Sun Control

Windows are an architectural necessity for any building. A scenic view is the want and desire of every building owner, property manager, and office worker. Yet windows present concrete problems, especially with respect to the sun. High air-conditioning costs, furniture fade, glare, and tenant discomfort caused by excessive heat, are just some of these problems.

Window film, first introduced by 3M Company in 1966, addresses these issues by reducing a combination of the sun's visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared heat.

The benefits of window tinting include:

• Up to 97% Infrared Heat Rejection (900nm – 1000nm)
• Up to 99.9% Ultra Violet (UV) Light Rejection
• Reduce Glare
• Increase Personal Comfort
• Reducte Utility Bills
• Reduce Fabric / Furniture Fade

Whereas drapes and blinds absorb heat for solar control, window film reflects it back outside of the building envelope. And unlike drapes and blinds which must be open and closed, window film is a passive protection that works around the clock requiring no human intervention whatsoever.

3M Window Films are a component of LEED Sustainable Design. Click here to learn more.

3M manufactures multiple lines of sun control films that are suited for commercial applications.

Classic Series
Highly reflective, yet outstanding performers, these films are ideal when maximum solar heat rejection is required – up to 72% solar heat rejection. The high reflectivity of these films mean that your building will have a uniform appearance.

Night Vision Series
In 2002 3M figured out how to reduce the reflectivity of commercial window films without sacrificing too much solar performance – up to 69% solar heat rejection.. Night Vision films are less reflective than traditional window films, inside and outside, day and night.

Prestige Series
3M followed the success of Night Vision films with its Prestige series. Prestige window films are almost invisible, day and night, inside and outside. This premium line offers two styles of window films that actually have less interior reflectivity than the glass they cover. The other styles have interior reflectivity that is just 1% greater than glass. So, at night, you’ll have a clear view out your windows. Your windows will only reflect your commitment to keeping your office looking the way it was before window film was installed.

Choosing the right window film is based on budgetary constraints, required solar performance, and desired aesthetics. Finding the film that creates that happy balance does not have to be guesswork. Using 3M’s Proof of Technology Toolbox, ATD Solar & Security can help you make the right decision. First, ATD can conduct an analysis that estimates a film’s return on investment and performance. Using software co-developed by AIMCAL and the Department of Energy, we can take variables specific to your building (size, age, glass type, energy consumption, etc) and estimate a payback period for any 3M window film. In addition, we can determine how much cooler a room or office will be after the installation of window film. We simply take two identical rooms and film the windows in the one of the rooms. Using 3M monitoring equipment, we can track how much lower the temperature is in the filmed room versus the unfilmed room. Using the tools in 3M’s Proof of Technology Toolbox allows you to make an educated window film decision.

See sample energy analysis.