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Solar Films From Reflecta Window Film & Tinting
Solar Gard is the range of Bekaert’s solar control window films. These films are designed to control the amount of the suns energy and light passing through glass. There is a huge variety of different products to suit each clients needs and to suit the look and feel they desire. There are products for both automotive and architectural installation.
Cool Kote is presently the only film designed
which is able to provide a window film solution for Polycarbonate
conservatory roofs. It is an aluminium coated vinyl also sometimes
known as Silver Shade. It
can be used externally or internally on polycarbonate or glass. It is
particularly suitable also for some rough wire glass as it is softer
and thicker.
Cool
Kote is specifically deigned for polycarbonate roofs where normal
window film can peel and bubble as it is a PVC based product which
allows it to breathe. It is guaranteed for 5 years as opposed to the
normal 10 year Solar Gard guarantee.
We
usually only use this product on roofs as it is gives a pleasing
diffused light grey tint which can not be seen through. However it is
sometimes used to effect on windows if privacy is needed.
Sun light is made up of a vast array of light rays of different spectral wavelengths. We only see visible light which is a small section in the middle of the spectrum. What we do not see is the Ultra violet Light (UV) at wavelengths shorter than the visible light and infrared (IR) rays which have longer wavelengths. UV is responsible for damaging skin and causing sunburn and is responsible for much of the fading which occurs in dyed products and fabrics. Infra Red causes most of the heat energy and is responsible for how hot we get as well as contributing to fading by aiding the molecular structure changes of materials over time. When sun light passes through glass a certain amount of these rays pass through while some are reflected and some absorbed by the glass.
Each type of window films changes the amount of energy reflected and absorbed by a different amount. By controlling these elements we control the environment within to suit our needs.
As you may imagine it is quite technical and extremely difficult to design a film which allows visible light to pass so we can see what we are doing yet restrict both the UV and IR wavelengths. Due to the different types of glass available and its potential to crack or break we can not just put any film on any glass. If we use a film which absorbs too much heat then it may crack or if we use on which reflects too much back into double glazing then again we can have problems. The many different films on offer take into account these technical problems as well as the more aesthetic choices of the colour desired and the amount of tint or shade required.
There is no one film which suits all purposes and the amount of visible light which is needed is an individual’s choice. You can therefore see how essential it is for an on-site survey and consultation to find the most suitable product for our clients before choosing a particular film.
Here are a few technical terms:
Sputtered Metal Films is the name for the process of attaching incredibly fine particles of metal onto the film. The type and amount of metal used in the sputtering process determines the colour, shade and properties of the film.
Dyed Films is acheaper method of giving a shade to the film is to include dyes in the film laminate. These used to have the reputation of not being as colour stable as metal films. However recent technology and new processes have kept Bekaert’s products ahead of the field and their recent nanotechnology developments compete extremely well with the stability of metal sputtered films. They have some advantages, particularly in vehicle tinting where metal based films can affect radio and GPS equipment.
Be aware when comparing products that many low quality alternatives are still in the marketplace so it is important to check the quality and guarantees of the film manufacturer.
UV inhibitors are used in the films glue. This is because if the glue was not UV stable then the film would become detached from the glass. Untreated glass has an element of UV reduction but by applying any of our window films the reduction is more than 98%.
Infra Red Reduction is the amount of Infrared allowed to pass is usually based on the amount of metal used and therefore the shade of the film. Where heat is the main problem then the amount of solar heat reflected or absorbed is important.
Low E Film is the emissivity of the film indicates the amount it limits the heat passing through the glass. A low E film reduces the rate of heat transferred so keeping in warm air in winter and hot air out in summer.Special films have been developed to maximise this effect and 30% reduction of the heat escaping in the winter can be achieved, giving a similar effect to double glazing.
Spectrally Selective Films are very modern developments in the window film field as they inhibit both the UV and infrared wavelengths yet allow a large amount of visible light, giving excellent protection from all aspects of the suns harmful properties without spoiling the view from inside or looking heavily tinted from outside. LX 70 represents the state of the art in this development and is the first choice for those wanting the best product without affecting the natural light entering the building.
Graph showing wavelengths transmitted by selective films and plain glass
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