Interior Window Film vs. Exterior Window Film

Exterior Prestige 20 on Statehouse Restaurant in Commerce City, CO

In a recent Sales Meeting we had a discussion about creating some marketing material we could send out to customers weighing the options of our Interior Prestige Window Films vs. our Exterior Prestige Window Films. We wanted to have a simple answer or solution for our customers that would make it easy for them to decide which film product they wanted. However when weighing the pro’s and con’s it was easy to see that Exterior Film will almost always be the answer.

While I love our Interior Window Films, and a 20%-43% heat reduction is nothing to balk at, it’s difficult to convince someone that this is a better option than an exterior product that will provide a 59% heat reduction, because it isn’t. If heat, and wanting to reduce your solar heat gain are the main issue for you, than an exterior film will almost always be the way to go.

Now that I have you hooked on the idea of an exterior film, what would be some reasons to go interior. Well there are a few. Exterior Window Films are applied outside in the elements. In Colorado this means we have approximately 6-7 months to complete these installations. And the conditions need to be good. Think of a nice Colorado day with low wind and no rain or snow. That’s what we need. Check out our Exterior Window Film brochure for more detailed information on the requirements we need for a clean installation.

Other reasons could be French Paned windows, or Wood Framed Windows. These are not good candidates for exterior window films. The intricacies of these windows require a clean indoor climate to attain IWFA visual quality standards.

3M Exterior 40 application in Aspen, CO

There is also cost and warranty. Exterior Window Film is more expensive than interior, this is due to the cost of the materials, and the additional time needed to install these films safely and correctly. Exterior Window Film warranties are for 10 years, vs. an Interior Film Warranty which can be up to a Lifetime for residential customers.

Many times heat may not be a huge issue, but fading is. In that case, one of our interior films will work great for you. All window films reduce 99% of the UV Rays whether they’re dark and reflective, virtually clear, or on the outside, you’ll get fade protection regardless of the product you choose.

Well there you have it. This is wordy, I know, but I feel we have need to be forthright with our customers, and if you want heat reduction, exterior is probably the way you want to go.

If you have any questions about our Window Film Products and services, please don’t hesitate to call or email us at info@coloradosolarvision.com or 303-862-6376.

You can also visit our Solar Control Window Film page to access data, and warranty information.

Solar Heat Reductions are not absolute. These are estimates based off of a standard clear double paned window with an approximate solar heat gain coefficient of .70 prior to having window film applied.

Alex working hard applying Exterior Prestige to a home in the Denver Metro area.

3M Exterior 40 going on Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Co

Exterior Prestige 40 on home in Commerce City, CO

Help! My Windows are Burning my Grass!

“My windows are burning my grass, or my turf, or my deck, or my new patio furniture. What can I do? I heard 3M Exterior Film can help”. This is a phone call we get at Solar Vision numerous times a week, and while we we’d love to have the answer to this problem, we’re hesitant to suggest an exterior film as a surefire solution.

Generally this damage is caused by intense glare, and sun beams reflecting from your Low-E glass. Our Exterior Window Films are designed to absorb and reflect heat while reducing interior glare, but they are not designed to redistribute concentrated glass distortions that cause these irritable light beams.

With the addition of an Exterior Window Film the intense sun glare will still be reflected to the same place, but at a lower temperature than without film. Which may or may not help with your turf burn. 3M recently released this bulletin to explain how exterior film may help with these damaging light beams, but they do not guarantee the efficacy. Simply put, sometimes an exterior film will help or mitigate the damage, and sometimes they won’t.

Other products on the market like solar screens could work, because it’s a screen with tiny holes, and those holes can assist in breaking up the damaging glare caused by your glass, and dispersing it more evenly. There are also some window film products on the market that claim to do the same thing, but unlike traditional window films, they may distort the view and give your glass a hazy look.

The good news is that you are not alone and there are ways to mitigate the issue. We hope you’re able to find the right solution for your home, and are always here to answer any questions you may have. Simply call 303-862-6376 or email us at info@coloradosolarvision.com.

By, Shelley Meador

Grass damage from Light Beam, not the dog. :)

Why Exterior Film?

One of the questions we get the most as a window film company is “does it go on the outside or inside”? Our answer is “both”! Generally window film is applied to the interior portion of your glass. This is great for durability, and access, and while interior window films perform great, sometimes they’re just not enough, and that’s where exterior film comes into play.

Exterior window film can be a great option for a couple of reasons. The number one is performance! Exterior film reduces the heat in its tracks. The heat is absorbed prior to even hitting your glass. Since the heat is absorbed on the first surface, this significantly reduces if not eliminates any potential glass breakage, while absorbing a drastic amount of heat. Another great use for exterior film is access. Skylights, and other hard to reach windows might not be accessible from the interior.

At Solar Vision Inc., our favorite product is 3M Exterior Prestige Window Film. 3M Exterior Window Films offer great performance, and come with up to a 15 year warranty. 3M Exterior Prestige Window Film is designed to last, and will keep your home or building cool, and comfortable for years to come.

Click here for 3M Exterior Prestige Technical Details!

3M Prestige Exterior 40 (PR40X) applied to first floor windows at this apartment complex to reduce heat in gym area.

3M PR40X can enhance the look of your home or building.

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.

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

Window Film Reduces Light Pollution

Window film can aid in reducing light pollution.  In creating buildings that are environmentally and socially responsible, designers seek LEED credits.  LEED is a building certification program developed by the US Green Building Council. Credits are given for new building construction and major renovations. There are 9 possible points a building project can achieve through the use of window film.  One credit can be earned in the area of light pollution reduction. Light pollution is misused light or misdirected light.

 The light pollution creates:

• Sky Glow which is a hazy glow over urban areas caused by light escaping into the night sky.
• Glare shining into the eyes of pedestrians or drivers.
• Light Trespass which is light shining into a neighboring buildings.
• Light clutter such as in the area of Las Vegas casinos.

Light pollution effects all of us by:

• Consuming valuable natural resources.  Hundreds of millions of coal and oil are used.
• Polluting through the use of fossil fuels.
• Disrupting nocturnal wildlife.  One example is the baby sea turtles in Florida who move toward the artificial light on the beach instead of the natural light of the moon's glow that leads them out to sea.
• Affecting human health by disrupting circadian rhythms and melatonin production, depressing the immune system, and disrupting sleep patterns.
• Destroying the enjoyment of the view of the starry night sky. (www.starrynightlight.com)

Window film is not the cure for all those things, but it can play a part.

The goal of the credit for Light Pollution Reduction is:

Minimize light trespass from the building and site, reduce  sky-glow to increase night sky access, improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction, and reduce development impact on nocturnal environments.

One way window film can meet this requirement is to reduce the amount of light passing through a window from the inside to the outside by up to 85% while minimizing the reflection from the interior lights. Even at night an amazing view can be maintained.  (multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6636910/sustainable-design-information-sheet.pdf)

To see if a project qualifies for this credit most of the internal light has to fall within the building.  Luminosity measurements are taken outdoors with all the lights off and are compared to the measurements with all the lights on. The credit is achieved if the outdoor illumination level does not increase more than 10 % with the lights on.  Window films with lower visible light transmission ratings will greatly reduce the light trespass from the buildings.

Our Solar Vision representative can help you find the right film that can meet your needs for reducing light trespassing.

Clean Filmed Windows

Clean filmed windows is an easy process.  You basically clean it as you would any window after 30 days. What to expect:

• Window film takes a period of up to 30 days to dry and cure.
• There may be a haze which will cause a visual distortion.
• There may be small water beads or bubbles.
• This is normal.  The haze or bubbles will disappear in a few days as the window film dries and cures.  The water used in installation needs to evaporate through the film during the curing process.
• Cold weather may lengthen the time while warm weather will shorten the time.
• Security films are thicker and take longer to dry.

Note:  The film may cure less than 30 days.  To be on the safe side to clean filmed windows, wait the 30 days.

What to use to clean your filmed windows:

• A soft cloth or clean synthetic sponge is recommended to clean filmed windows.
• To dry them use a soft cloth, paper towel or soft squeegee.
• Most glass cleaners work well.
• A good cleaning solution is 1/2 ounce of dish soap or baby shampoo in about a quart of water.  This is about one or two drops in a spray bottle.  You do not need much soap.

What to avoid:

• The film has a scratch resistant coating not a scratch proof coating, so never use any abrasive material on the window.
• Coarse paper towels may leave fine scratches on the film
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive sponges.
• Do not use cleaning materials that are contaminated with dirt.  This might happen if you clean outside the windows and then use the same sponge to clean the inside filmed window.
• Do not use industrial strength cleaners.
• Do not use cleaning tools that may scratch the film, such as hard squeegees.
• Products containing ammonia can be used but not in large quantities or often.

If you ever have any question about caring for your window film, please ask your installers or give Solar Vision a call.  We will happily give you the information you need.

3M Exterior Prestige Window Film

3M Exterior Prestige window film was applied to these windows. The film applied to these windows was Exterior Prestige 40.  Exterior window film is put on glass when the windows inside are not as accessible as the outside.  A wall, bookcases, heavy or immovable furniture or any number of things may may make it difficult to put the film in the inside.  Skylights that are really high may be easier to have film applied to the outside via the roof.  Exterior window film may also reduce the risk of thermal stress on windows with multiple glass panels.  3M Exterior Prestige window film may be applied to both new buildings and retrofit projects. Advantages of 3M Exterior Prestige Window Film include:

• The film is non-reflective-less reflective than glass
• It has heat rejection with excellent visibility
• It comes in Prestige 40, Prestige 70, and Prestige 90.  The 90 lets in 99% of the normal light
• The film blocks 99.9% of UV rays and prevents fading and deterioration cause by UV rays.
• It reduces glare
• People in the inside are not exposed to the UV rays which can cause skin cancer
• It provides heat control so the inside is more comfortable and less air conditioning is used.
• The film does not interfere with cellular or wireless signals.
• The thickness of the film is less than a piece of paper
• After 30 days it can be cleaned, as any other window.

The film is less reflective than glass. Because of the lower reflection, retail displays are more visible and there is less distraction.  In the day or at night, potential customers see a beautiful window and whatever is displayed or lit up in the window. This can draw more people to a business and increase sales.

This window film is used in commercial as well as in residential buildings.  It is back by the 3M lifetime warranty.

Anti-Graffiti Film Protects Windows

Anti-Graffiti Film protects windows from permanent damage.  Urban centers all over the country are having difficulties with graffiti.  City officials, residents, and property owners are continually seeking solutions to the abatement of graffiti in their neighborhoods.  Anti-Graffiti window film have properties to decrease the harmful effects of graffiti.  Anti-Graffiti window film can be a less costly solution over window replacement. Cities, not only in the US but all over the world are having trouble with graffiti vandalism. When graffiti is visible, people are less likely to shop, eat, go to other venues in the area. People are concerned that if graffiti is allowed that other crimes may also be in the area. Gang activity is also a concern.  Residents and visitors do not feel safe.  Graffiti can be in rural or small town areas as well.

City leaders seek ways to combat this growing issue.  One way is to take down graffiti ASAP. Window film can help remove the graffiti quickly.  The tagger or gang member wants to be recognized and if it is not up long, they won't get the attention they seek.  Another way is to give graffiti artist a place to do and show their work.  This can work for the person who is trying to get artist recognition.  Denver recently has added more police presence downtown for reasons other than graffiti, but graffiti is a part of it. Some youth like to show their independence from authority or take their anger out on people through graffiti.  Schools could benefit from window film by putting window film on restroom mirrors and other glass surfaces.  Graffiti is a senseless crime that is very costly. The city of Denver spends over a million dollars a year on graffiti removal.  Larger cities spend even more.  Window film can't solve the graffiti issue, but can be used as one of many tools.

Advantages of  3M Anti Graffiti Window Film Include:

• Scratch resistant
• Protects glass from permanent damage
• Gouge resistant
• Easily removed and replace by professional
• Used indoors or outdoors
• Resists acid or etching tools
• Can be cleaned as any other window surface
• Anti-graffiti film is clear and distortion free
• Has other benefits of window film such as 99% blocking of UV rays
• Comes is two thicknesses for low risk and high risk areas
• Backed by 3M warranties

Window replacement can cost up to twenty times the cost of window film. Window film is one of the many tools businesses and communities are using to combat the costly damage of graffiti.