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Opalux Window Film Blog
Window film to reduce glare can have all-year-round relevance
The reasons why it makes sense to purchase window film to reduce glare during the summer are obvious; at a time of year when the sun is at its brightest, glare can be a recurrent problem that prevents a building’s occupants from concentrating on their vital work.
If you’re ever been trying to concentrate on a computer screen, for instance, only for glare to make it difficult to see what’s on the display, you’ll know just how much of a godsend dedicated glare reduction window film can be for bolstering worker comfort and productivity during the summer.
It’s easy to overlook, though, just how much of an issue glare can also be at other times of year. Indeed, glare may turn out to be an even greater problem for a building’s occupants in the colder and darker months, due to the sun being lower in the sky.
So, glare reduction window film might bring even greater value than you think
While the occupants of taller buildings may be especially vulnerable to being dazzled by direct sunlight on a regular basis, here at Opalux, we’re delighted to stock window film to reduce glare in a wide range of settings, and in all manner of circumstances.
When a lot of people think of window film to reduce glare, it is solar reflective window films that particularly come to mind. Sure enough, we offer a variety of such products that provide varying levels of glare reduction, depending on how much of a priority this is for you; of these, it is our Reflective – Silver 20 films that lower glare to the greatest extent, by 82%.
However, we are also pleased to be able to supply low mirror window films for those that wish to ensure a good level of glare reduction without the highly mirrored appearance that our solar reflective films have – as may be the case for you if you are seeking out films for a more architecturally sensitive building.
Or perhaps you are in need of window film to reduce glare in the very different setting of a conservatory or where polycarbonate rooflights have been installed? If so, our External Reflective Silver 20 for Polycarbonate film reduces glare by 81%, while also – in common with other films we have described in this article – providing additional benefits such as solar heat rejection, ultraviolet (UV) filtering and scratch resistance.
We can source the window film that ideally matches your requirements
Whatever your uppermost priorities are for the next window film that you purchase, you can be confident of making the right choice when you first get in touch with our technical department, by calling +44 (0)845 026 1125 or emailing solutions@opaluxwindowfilms.com.
Don’t allow glare to be a constant headache for the users of your own buildings – or any buildings for which you have responsibility as an end user or specifier – at this or any other time of year.
Can our solar reflective films be applied to plastic as well as glass?
Given the broad range of options that we present to both end-users and specifiers for heat reflective material for windows, you might understandably ask whether there are any versions of this film that are designed for plastic rather than glass windows.
One thing that the Opalux team would certainly advise you against, is attempting to install film that was created with glass in mind on a plastic window. Unfortunately, if you were to try this with any of the standard solar reflective films in our range, it is likely that the film would ‘bubble up’, thereby rather ruining the sleek look that you might have hoped to achieve.
This is why we would instead point such customers firmly in the direction of our solar reflective films that have been specifically developed for use on polycarbonate windows, such as those windows that are typical for a conservatory or often used for rooflights.
Dependable and high-performing heat reflective material for windows
When you are seeking out the window film that we supply for polycarbonate windows, one of the most important decisions that you will face will be between the interior and exterior variants of this specialised heat reflective material for windows.
The film we offer that is designed to be installed on the interior surface of a polycarbonate window is the well-known Opalux Suncool (SO-10SC-iBF) product. This translucent metallised film provides immediate shade and relief from the often harsh effects of the sun.
Also available from Opalux, however, is an External Reflective Silver 20 for Polycarbonate (SO-20RS-eBFSR) film, which is a metallised polyester-based solar control film. As its name indicates, this film has a silver reflective appearance during the day, but only from the outside; from the inside, the visual effect is a light tint. As a consequence, this is a superb film for those wishing to ensure one-way privacy in their conservatory during daylight hours.
Both of these films are also renowned, however, for their considerable glare reduction capabilities, as well as their filtering of ultraviolet (UV) rays. The latter can be an important feature for not just better protecting you and the occupants of your conservatory, but also preventing your furniture and furnishings from fading prematurely.
Talk to the Opalux team about all things heat control films
At this time of year of all times of year, it can be an especially urgent matter to source and install heat reflective material for windows to swiftly ensure the most comfortable possible use of a conservatory or similar building.
Enquire to our professionals here at Opalux today, and we would be happy to discuss your most specific requirements for such a window film with you, and to arrange a free survey and quotation.
For the most demanding UV control applications, choose suitably specialist film
We take a lot of pride here at Opalux in supplying solar protection window film that caters to even the most exacting requirements, especially at a time of year like this one, when it can be so important to invest in a product that ticks a wide range of boxes.
This helps to explain why certain more specialised ultraviolet (UV) control films also play a central role in our product range. More specifically, we are referring to standard, enhanced and super enhanced UV protection films that can be depended on for applications calling for a product that goes beyond the most basic functions of the average solar protection window film.
Why might you purchase our Specialist UV Control film?
Our clear Specialist UV Control film (SO-CLUV-iSR) suits a variety of potential uses. It may, for instance, be applied to the windows of a home, vehicle or workplace for the benefit of people with a UV-sensitive skin condition, while it can also be useful for retailers, museums and similar organisations that are interested in shielding exhibits, displays and furnishings from the adverse effects of UV.
UV rays can be notorious for causing curtains, carpets, floors, furniture and artworks to deteriorate over time, which is why it is so great that this specialist solar protection window film surpasses the standard museum test requirements for low UV transmission and colour distortion.
While this film transmits 77% of solar energy and 86% of visible light, it also blocks up to 99% of UV rays in the 300 to 380-nanometer range of the solar spectrum.
Sometimes, though, an extra level of protection is required
So, with our Specialist UV Control film delivering such exceptional performance, how does the Amber UV Control film (SO-AMUV-iSR) differ?
Well, as its name indicates, this particular solar protection window film is amber in colour, which signals that it is designed to prevent the passage of UV light into the low visible light region. It is a product that is specified for settings in which different types of extreme UV light blocking are required, such as a medical or clean room.
As you may have already anticipated, the highly specialised nature of both of these films means that if you are to make the most informed choice of film for your own needs, it is advised that you first contact the Opalux technical department. This way, you can be sure of benefitting from our in-depth knowledge of these window films, of which samples can also be provided before you commit to any particular product.
Call 0845 026 1125 or email solutions@opaluxwindowfilms.com today, and you will be advantageously placed to make the best choice of solar protection window film for your own intended application.
Low mirror heat reduction films deliver exceptional performance for architecturally sensitive applications
At this time of year, when temperatures typically escalate and workers within buildings can suffer in the sweltering heat, you might understandably seek out solutions for making your own internal spaces more hospitable. Dedicated heat reduction films like those that Opalux supplies are frequently cited as a potential option – but are you concerned that the installation of such a product on your glass could be detrimental to its appearance?
This is an especially frequent concern when the building where the film is to be applied is a listed or historic one, thereby necessitating an aesthetically sensitive approach.
Well, the good news is that highly sophisticated low mirror heat reduction films are available from Opalux that sport a muted grey or bronze interior and exterior look, while still limiting the amount of heat gain and solar glare experienced by a building’s occupants.
Both interior and exterior versions of these films can be specified
All of our low mirror heat reduction films offer the lower reflectance that makes them well-suited to architecturally sensitive settings. However, the window films that you install might not perform or last for as long as they could or should, if you do not make the right choice between internal and external variants.
It’s customary for window films to be applied on the interior surface of glass, but in historic or listed structures in particular, it may not always be easy, possible or advisable to install film from the inside. This is why we offer these low mirror films in both interior and exterior versions, the latter of the exterior-grade construction that enables them to stand up to the elements for longer.
Allow us to guide you towards the right window film
As well as picking between internal and external versions of these in-demand heat reduction films, customers will need to select either grey or bronze – and even then, there are further options to choose from in line with specific requirements.
Those that opt for grey low mirror film, for instance, can opt for Neutral Grey 20 (SO-20NG-iSR), Neutral Grey 35 (SO-35NG-iSR) or Neutral Grey 50 (SO-50NG-iSR); the first of these only transmits 18% of visible light, which helps it to reduce glare by 80%. By contrast, the respective figures are 48% and 45% for the Neutral Grey 50 film.
If you are at all unsure about the window film that would represent the best choice for your intended application, whether as a specifier or end-user, you are welcome to contact the Opalux technical department on 0845 026 1125, or email solutions@opaluxwindowfilms.com. This way, you can help to ensure you order the heat reduction films that would bring you the optimal results.
Our solar reflective window films may well be our ‘original and best’
Amid reports indicating that temperatures could soar in the United Kingdom over the coming weeks and months, it’s understandable that if you are contemplating solutions for reducing solar heat gain and excessive glare at your organisation’s premises, you may have considered window film.
Sure enough, here at Opalux, we supply an assortment of window films under our own brand, and which are highly acclaimed as both solar heat rejection and glare reduction films.
Why, then, is it our solar reflective films that have proved particularly enduringly popular down the years, given that we also offer such options as low mirror films, clear heat control films and polycarbonate films?
They deliver consistently formidable performance
Above all else, you will probably be looking to purchase solar protection window films to ensure protection against the worst effects of the sun, for both your workers and your premises in general. Your employees, for instance, are certainly likely to appreciate how our glare reduction films can help them to better concentrate on their work, while also lessening the potentially harmful consequences of high levels of ultraviolet (UV) light.
Thankfully, then, our solar reflective window films more than measure up in this regard, reducing glare by more than 80% in the case of our Silver 20 products, while also filtering 99% of UV rays and greatly lowering the proportion of solar energy that is allowed to pass through the glass.
Both internal and externally applied versions are available
If you’ve never – or rarely – purchased window films previously, it can be very instructive to familiarise yourself with the respective benefits of interior and exterior films.
Here at Opalux, we can advise and guide you with regard to those respective benefits for your own intended application; however, what matters most is that we can supply solar reflective films in both versions to suit where you intend to install it.
A pleasingly uniform appearance is assured
The silver reflective outside look of these films doesn’t just help your brand to project a consistent, professional and classy image of itself – it also gives you fewer worries about any prying eyes from those walking by on the street.
Fortunately, our solar reflective films don’t look the same from the inside, instead providing a much less noticeable light tint. In short, these are films that are squarely suited to the specific needs of your business or organisation.
Would you like to discuss in greater detail your firm’s requirements, and which of our solar protection, heat rejection and glare reduction films could represent the best match to them? If so, simply enquire to the Opalux team today, and we will also be able to arrange a free survey, thereby enabling us to give you the most competitive possible quote.
Why is it so important to purchase external window films for outdoor environments?
It’s a seemingly understandable question; why is it necessarily so crucial for a window film applied on the exterior surface of glass to have been specifically designed for this purpose? If there is an interior window film that has caught your eye, what’s stopping you from simply installing this film on the exterior side of the glass anyway, and accepting any drawbacks that may come with this?
In truth, there are some very serious reasons why it may be especially wise for you to specify an external window film over an internal one, when it is intended that this product will be constantly exposed to the ravages of outdoor conditions.
Durability and longevity are key factors
The most obvious justification for opting for an external window film for external use is the fact that such film will be better suited to withstanding the wind, rain, hail and other elements that can cause a window film to break down over time.
Here at Opalux, we would certainly advise against installing an interior film externally, due to the manner in which this type of film is processed rendering it ill-equipped to last for long in the face of outdoor weather and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Sure enough, when you purchase a dedicated external window film from us such as our External Reflective – Silver 20 (SO-20RS-eSR) product, the weather-resistant construction – including additional UV barriers – will be instrumental in preventing the film from degrading. A strong water-resistant adhesive is also incorporated into this film – and together, such features help to give this product a seven-year vertical warranty, and an up-to-four-year sloping one.
However, the right external window film will also do so much more
While careful consideration of the above factors will assist you in achieving the greatest longevity, performance and value from a specialised exterior window film, there may be certain other aspects of your given application that you will guide your final choice of film.
One key advantage of exterior window film is that it helps to ensure a greater proportion of solar energy is expelled outdoors, instead of being absorbed into the window pane. This goes some way to explaining the particular popularity of external window films for installation on double or triple glazed units or extra thick glass.
If you are specifically seeking out safety and security film, again, you may elect to have this in an exterior grade where there is a risk to people outside your building. Alternatively, you might simply purchase an external window film if the interior surface of the glass is not easily accessible.
Call 0845 026 1125 or email solutions@opaluxwindowfilms.com, and we’ll work with you to assess the various circumstances and risks that apply to your own intended application. This way, you can be sure of making the most informed possible choice of window film.
We can offer both interior and exterior film to help protect against graffiti
Graffiti on windows is a common urban menace, appearing on not just many buildings, but also the likes of trains, buses and even ferries.
If graffiti is a problem that you are looking to tackle as a specifier, architect, end-user or other customer, you will be pleased to learn that Opalux can provide window film that has been specifically designed to stand up to this kind of vandalism.
How does graffiti protection window film work?
The principle behind our anti-graffiti window films is simple: they consist of an optically clear transparent sacrificial coating that can simply be removed and replaced if the windows on which they are applied are subject to graffiti.
Such a crucial layer enables you to better protect otherwise vulnerable glazing from sustaining the scratch marks that would necessitate the replacement of the entire window.
As you might expect, however, such a window film needs to be of a certain thickness if it is to withstand the level of punishment that windows can sometimes take from graffiti operators, without the underlying glazing itself being damaged.
Allow us to talk you through your options for anti-graffiti window film
100 microns is the minimum required thickness of window films when they are purchased specifically to shield windows from the adverse effects of graffiti.
This is why we offer window films in precisely this thickness that have been tested and certified to EN 12600 Class 2B2, and which are suitable for organisations seeking to comply with Regulation 14 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
We do supply thicker films in this category, however, such as the 175-micron SA-175CL-iSR and SA-175CL-eSR films that are designed to be applied internally and externally respectively, as well as the 200-micron SA-200CL-iSR product. These films are sometimes specified if there are concerns about heavy-duty tools being used by graffiti operators.
As for the difference between internal and external films, the latter are routinely used if the inner panel of the window requiring treatment is inaccessible, or in cases of the outer panel of a double glazed unit needing to be upgraded. They are also constructed in a way that enables them to stand up to constant exposure to the elements.
To be sure of selecting the window film that is the best match to your requirements, you are advised to contact the Opalux technical department before placing any order – as you can do by emailing solutions@opaluxwindowfilms.com or calling +44 (0)845 026 1125.
What if you want to reject solar heat without changing how your windows look?
Given the elevated temperatures and levels of solar heat gain that we tend to see at this time of year, it’s understandable that you may be seeking a suitable heat control film. However, when you are specifying film for a retail shop window, motor showroom or other commercial or residential setting, you might not wish the appearance of the windows to be noticeably affected at all.
The above, after all, are all examples of premises where a continued high level of transparency through the glass and an all-round natural appearance are important.
Thankfully, we offer the ideal glass film to reduce heat in such spaces, in the form of our state-of-the-art clear heat control films for both indoor and outdoor application.
A high level of performance, but no compromise to aesthetics
Our presently available clear heat control films include two internally applied window films, Specialist Heat Control – Clear (SO-70IR-iSR) and Supreme XL – IR Heat Control/Clear (SO-70XLIR-iSR), and a single film suitable for exterior use, Specialist Heat Control Clear External (SO-70IR-eSR).
All three of these window films offer such features and benefits as very high light transmissions, quick retro-fit installation, the effective filtering of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, the reduced fading of interior furnishings and a virtually clear appearance.
Another benefit of every clear heat control film in our current range is scratch resistance, although it is the exterior grade film that offers the weatherproof construction necessary to ensure it can stand up to the elements without deteriorating.
The exterior film comes with a five-year vertical warranty and up to two years sloping, while those specifying either of the internal films can be assured of a 10-year warranty.
Are these the right window films for your requirements?
It’s important to emphasise that our clear heat control products are very much glass film to reduce heat, rather than glare. While these films do provide a limited amount of glare reduction – 24% in the case of the SO-70IR-iSR film – it is expected that those specifying such films would largely use other means for lessening glare, such as curtains, blinds or awnings.
If, however, you wish to achieve a good level of solar heat rejection in a given building without the amount of daylight through the windows or the appearance of the glass being noticeably impacted, these films could represent an excellent solution.
Specifiers are urged, however, to contact the Opalux technical department for guidance on the most suitable window film to select, before doing so. Email solutions@opaluxwindowfilms.com or call +44 (0)845 026 1125 to discuss your given application and to arrange a free survey and quotation.
Opalux patterned window film is far from a gimmick
The decoration of glass is often far from a merely superficial or aesthetic enhancement, and for further evidence of this, one only needs to look to Opalux’s acclaimed and extensive selection of patterned window film.
This type of window film is typically applied to glazed screens in such settings as reception areas, lobbies, corridors and internal office partitions – in short, almost any internal space where a requirement exists for both a light, open atmosphere and a degree of privacy.
Such window film is fitted to the interior surface of glass, and Opalux provides a wide range of options for such products to enable the achievement of the most suitable visual effect.
What privacy and decorative films do we presently enable you to choose from?
Whether you are purchasing window film as an architect, designer or specifier, and for a residential, commercial, retail or office building, you can expect plenty of cosmetically appealing, innovative and well-made choices in our present range of privacy and decorative films.
Those choices include the likes of the Rice Paper Effect (SKY-9000), our closest to the Stipolite Effect is our Medium Sandblast (MS-905), Augusta – Frosted 12mm Stripes on Clear (DE-AUGU-iSR), Georgia – Frosted 45mm Bands on Clear (DE-GEOR-iSR) and Nevada – Frosted 1mm Dots on Clear (DE-NEVA-iSR) films that have already won rave reviews from a broad range of Opalux customers.
With our other possibilities for decorative and patterned films encompassing Travis – Frosted 45mm Square on Clear (DE-TRAV-iSR) and Vermont – Frosted 4mm Stripes on Clear (DE-VERM-iSR) among others, our customers have plenty of opportunities to get creative in how they enhance and decorate the glass in the interior spaces for which they are responsible.
Highly regarded films that cater to the complete range of needs
Different patterned window films across our product selection vary in terms of the exact performance they deliver with regard to such parameters as solar energy transmitted, reflected and absorbed, as well as ultraviolet (UV) rejection and glare reduction.
However, the broad benefits of privacy and decorative window film across our range remain consistent, and include the likes of quick retro-fit installation, high light transmission and ease of removability. The latter quality can be especially important for the internal spaces in which window films like this are routinely applied, as they give the option to easily remove, replace or update the film in the future.
Would you like to learn more about the integral role that the most suitable window film can play in making various areas of your residential or commercial buildings more cosmetically appealing and hospitable for occupants on a day-to-day basis? If so, simply call Opalux today, on 0845 026 1125, to discuss your requirements and request a free survey and quotation.
Tinted window films from Opalux can serve a broad range of purposes
It only requires one glance across our online product selection here at Opalux to appreciate that window film can be specified to satisfy all manner of requirements, from heat and glare control and privacy to safety and security.
Much the same can be said of our tinted window films, which don’t merely bring an aesthetic benefit – as great as such a benefit can often be – but also many practical advantages.
You’ve got plenty of options as far as grey/black tinting is concerned
For cosmetic but also UV control or shading purposes, our grey/black window tints are a popular choice. These non-metallised, optically clear and deep-dyed window films have the basic effect of tinting clear glass in any of a variety of grey/black densities, from very light to very dark shades.
If, for example, it is a lighter grey tint that you wish to apply to a certain building’s glass, our Tinted – Light Slate 50 (SO-50SL-iSR) window film may be an especially suitable choice. As its name suggests, this film provides a subtle tint, and is an excellent option when the specifier or end-user desires a low external reflection.
The Slate 50 film offers a variety of other benefits, including the filtering of up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and assistance in reducing the premature fading of interior furnishings. However, it is the combination of a subtle light grey/black external appearance and a barely noticeable visual effect from the inside that especially leads many of our customers to choose it.
The situation is very different with the darker grey/black tint that such a film as the Exterior Grade SO-10NRG-eSR product provides. This film is designed for exterior rather than interior application, which helps to explain its scratch-resistant coating. It is also a superb choice of window film when you seek to alleviate severe solar glare problems, while achieving daytime one-way privacy and a uniform outside appearance.
You can also trust us as a source of transparent art colours
The art colours window films that we are pleased to offer in such hues as Light Blue, Purple, Green, Pink and Red are naturally very different tinted window films to the aforementioned grey/black products.
Nonetheless, these films can serve their own invaluable role for all manner of customers of ours, not least in enhancing the appearance and atmosphere of places and spaces ranging from classrooms, stage sets and sports centres to entrances, museums and children’s wards. These are films that represent excellent forms of decoration, while still maintaining optical clarity.
Could Opalux serve your needs for tinted window film? Our technical team is always available to discuss which product could be the most suitable one for your intended application; simply call 0845 026 1125 for a suitably in-depth discussion.