). If you want to add a film that will not change the look of your glass, you’ll want to choose a window film with a high VLT, and probably not anything with a VLT under 45%.

• Prestige 70: 62% VLT

• Prestige 50: 45% VLT

Now that we know why a film is called Prestige 70 or Night Vision 15, we can easily decipher which film products will change the appearance of our glass. If you don’t want to darken your glass, this will limit you to films with a VLT of 45% or higher. If you don’t mind darkening your windows, you’ll have an even wider variety of options.

Once you’ve settled on how dark or light you want your window film, you’ll be able to utilize the technical data to find the perfect window film for you. Below are explanations of what all the acronyms and data mean.

Visible Light Reflected Interior: This is the amount of reflection the application of window film will add to the interior side of your glass.

Many window films will have a high interior reflection, some can even cause a mirror effect, especially at night. If you want to see out of your windows at night, you should probably stay away from window films like 3M Silver P18 series with high interior reflectivity, and opt for products with low interior reflectivity like 3M Night Vision series.

Visible Light Reflected Exterior is the amount of reflection the application of window film will add on the exterior side of your glass.

The higher this number the more reflective your glass will be. This is an important number to look at if you are wanting to add film for daytime privacy. Prestige 70 would not provide this for you, you’d need to look at a film with a VLR Exterior of at least 20%, like one of 3M’s Night Vision products.

• Prestige 70 VLR Interior: 13%

• Prestige 70 VLR Exterior: 15%

• Night Vision 15 VLR Interior: 11%

• Night Vision 15 VLR Exterior: 39%

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): The lower the number means the better the heat reduction performance.

• Prestige 70 on Double Paned Glass: 0.56

• Prestige 50 on Double Paned Glass: 0.53 (Prestige 50 blocks more heat than Prestige 70)

Solar Heat Reduction: This is the estimated reduction in heat transfer with the application of window film. The higher the number, the less heat transferred through your glass.

• Prestige 70: 21% heat reduction when added to basic clear double paned glass.

• Prestige 50: 25% heat reduction when added to basic clear double paned glass.

UV, Ultra Violet Light Rejected: All Window Films will reject 99.9% of the UV Light. This is because the UV inhibitors are the in the adhesive. UV is the main cause of fading.

Glare Reduction: The percentage of glare reduced with the application of a particular window film product. The higher this number, the better the film works at reducing glare. If you are looking to reduce glare in your home or office, you’ll probably need to look at a window film with a glare reduction value of at least 50%, like one of 3M’s Night Vision products to have any real benefit.

• Prestige 70: 22% Glare Reduction

• Prestige 50: 44%

• Night Vision 35: 60%

• Night Vision 15: 82%

While this doesn’t touch on every piece of data, and we’re only looking at a few different film types, you may still have questions. If so, give us a call @ 303-862-6376 or email us at info@coloradosolarvision.com. We’re here to answer your questions Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

All info provided in this BLOG is for educational purposes only, and does guarantee specific performance of glass after window film application. Numbers and estimated performance are based off provided 3M Technical data, tested using the application of 3M Solar Control Window Film on Double Paned Clear glass with an estimated SHGC of .70 prior to installation of noted window films.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film

It was approximately 6 years ago that I gave my first Day Lighting Presentation for an Architectural firm in Aspen, CO (rough life, I know). The presentation was in an effort to promote 3M’s Daylight Redirecting Film, their newest product at that time. While the original product came with a few hiccups, over the years 3M was able to develop it into a simple adhesive application for clerestory glass (upper windows) . Reception for this new product was great, at every Architectural Event, Daylight Redirecting Film samples and brochures flew off the table. It was a cutting edge application that we thought would be all over architectural specifications in the coming years, however we were wrong.

What happened? Why isn’t Daylight Redirecting Film on every school, recreation center, box store, and building of any kind receiving direct sunlight? Why haven’t these revolutionary technologies caught on? In my opinion, rough timing. Unfortunately the debut of products like Daylight Redirecting Film were overshadowed by tragic events that brought security film to the forefront. This was good and bad. While it’s been good for business and has added a layer of safety and security to many projects, it’s halted the original driving force of our industry which is energy reduction, and efficiency.

90% of the Architectural Presentations I’ve given in the past 5 years have been on Safety and Security Film. I hope that in the coming years this will start leaning towards energy efficiency again. Security films have brought a new found popularity to the window film industry. My hope is that we can use this popularity as a way to bring more attention to the energy efficient window film products that 3M and other manufacturers have developed over the years.

While it’s been 6 years, our excitement for these products hasn’t changed. Solar Vision Inc. just completed another Daylight Redirecting Film project at a bank here in Denver, and the outcome is amazing. 3M Daylight Redirecting Film is a product that reaches beyond my expectations of what window film can do.

At Solar Vision , we believe that almost every business and building can benefit from 3M Daylight Redirecting Film. Along with utilizing the sun, a natural resource to provide interior lighting, it is also the only window film product on the market that can eliminate glare, without eliminating the light. Check out the video below to learn more about 3M Daylight Redirecting Film, and call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376 to learn more about all the energy efficient window film options we offer.

-Shelley Meador

3M Daylight Redirecting Film at work, moving the light upwards and into the building. 3M Daylight Redirecting Film has a frosted look leaving your clerestory glass (upper windows) quite attractive while utilizing light in the most efficient manner.

WINDOW FILM IN THE WINTER?

Definitely! The winter can be some of the most intense sunshine of the entire year. Especially for those south facing windows. Some homes with large picture windows can even become uncomfortably hot in the winter. Along with heat, the winter glare can be incredibly intense. Plus, UV rays don’t care about the temperature outside. They’ll cause just as bad, if not worse damage and fading to your homes furnishings and window coverings in the winter, as they do in the summer.

Depending on your situation you have many window film choices. If heat and glare are your main issue, then a traditional window film will work great. However if you’re also looking to retain the heat in your home while blocking the heat during those intense part of the days an insulating film might be what you need. An insulating window film like 3M Thinsulate will make your home more efficient 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Solar Control Window Film is a necessary upgrade for any home, any time of the year, and there is no better time than the winter time to make your home more comfortable year round.

3M Night Vision 25 applied to the windows at this home in Avon, CO. Great views of the slopes, less the glare, and UV Rays! A must

3M Prestige Window Film application in Vail, CO.

Window Film and Water

Most windows films are applied using a solution of soap and water. The adhesives of window film are on the film. To activate the adhesives they need to be completely soaked with water, making water one of the most important aspects of a good window film installation, well that, and a great Installer.

Because water is so important, Solar Vision Inc. has decided to partner with Culligan Water to ensure we are only using the best water on the market for our window film installations. Our in-shop water filtration system uses reverse osmosis, and softening to ensure the cleanest install possible. 

Water can be different all over town depending on the city you live in. Some cities have very hard water which can leave a haze on your glass, and make the install very difficult, by using purified Culligan water straight from our shop, our installs are consistent, no matter what part of Colorado you are from. 

A good film install starts with a great Installer, the best window film on the market, and Culligan Water. 

This little co-branded contraption is a pressurized water tank used for installing window film. 

3M Daylight Redirecting Film

Imagine using a free resource to light your home or building? Well now you can using 3M Daylight Redirecting Film! Clerestory glass and other high up windows can cause a lot of heat and glare, which results in a nuisance below.  You can reduce the glare by using a typical solar control film, however, if you want to make the most use of your free natural resource you can use 3M Daylight Redirecting Film instead.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film takes the sunlight and guides it to the center of the room, instead of straight down. 

Below is an example of 3M Daylight Redirecting Film at work from start to finish. The pictures were taken at a local Denver bank. The lobby has a beautiful tower with large windows to allow in natural light. Unfortunately that light was causing a lot of glare issues in the lobby for the customers and employees below. After completion the light is now where it should be....up above!! 

Visit our DRF page for more info on this awesome new product by 3M! http://www.coloradosolarvision.com/3m-daylight-redirect/

This is a great photo to highlight what was happening with the light before 3M Daylight Redirecting Film was applied. This was still early in the day, so you can imagine where the sun glare ended up in the afternoon. In the eyes of everyone below! 

These high windows required a scissor lift for the application of 3M Daylight Redirecting Film! This photo highlights the soothing frosted appearance of 3M Daylight Redirecting Film. 

Here's a partial application of 3M Daylight Redirecting Window Film. As you can see the windows on the right are receiving the most sun during this photo, and the light is directed up. 

Here's an unaltered photo of the completed look. The 3M Daylight Redirecting Film has stopped the glare and downward direction of the sun's rays. Now the light is directed to the center of this tower allowing a beautiful glow to illuminate the lobby area of this bank.

White Out Window Film

White Out Window Film can be used instead of Black Out Window Film to completely block out the view.  The film does let in some light.  In this case the film is used to block a door that is no longer used as an entrance.  The white would still be an attractive backdrop for displays and would help gain product display area.  The white out also eliminates glare in the space.  In homes, this film is often used in door sidelights.

White Out Window Film:

• Blocks 99% of vision
• Let's in some light
• Reduces glare and fading of furnishings
• Rejects 99% of UV rays
• Is easy to clean like any other window after 30 days
• Is attractive
• Adds privacy

New Technology in Window Film

New technology in window film makes for a bright future in the business of window film.  Presently, energy saving films and decorative films are hot and that market is continuing to grow as well as new advancements in these films.  Four films have been developed and their use is becoming more present in buildings.  By 2020, it is predicted that these films will be used on a large scale.  (www.technicalwindowfilms.co.uk/window-tinting-news/future-window-films/) The four films are:

• Photochromic film which darkens when exposed to light like transition eyeglasses.
• Smart glass or electrochromatic changes from a clear glass to a frosted glass or a colored glass with an electrical current.  The current is controlled by a switch, a computer, or even a cell phone.  This can add privacy to an office, conference room, etc.  Another example is film applied in a lobby that is controlled by a computer to change to a darker film when the light is bright and then lighter or clear when it gets dark.
• Photovoltaic film converts daylight into electricity.
• Daylighting or Daylight redirecting film allows more light in at the top of the glass and directs it into the room reducing the need for electric lighting.  Presently, a metal shelf can be used for this, but the film is much more attractive and easy to clean.

Solar Vision, Inc is keeping well informed about these new technologies to bring its customers the best available product.

Window Film Reduces Light Pollution

Window film can reduce light pollution.  Depending on the type of film, Visual Light Transmittance can be reduced by 45%-50%. According to Global Trends and Implications for Downtown Denver, a paper prepared by Progressive Urban Management Associates in 2006, 3 billion people lived in cities and by 2050 6 billion people will be living in cities.  The implications for energy consumption, transportation, food, and environmental protection caused by this rapid urban expansion makes the need for sustainability  critical.

The management of artificial light is one of the many areas urban planners must prepare for.

Light pollution causes:

• Sky glow which is the light surrounding the urban skies is caused by over illumination of commercial spaces and poorly planned street and building lights. The stars are difficult to see in urban areas.
• Light trespass is the light from a building shining into another building.  It may be difficult to sleep in an apartment building next to a building that has a lot of light during the night.
• Endangerment to wildlife who are confused by the light.  Nocturnal animals do not hunt or mate as they are meant to.  More animals are in danger of becoming extinct.
• Human health is being affected.  Vision, headaches, hypertension, and an increased chance of developing cancer are some of the health issues.  Sleep is disrupted by the light and melatonin is decreased. (physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-environment.html)

There are things that city planners and all of us can do to decrease light pollution.  One of them is to apply window tint to windows that meets 45% inside to outside visible light transmittance and/or use window treatments.  On a beach in Florida, new construction is required to put in windows that meet the 45% requirement because sea turtles are confused by the light and go inland instead of going out to sea.  People that already have homes are helping to save the turtles by retrofitting their windows with window film to meet the requirement. (Thisbigcity.net)

Window film meets LEED Certification requirements in this area and is worth 1 point toward building certification.

Credit 7:  Light Pollution Reduction (1 point)

Intent: Eliminate light trespass from the building and site, improve night sky access and reduce development impact on nocturnal environment.

Denver is a city that is at the forefront of working to make sustainable urban environments.  Denver is also experiencing rapid urban growth.  The challenges in keeping up with all the facets of urban growth is being met by our city leaders and urban planners with great care.

Anti-Spy Window Film

Anti-Spy window film is blocks wifi and cell phone signals.  It is made up of aluminum and titanium sputter coated polyester in several layers. It has a scratch resistant coating.  According to the Standard Test Method for Measuring the Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Planar Materials, it is 90-99% effective.  Natural light still enters the room. Businesses that have a lot of glass and use wireless devices are susceptible to being targeted by people who know how to get into their systems.

Anti-Spy window film can:

• Help prevent credit card fraud
• Eliminate the outside use of wireless internet connections
• Prevent corporate espionage
• Help stop eavesdropping by hackers
• Reduce the signal signature of a building

Wifi signals can go through walls, but most go through windows.  Architectural trends show that more and bigger windows are being put in offices all the time.  Along with that, the use of wireless signals has also increased and will continue to do so.  These things combined increase security risks.  Reflective window film reduces leakage.

To increase its effectiveness a metal strip can be placed around the gap between the film and the window frame.  No window film application can be done with no gap between the film and the frame though the gap is small.  1/8 inch is an acceptable application.

Solar Vision is experienced in applying this type of window film.

Trends in Commercial Architecture

Trends in commercial architecture include lots of glass. Glass walls are bigger than ever.  Glass walls create lots of opportunities to use natural light and open spaces.  Along with these glass walls, come new innovative uses in design using 3M Fasara frosted and decorative window films.  These films allow in light while adding just the amount of privacy wanted by the inhabitants.  The design elements are limited only by the imagination. (solutions.3m.com) Not only does the decorative films allow light and beauty in these spaces, they also add safety.  The film lets someone know the glass is there and will not be walked into.  In case a window is broken the fragments will hold together.

The glass with film is easy to care for.  It can be cleaned as any other glass after 30 days.  A plus is that finger prints do not readily show.

Frost Film Used for Privacy

Frost film used for privacy on these windows.  Sometimes blackout film is an option.  The frost film lets in natural light while the blackout film blocks all of the light.  These pictures show how the film looks from the inside and from the outside.  The client was very pleased  with the result.

Solar Control for Apartment Living

Solar Control for apartment living can be achieved through the use of a variety of solar control window films.  I have seen a number of apartments that get a lot of sun have all kinds of things in their windows to make it more comfortable.  I've seen cardboard, newspaper, sheets, and even a mattress.  Rental  property owners may ignore this or pose fines, but ultimately it affects the value of the property.  Solar control window films can greatly reduce the amount of sun and glare coming into a room.  Because it eliminates 99% of the UV rays, furnishings are not damaged.  It has the added protection of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Apartments usually are fitted with single layered glass.  Applying window film will give the window the effect of being double layered glass.  This would result in energy savings.  If a rental property company is energy conscious, it could advertise as making these changes to help save energy.  Solar control window film is especially valuable in those areas that get direct sunlight especially in the loft apartments on the top floors.

Window film is an relatively inexpensive way to make apartment living more comfortable.  Window film is easy to clean.  It is cleaned as any other window after 30 days.

3M Film Uses in Hotels

3M film uses in hotels are many.  Window film can provide energy savings, comfort, and added safety and security.  Architectural films can provide beauty and give the hotel a unique look.  The creative environment is limited only by one's imagination. Safety and Security is enhanced by using a safety and security film to prevent break-ins.  In vulnerable areas, the film will prevent intruders from breaking a glass to get in the building.  Often hotels are in places without a lot of people around, so this would give extra security to a building.  Another way 3M window film can add to security is that if there would be an event such as strong winds, hail, etc. which could break the glass, the glass would hold together and not allow shards of glass to fly and cause injury.  If a hotel is in an area where there is graffiti, anti-graffiti film can be applied to the glass protecting it from paint, acid, scratching.  The film acts as a sacrificial layer which takes the graffiti and can be removed. (solutions.3m.com)

Solar Control can be achieved through 3M Window film.  Glare can be greatly reduced.  Heating and air conditioning costs can be reduced with the application of one of 3M's variety of solar control films.  UV rays are reduced by most films by 99 % eliminating the harmful effects of the UV rays on carpeting, drapes, art, furniture and other furnishings.

Decorative Films can be used in the building to make updated creative environments.  Graphics on film can put any picture on a wall at any size.  Fasara films can be used to add privacy and beauty.  The films can be die-cut or custom printed. Di-Noc can be used to remake surfaces such as pine into teak or paint into marble. There are hundreds of surfaces to choose from.

Solar Vision's Mission Statement is to inspire a passion for and generate living and working environments that are comfortable, safe, energy efficient and innovative.  Let Solar Vision's staff inspire you.

Exterior Prestige Window Film

Exterior Prestige Window Film is made using nanotechnology.  The film consists of over 200 thin layers and is the thickness of a piece of paper.  This technology allows the film to provide superior heat control and glare reduction while preserving exterior and interior window views.  The film contains no metals so it does not interfere with wireless signals.  It is used in areas that are difficult to film from the inside.  If there is furniture that is difficult to move or permanent fixtures that make it impossible or near impossible to put on a film from the inside, then Exterior Prestige Window Film is the solution. Exterior Prestige Window Film might also be used if there is a high likelihood of breakage of a particular type of glass. With the exterior film, the sun does not heat the glass. (solutions.3m.com) Exterior Prestige Window Film:

• has a strong scratch resistant coating
• not self-cleaning, but repels water
• has virtually no chance of glass breakage
• can be used on dual or triple pane glass
• has high heat rejection with high visible light transmission
• comes in Prestige 40, 70, and 90
• reduces air conditioning costs

Church Samples 3M Night Vision

The church members at Father Dyer Church in Breckenridge asked Solar Vision to apply samples of 3M Night Vision to make the church more comfortable and still maintain their gorgeous view of the mountains in the area.  Father Dyer Church is a historical landmark.  It is 133 years old and is an active Methodist Church.  3M Night Vision comes in 3 different shades.  The 3 samples were placed on the window and the people of the church will decide which one best meets their needs.  This is one of the ways Solar Vision consults with clients to help them choose the best window film to meet their needs.

3M Night Vision helps block the suns rays and reduces glare and heat.  Natural light still enters the room and the outside view can still be enjoyed.

3M Night Vision Provides:

• Reduced glare
• Reduced fading
• Rejection of 70% of heat
• Protection for skin from UV rays
• Energy conservation
• An aesthetic pleasing look
• Retention of beautiful views

As always 3M backs their window film with their lifetime warranty.

DICHROIC 3M Glass Finishes

Dichroic 3M glass finishes is a film that can be applied to glass or some plastics that show an array of color.  The color changes with the light that it is exposed to, the color of the surface it is applied to, and the angle it is viewed from.  This amazing film creates unique effects in whatever environment it is used in. (http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/architectural-markets/home/glass-finishes/dichroic/) Dichroic 3M glass finishes are mostly used in commercial buildings, but can also be used in a home for a unique effect.  The look can be obtained by purchasing dichroic glass, but using film is a much more cost effective solution.  The application of it is also much  less expensive than installing the glass.

Dichroic film  'plays' with light, reflecting and bouncing it to reveal a natural color spectrum.

Dichroic film is:

• a visible color shift from both sides of the film-covered glass.
• applicable for glass and many plastics.
• available in warm and cool colors.
• made of premium grade multi-layer polyester.
• non-metallic, non-conductive and non-corrosive.

Colors:

• The Chill shift in cool tones-blue, magenta, yellow and  gold/blue color regions
• The Blaze are in warm tones

  

  

The film needs to be applied in an area where it will not receive abrasions.  A clear laminate protection is recommended.

3 New 3M Films

3 new 3M films were announced at a webinar last Friday.  3M expects to introduce at least 10 new products over the next year. Two of the new products are value priced security films.  One has a matte finish.  It is priced for use on a large scale when prices need to be low.  It carries a 1 year warranty.  It is not as good as the Fasara film.  The Fasara is whiter and is easier to cut.  Also the Fasara leaves less residue when it is removed.  The new film is able to compete with the lower priced films though Fasara is always the more recommended product.  When pricing is an issue, this new film can meet a clients needs.  The other security film is a black-out film and again is value priced.  It is black on black and is glossy.  It is used on the interior of the glass. (solutions.3m.com)

The third new 3M film is a mirrored film for a one-way mirror effect.  No mirrored film that makes a one-way mirror is completely mirror on one-side and see through on the other. It is impossible to make this. The effect is achieved by a combination of light and film.  The room on the mirror side must be brighter than in the room of the non-reflective side of the film.  When I was teaching, we had a one-way mirrored glass from the teachers office to the classroom to be able to record student behavior.  It was not film, but a special made glass for that purpose.  It was not as effective as it could have been because of the lack of understanding of how the lighting affected the way it worked.  When it was first installed, that might have been explained to the school staff but as time went on the information was not passed on to new staff.

These 3 new 3M films announced will be available March 1.

Energy Savings with Window Film

Energy savings can be obtained with the use of window film.  Window film reduces the amount of heat that enters a room.  Less energy is required to cool the room.  In the winter, the film acts as an extra insulation on the window, reducing heating costs. LEED credits can be obtain by using window film.  The number of points that are obtained, depend on the amount of energy saved.

The goal of this credit is:  Achieve increasing levels of energy performance above the baseline in the prerequisite standard to reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use.  (www.3M.com/windowfilm)

There are 3 different methods for achieving this requirement.  Up to 10 credits can be obtained depending on the amount of energy savings. For specific information on the methods see the sustainable design information sheet in pdf form on the 3m web site:  multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6636910/sustainable-design-information-sheet.pdf

Window film is a first tier technology that can have an approximate 3 year payback for buildings.  Window films are ranked in retro-fitted building envelopes as having the highest probability of success.  It ranks above replacement windows. Already existing materials are used decreasing the amount of waste. (https://promo.3m.com/assets/3MCAN/1202511082.pdf)