Window film provides energy efficiency benefits similar to replacing windows but at a fraction of the cost and with minimal disruption during installation. Film has warranties of 10 years or more, compared to glass warranties that are rarely that long. Considering environmental impact and economics, window film requires fewer materials and less energy to produce than glass and has a smaller volume and weight for transportation. Film constantly controls heat gain through windows, unlike blinds which can only be up or down, and it rejects heat at the glass rather than allowing heat to penetrate indoors like some blinds. Film also has no mechanisms that can fail over time.

9. FILM VERSES GLAZING Glazing products can offer similar benefits to film in terms of energy efficiency. Film is a fraction of the cost of a high performance window unit and importantly, installation causes minor disruption to the productivity of the tenant, as installation is done quickly and with minimal preparation.

10. FILM VERSES GLAZING Most films have 10 year plus warranties, while warranties for glass are rarely if ever at this level.

11. FILM VERSES GLAZING Consider the environmental footprint and economics of a window film installation versus glass replacement on an existing building.

14. FILM VERSES BLINDS Window film rejects heat at the glass, so it does not penetrate the building. While some blinds have heat reflection properties, the necessary air gap between the blind and glass acts as a natural insulator so the net heat rejection is less. Film has no mechanisms to fail over time, and as such comes with a warranty that cannot be matched by blinds.

15. FILM VERSES EXTERNAL SHADES External shades for commercial buildings are sometimes effective, but often impractical as they mean significant and costly modifications to the building facade. External shades can also alter the view and external building aesthetics substantially.

16. THERMAL HOLES The majority of a typical building’s cooling load is a response to solar heat gain through windows, which is why they have been dubbed ‘thermal holes’ in the past.

17. THERMAL HOLES Untreated windows can be responsible for as much as 87 percent heat gain inside a room.

18. THERMAL HOLES Solar control window film can reduce up to 79 percent of solar energy entering the building through the windows.