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These answers are based on information given by the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators (AIMCAL) and CPFilms.
For More Information Contact:
Film South, Inc.
Tel: 800-836-8478
Internet:
info@filmsouthinc.com
Film South, Inc. offers the finest
installations available.
Our window films are produced by CPFilms, the largest
manufacturer in the world, and 3M,
one of the top 50
companies in the world.
One of the unique qualities
of our solar control films is the Clear Distortion Free (CDF)
adhesive technology that is based on a chemistry that
is quite different from traditional pressure sensitive tech-
nology. In most ways it is superior for the solar control
application. CDF, based on its unique chemistry and
mounting solution, offers superiority in applications,
facility, and longevity. It offers a harder, thinner, more
crystalline adhesive that yields little or no distortion initially
or under the pressure of environmental stress.
CPFilms has never had an adhesive failure with CDF since
the introduction in 1977.
Window film is a very durable
polyester that is applied
directly to the surface of the glass. It is constructed of
several thin plastic layers laminated together into a
sheet. The base material is a clear polyester with other
layers consisting of dyed for color, coatings of metal
alloys, or layered with UV absorbers. Most of our films
are metal alloy with UV filters, but dyed combinations
can be used on single pane glass for cosmetic reasons.
Depending on the film selected, we can reduce from
37% to 93% of the visible light, 34% to 81% of the solar
energy, and over 99% of the UV rays.
Once applied to the glass, solar control window film
can help to: save money, decrease premature fading,
and alleviate discomfort. Whichever film is selected,
you are assured that it will enhance the appearance of
homes or aesthetically improve the exterior appearance
of commercial buildings and storefronts.
Q: Will
Film Cause Seals to Fail?
Sealed unit manufacturers, window
manufacturers, and
builders have often indicated to consumers that the
installation of ANY window film will cause or contribute
to seal failure. While it is true that some window films are
not suitable for sealed units, there are many films on the
market today that are designed to be installed on these
units. The Window Film Committee of the Association of
Industrial Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators (AIMCAL)
commissioned A. William Lingell, P.E., a technical con-
sultant to the Sealed Insulated Glass Manufacturers
Association (SIGMA), to conduct the standard ASTM tests
(E773 and E774) on standard sealed units with and with-
out window film. (for more information, click here)
Based on the testing conducted on these units, window
film had no observable effect on the performance of
high quality manufactured insulated units.
At Film South, Inc. our window film products automatically
include a seal failure warranty for units that have an existing
manufacturers warranty. This warranty is for your own
"peace of mind", even though it is not necessary since the
products we use are specifically designed for I.G. units.
Q: Will Film Cause Glass to Break?
Glass breaks when stressed. There are five
types of stress
which may cause glass breakage:
1. Thermal Stress- from absorption of solar radiation
2. Tensile Stress- from the weight of the glass itself
3. Mechanical Flexing Stress - from wind
4. Impact Stress - from flying objects, hail, baseballs
5. Twisting Stress - from buildings or window frame sagging
or settling
The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may
affect. The use of window film will increase the thermal
stress on sunlit glass, however, different types of glass
have different solar absorption rates and will withstand
different degrees of thermal stress. This is why window film
should only be installed by an accredited professional
who has been factory certified. Most of our window film
products have an inclusive thermal stress warranty on the glass
when a Film South, Inc. technician films your windows. Our
representatives are industry accredited for your protection.
Q: Will Film Void My
Manufacturer's Warranty?
The VISTA Gold
Warranty Program was designed in response to
window manufacturers putting more and more restrictions on the
warranties provided to purchasers of their products. Although there
is a small percentage of windows that have thermal shock failure, we
have observed that some manufacturers actually void there consumer
warranty on residential windows if window film is applied to the glass.
(In many instances they void warranties for blinds, shading devices,
draperies or other window treatments as well)
This situation has put consumers who would like to enjoy the benefits
of putting window film on their glass at risk with respect to continuing
their warranty. CPFilms, the world's largest window film manufacturer,
has decided to support the consumer's right to choose window film
by offering a comprehensive warranty program that will match your
original warranty word for word. Ask us about VISTA
Gold.
Q: Can
Film be used on Low E Glass?
There are two basic types of low E glass. One
of these
is a conductive coating put on glass as it is being made.
It gives some heat loss reduction, but does little to help
reduce heat gain in a building. The second type is a
more complex system of multiple layers and conductive
coatings deposited on glass after it has been made.
This type of low E glass gives heat rejection of 30% -50%
in addition to reducing heat loss. Adding window film
can drastically increase the heat rejection. Also, on
average, low E glass only filters 56% of the damaging
UV rays, while our films have the ability to filter over 99%.
The combination of Low E glass and window film can
be the best overall system in some climates.
Q: Will the Window Film Kill my House Plants?
In most cases, if the plant is already
receiving adequate
light, the use of window film will not harm it. New growth
or flowering may be retarded, and for a few days, the
plant may go into a state of shock while it adjust to the
light change. If a particular plant would normally wilt by
the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with
the film installed. Although there are some obvious guide-
lines in determining what, if any, effect window film will
have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need
more light than lighter colored ones), there is a simple
test which can be done prior to film installation; that is,
merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for
a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture
agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs
closer to maximal or minimal light.
Q: Will the Film Look Dark or Shiny?
Yes and No. Yes, there are films that are dark
and
there are films that have a reflective finish. And no,
not all films are designed to look that way. With the
advances in manufacturing techniques in recent
years, the option of having an energy efficient film
with little or no color that is virtually invisible and
neutral in appearance is now available.
Your accredited Film South, Inc. representative will
help you pick the right product for your specific needs.
Q: How Long Will The Film Last?
There are many factors that can determine how
long
a window film will last. These variables include : film
construction, type of glass it is applied to, the window
construction, and the direction the window is facing.
There have been documented cases of window films
lasting as long as 22 years. Film South, Inc. uses solar
films that utilize a special adhesive that has not had
a documented failure since 1977. We use the best
window films available with today's technology. Our
residential applications typically come with a factory
backed lifetime warranty, and most commercial
applications have a ten year manufacturer's warranty.
Q: What is Safety and Security Film?
Film South, Inc. uses films which fill the
various needs of the
market for different levels of protection. Thickness is the key
design feature which separates the basic solar film from the
safety and security films. These films are made of layers of
polyester film bonded by special adhesives and impregnated
with ultraviolet absorbers. Solar safety \ security films can also
contain high performance metals and alloys which enhance
their heat and glare reduction properties.
Although all films are safety films, this series works like an
invisible shield, helping glass resist penetration as the result
of an accident or premeditated act. As it protects people
and property, it also helps protect against the relentless
fading and deterioration of furnishings caused by the sun's
rays. See our 3M Ultra Safety and Security Films.
All of Film South, Inc.'s safety \ security films meet or exceed
the specifications and requirements set forth by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) in Z97.1-84 test break safe
characteristics.
The ability to secure a building or home has become a major
concern. With our experts and films, being secure does not
have to look 'ugly'.
Q: How does Film Reduce Fading?
To understand the causes of fading, one must
know a
little about the makeup of sunlight.
Sunlight is basically made of
three elements:
Visible light - the part that we 'see'
Infra Red - the
part which we 'feel' as heat
Ultraviolet light
- which we neither see or feel but
is the main factor in causing fabrics
and furnishings
to fade. Ultraviolet absorbers are
used to stop UV
at the film. The type, amount, and
location of the
absorbers in the product determine
the film's ability
to reduce fading. Absorbers that are
located in the
adhesive only (blocking 95%-98%)
instead of the
film itself (blocking over 99%) are
far less stable
and enduring. All of our solar
control products
absorb more than 99% of the UV rays.
Facts about Fading
"As a Rule of Thumb"
miscellaneous = interior artificial
lighting,
dye anchorage, and humidity
Laboratory studies of a large
variety of fabrics and woods
show significant differences in the color stability of these
products. Fabric fading results differ depending upon fiber
type, dye, color, stability, and/or pattern printing techniques.
Expensive fabrics are not necessarily a guarantee of fade protection.
Natural wood finishes are much
more stable than stains or
finishes that alter the natural color of the wood. Wood may
actually darken with prolong exposure to UV rather than fade
to a lighter color. The nature of certain delicate fabrics and
dyes will lead to premature fading regardless of the application
of any window film or protective treatment.