These are the common specifications in window film –
Total solar energy rejected – The total amount of heat that is rejected by the film. The higher the number the better the performance.
Solar Energy (Heat) consist of 3 main things:
i. Infrared Rays – 53% of Heat (Main Source of Heat)
ii. Visible Light – 43% of Heat
iii. Ultraviolet Rays – 4% of Heat
Visible light transmittance – The amount of visible light that is passing through the film. The lower the number the darker the film is.
Ultra-violet Rejection – This is the total amount of UV Rays that are being rejected by the film. The higher the number the lesser UV Rays are being transmitted through the film. Ultraviolet Rays are the most harmful component of heat. It causes premature ageing of skin, one of the leading causes of skin cancer and the discolouration of furniture and flooring.
Infrared Rejection (IR) – infrared is the biggest contributor to the total heat. It is the percentage of Infrared Rays being rejected by the film. This measurement is between the wavelength of 780nm to 2500nm. The higher the percentage the better the performance.
Shading Coefficient – Shading Coefficient (SC Value) is a measurement of the thermal performance of the glass unit (panel or window) in a building. It is the ratio of solar gain (due to direct sunlight) passing through a glass unit to the solar energy which passes through a 3mm clear float glass. The lower the SC Value to better the performance of the film.
Visible light reflection – This is the amount of light being reflected by the film. The higher the number the more reflective the film will look. (Mirror-Like Film) The Building & Construction Authority of Singapore only allows a maximum of 20% visible light reflectance on the buildings & cars.
Darker or reflective window films can achieve one way privacy in the daytime when there is more light outside. People are unable to look in while on the other hand, the occupant has a clear view of the outside. Do note however, that in the night, the effect is reversed when the lights are brighter indoors – people from the outside are able to look in clearly, but you cannot look outside.
Thus there is no such film that can offer 24/7 privacy. To achieve that, you will have to use blinds or curtains at night.
There are mainly 2 types of window film technology, namely absorbing heat films and reflecting heat films. Nano-ceramic films are the most common of films that absorbs heat while metallic films reflect heat. While metallic films reflect heat, it has high light reflectivity which may not be compliant with Singapore BCA laws.
Pacco Films specialises in Sputtered Films which uses precious metals like silver and gold to effectively reflect heat, while still maintaining the clarity of the glass. This is the true heat reflecting film.
Use a soft cloth and a light cleaning solution/water to wipe your window films. Avoid using rough cloth, or any gadgets that has chance to scratch your window films. Maintenance is easy and our films can last up to 15 years.
There are a couple of factors to look at while choosing window films for your home. Firstly what problems are you facing, is it heat / glare/ UV / safety issues? Secondly, the budget you are looking at. Lastly, the amount of light entering you windows are something you should consider too, whether if it is too dark. Do look at our blog for more info.
Use a darker tint to block glare from your windows. A darker tint works like a sunglasses where it helps to shield and block the harsh sunlight into your eyes.
We have different films for different purposes, the Green series and Chill series are for reducing heat, UV rays and glare. Our Safety series is for enhancing glass and ensuring glass stays intact in the event it shatters. Our Style series includes frosted films and blackout films for privacy issues. Lastly the Exterior series are films meant for application for outdoors and exterior, which can withstand extreme heat and weather, while blocking the heat and UV rays.
The main difference will be in the technology of how it blocks the heat and the total amount of heat it rejects. Chill series’ heat blocking technology is based on heat absorption while Green series’ heat blocking technology is based on heat reflection. Green series films generally block higher heat too as it is more efficient.
Price range depends on the area of the glass windows you intend to install films for , or the total area/dimensions of the area you intend to wrap for. Price range for our window films go from $4/sqft onwards to $12/sqft. Price range for our interior wrapping films go from $600 for main door double leaf onwards.
Interior films are meant for laminate and application on interiors such as doors, kitchen & room cabinets and walls. Exterior films are meant for exterior application, but in this case it is a exterior window film.
Our films’ unique technology is that it focuses on reflecting heat away while still maintaining a clear view. Using precious metals such as silver and gold to be sputtered on our films, they can effectively reflect heat and still maintain low light reflectivity.