Today this retrofit coating upgrade is increasingly found in homes, buildings and boats (marine application). The coating, which is usually applied on glass surfaces, has managed to grab a lot of eyeballs due to its surprisingly low cost and easy-to-apply technique.
The application offers solutions to a range of issues like:
- Reduction of Heat and glare
- Thermal insulation
- Protection from harmful UV rays
- Privacy, Safety and security
- Decoration, Signage and branding
- Safety from graffiti
There are different types of window film in the market each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. You have to assess your home and requirements before you select a particular type.
Basic Types
Two variations of window tinting film are available in the market.
- The one which is color dyed is useful for absorbing heat and is normally used in cars and recreation vehicles, including boats and RVs.
- The second type is metal treated, especially nickel, aluminum and copper among others, and as a result is used in homes and offices, with the film’s ability to deflect heat keeping the temperature down and pleasant.
In some cases even metal-treated films are also tinted. Hybrids, where the best qualities of both the types are combined, are another option before clients.
Specific Types
Five types of specific films are very popular. Let’s check them out:
- Dyed or colored:
It is easily the most common type of film finding extensive use on cars, buses and metros, among others. The coloring of this particular film is generally done during the melting and stretching process. Also, since it does not contain any metal it is non-reflective and useful for providing heat and glare control, which is achieved via solar absorption. Besides, it also inhibits people’s ability to see through the glass and see what is happening inside, thereby eliminating possibilities of crime and vandalism to a large extent. Nowadays there are many commercial window-tinting products available in the market, and you can easily find a suitable dyed film. - Metalized Films:
As the name suggest, this film is treated with different kind of metals like copper, nickel, and aluminum. While this process helps the film to deflect heat during summer, it keeps the room warm by deflecting interior heat back into the room in winter. The insertion of metals is carried out on an atomic level at the creation process itself. Metalized films are found suitable for homes and offices. - Deposited Films:
They are close relatives to metalized films in that both use a blend of metals to achieve the goal of heat reduction. The basic difference, however, is that while a large number of metals can be used in metalized films, the choice is limited for deposited films, with nickel and aluminum constituting the chief elements. - Hybrid films:
These films are manufactured by combining the best properties of metalized and dyed films, namely their reflective and absorptive qualities. The resultant film posses a lighter tint color which is capable of reflecting nearly all the sun’s energy. - Ceramic films:
The latest entry in the field of window tinting, these films are created using nanotechnology and considered technical marvels. The most significant aspect of this film is that it reduces the extent of interference, which can sometimes be found in other films like colored or dyed films, when one tries to strengthen the glass once it has been installed. Apart from that ceramic films are extremely durable and can withstand strong storms and similar other disturbances; the chances of glass shattering is found to be very minimal in the case of this film. One thing that may go against it is that since it is the latest upgrade, it is a bit more expensive.
Finally, Some Words of Wisdom!
Most of the films mentioned above are very effective against the sun’s UV light. Also, since they come in so many varieties, it shouldn’t be very difficult for you to find a matching film for your varied needs. If your focus is on home decoration or protection, the best thing to do would be to check with a reputed home window tinting provider; however, don’t just believe if they claim to provide 90% protection from UV rays, and insist on having a written guarantee so that they can backtrack afterwards. Also make it a point to do a lot of research about the different films and how they stake up against your requirements.
Photo Courtesy : Protectorfilm.co.za
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