Solar film is a highly versatile solution for vehicle, home and business owners with numerous benefits. They can be used to reduce heat and glare from the sun, increase and protect one’s privacy, prevent injuries from shattered glass or enhance a car or property’s aesthetic value.
Despite this, there are many people out there who steer away from installing window films due to false perceptions and misunderstandings.
In today’s article, we’ll address five common misconceptions that consumers have about solar films.
1. All window films are the same.
This is a huge misconception because window films are not created equal. There are many different styles and types of window films available in the market. These films can be made from various materials and serve a different function.
For example, a window film that is designed to reinforce the safety of a building is slightly thicker than the ones used to reduce heat gain and glare issues.
2. Infrared (IR) rejection values are the best indicator of heat rejection.
While the main source of heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, infrared rejection is not always the most accurate way of evaluating how well a film performs in terms of heat rejection.
However, many window film companies only display the near infrared rays wavelength of 900nm-1100nm. This misleads customers into believing that the solar film being promoted has a 99 percent IR rejection.
3. Window film will damage my windows or break due to thermal stress.
Some customers worry that tinting their windows will cause them to crack or break. However, if the selection and installation process is overseen by a professional window film company and installer, it is highly unlikely for your window to incur any damage.
Also, window films that are applied to glass according to the manufacturer’s specifications can never be the lone cause of thermal breakage. Only if the glass is not manufactured and installed to established industry standards can window films be considered a contributing factor.
4. Films will discolour and last only for a short period of time.
Most higher quality window films are protected by ultraviolet inhibitors. This guarantees that the films will not discolour over time. These guarantees usually come with material and labour warranties.
The length of time a window film is effective for depends on a number aspects. Factors such as the type of film used, type of glass it is adhered on, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and where the building is located at influences how long a window film can last. There are several documented cases where higher quality films last over 25 years!
5. Window films will make my windows look dark.
You may have spotted cars with dark, opaque windows driving on the roads. Following that, you have had thoughts like: “Is that even allowed in Singapore?” or “I don’t want my house to be as dark as that!”
Fret not, there is a wide selection of window films with different tint shades in the market. For customers who want their automotive films to be comply with safety regulations or allow more light into their homes, they can choose tint options with higher visible light transmission (VLT).
There are also films which appear virtually invisible to the eye as well!
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