Affordable Solar & Wind

Window Film - Wherever There is Glass

Copyright (c) 2010 Richard Lancaster

What is window film? Window film has been around in one form or another since the 1960's.One theory has it that like Teflon, it is a bi product of the lunar space programme. Indeed those iconic shots of the astronauts taking their first tentative steps on the moon's surface do appear to have a reflective substance applied to the visors of their space suits.

Whatever the origins, despite the passage of almost half a century window film is still unknown to a vast portion of the UK population. The window film industry in the UK is now at a mature stage with around half a dozen key manufacturers supplying a network of importer distributors. These in turn service a host of installation companies ranging from one man outfits up to businesses turning over several million pounds a year in sales.

As its origins suggest most of the window film installed in the UK is still manufactured in the USA. Among these manufacturers, Bekaert, 3M, Madico and Llumar are the main protagonists though the US dominance has been challenged to a small degree in recent times by Far East manufacturers. The general make up of window film is of multiple layers of polyester depending on the type of film. Window films are not to be confused with the PVC vinyls used by the signage industry although most installers do utilise these in their product ranges.

The five main sub sectors of the industry, each of which will be dealt with individually below are Solar Conro1, Safety, Security, Privacy and Decorative.

- Solar Control Window Film - Despite our erratic climate in the UK solar control film probably accounts for the greatest portion of window film sales. It can be available as either a dyed film or a metalized reflective coated film. Both offer glare reduction and solar heat rejection however the metalized films give far superior levels of solar heat rejection.

With the advent of higher levels of environmental awareness, solar control window film is in more demand than ever. In our environmentally aware times cooling costs and therefore carbon emissions can be significantly reduced with the installation of solar control window film. New generation external films are also now coming to the fore which greatly increase solar rejection efficiency. In addition to these, virtually clear solar control films are now available and significant heat reduction can now be achieved without compromising on light levels or altering the external appearance of windows.

- Safety Window Film - Safety film is a clear single or multi laminate film (although there are tinted and reflective versions) retrospectively applied to glass to prevent injury in the event of sudden breakage.

Typically safety film is used to bring non compliant glass up to European and British safety standards, commonly known as Regulation 14. For this particular purpose a 100 micron film is used which will hold glass together in one piece when broken. Combined with an extremely aggressive adhesive system safety film is the ideal safety barrier for vulnerable glass.

- Security Window Film - Security film falls into two sub categories - physical or visual security.

The clear safety films dealt with above can also be used as a security barrier against unauthorised entry. Some security films will form an extremely strong but undetectable shield when applied to the inside of glass. When combined with an edge retention system which attaches the edge of the film to the window frame forced entry can be made almost impossible.

The requirement for visual security is also a common reason why window film is an ideal option. These films come in the form of the previously mentioned reflective solar control films which as a secondary effect will afford "one way vision" .The reflective surface of these films will allow vision out but not in during daylight hours.

- Privacy Window Film -Visual security can also be achieved with one of a wide range of opaque or frosted privacy films available which allow light transmittance but prevent vision in or out.

- Decorative Window Film - Decorative film does "what it says on the tin". A range of films are available in etch, coloured, translucent and stained glass effects and are used to create visual ambience on commercial and residential windows alike.

About the Author

Richard Lancaster is the managing director of Lustalux Ltd a company specialising in Window Films. Among the Lustalux portfolio are solutions to many types of glazing issues including Solar Control, Privacy, Safety, Security and Bomb Blast Mitigation. In addition to these,Lustalux offers commercial blinds and signage services. The main Lustalux web site can be viewed at
http://www.lustalux.co.uk

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Thin Film Solar Cell $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A thinfilm solar cell (TFSe, also called a thinfilm photovoltaic cell (TFPV), is a solar cell that is made by depositing one or more thin layers (thin film) of photovoltaic material on a substrate. The thickness range of such a layer is wide and varies from a few nanometers to tens of micrometers. Many different photovoltaic materials are deposited with various deposition methods on a variety of substrates. A silicon thinfilm cell is a thinfilm cell that uses amorphous (aSi or aSi:H), protocrystalline, nanocrystalline (ncSi or ncSi:H) or black silicon. Thinfilm silicon is opposed to wafer silicon (also called bulk or crystalline silicon). Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 140 Publication Date: 2010/07/15 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.33 inches

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People Watching Solar Eclipse Squint Through Smoked Glass or Film $39.99 Maynard Owen Williams People Watching Solar Eclipse Squint Through Smoked Glass or Film - Photographic Print

Cross-Processed Film of Peppers on a Window Sill $34.99 Stacy Gold Cross-Processed Film of Peppers on a Window Sill - Photographic Print

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Washington Die Cut Window Film $15.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Customize your vehicle with this revolutionary window film! The perforated material allows for a clear, unobstructed view when looking out the window. The adhesive film works on all vehicles and can be used on all glass surfaces. It's quick and easy to install with no trimming or cutting required. Exterior application only. Measures 12"x 10".

Minnesota Die Cut Window Film $15.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Customize your vehicle with this revolutionary window film! The perforated material allows for a clear, unobstructed view when looking out the window. The adhesive film works on all vehicles and can be used on all glass surfaces. It's quick and easy to install with no trimming or cutting required. Exterior application only. Measures 12"x 10".

Detroit Lions Rear Window Film $88.67 Detroit Lions Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Arizona Cardinals Rear Window Film $88.67 Arizona Cardinals Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Indianapolis Colts Rear Window Film $88.67 Indianapolis Colts Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Jacksonville Jaguars Rear Window Film $88.67 Jacksonville Jaguars Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Arizona Wildcats Rear Window Film $89.5 Arizona Wildcats Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

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Colorado Buffaloes Rear Window Film $89.5 Colorado Buffaloes Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

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Miami Hurricanes Rear Window Film $89.5 Miami Hurricanes Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Michigan Wolverines Rear Window Film $89.5 Michigan Wolverines Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

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USC Trojans Rear Window Film $89.5 USC Trojans Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

UCLA Bruins Rear Window Film $89.5 UCLA Bruins Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Wisconsin Badgers Rear Window Film $89.5 Wisconsin Badgers Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Arizona Diamondbacks Rear Window Film $88.67 Arizona Diamondbacks Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Baltimore Orioles Rear Window Film $88.67 Baltimore Orioles Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Cincinnati Reds Rear Window Film $88.67 Cincinnati Reds Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Cleveland Indians Rear Window Film $88.67 Cleveland Indians Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Colorado Rockies Rear Window Film $88.67 Colorado Rockies Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Detroit Tigers Rear Window Film $88.67 Detroit Tigers Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.

Florida Marlins Rear Window Film $88.67 Florida Marlins Rear Window Film This revolutionary line of Officially Licensed graphical window film is the ultimate vehicle customization! It reduces harmful UV rays and makes the interior temperature cooler. It also features one-way vision film... you can see out, but they can't see in. Made of professional grade material, and is quick and easy to install. Works on most pickups, SUV's, mini vans, station wagons and many more! 66"x24" in size. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted.