Sunday, September 14, 2014

The Terminology to know when Considering Window Film

The Terminology to Know When Considering Window Film

Like most products that perform one or more technical functions, window film carries with it a set of terms that may be over the head of the average consumer at first glance. There certainly are words we’ve all seen and used – light energy, heat energy, even ultraviolet and infrared. Beyond those, there are the more scientific terms, like reflectance, transmittance, and absorption.

Window film language gets even more technical than that. Is it important for you to know and grasp every window film technical term? Of course not. But familiarity with some of the basic language used to describe how window film works will help you make a more informed purchasing decision. You’ll better understand the differing functions of various films, which allows you to make a smart choice. And you’ll level the playing field a bit when it comes to talking with the window film professional who estimates and installs your project.

Here is a bit of window film terminology to know:

Total Solar Energy

This is the entire spectrum of the sun’s energy that reaches the earth’s surface. It’s made up of visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, both UVA and UVB, and infrared (IR) energy. Window films manage all of these types of energy to some degree, and for different purposes.

Visible Light Transmitted

This is a measurement of the amount of sunlight a piece of glass lets through. A very dark window film may transmit only 5-10% of visible light into a room, while a light or nearly clear film may allow 90% and up. Visible Light Reflected indicates how much light is bounced back to the source, whether the source is the sun outside or the building’s interior lighting.

UV Rejection

Damage is caused to interior furnishings and carpet, not to mention to the skin of room occupants, by UV rays. UV rejection tells you how much of this harmful radiation is turned away by the window film.

Emissivity

Emissivity is essentially the insulating quality of a piece of glass or of the window film covering it. Low-emissivity (Low-E) films reflect a great deal of the heat generated on a building’s interior back inside, a desirable quality for window films installed in colder climates.

U-Factor

U-Factor indicates the level of heat energy, independent of the sun’s radiant energy, that passes through a glass/window film assembly. It’s calculated with a multiple of the difference between indoor and outdoor air temperatures, and like Low-E, a lower U-Factor number means better heat retention inside a building in cold weather.

Talking the window film talk will give you an advantage when it comes to selecting a window film product and getting the greatest value from your purchase. For the exceptionally scientific-minded, a full glossary of window film terminology provides an even deeper look into the functionality of these products.

- See more at: http://easyenergysavingtips.com/the-terminology-to-know-when-considering-window-film/#sthash.T2T0bzMP.dpuf

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

5 Common Misconceptions about Window Film

5 Common Misconceptions about Window Film

The popularity of window film is increasing, but many consumers still aren’t sure if window film is the right choice for them. Window film has been around since the 1970’s, and while there have been major innovations in the industry, many people may have an idea or image about films stuck in their minds that isn’t accurate.

To give consumers a clearer perspective, let’s take a closer look at five of the most common misconceptions about window film.

1. Window film is expensive.

Not true. One of the benefits of window film is that it’s much more affordable than installing new windows, but offers many of the same benefits. Professionally-installed solar control films can also significantly reduce cooling costs for homes and commercial buildings. Determining exact energy savings can be difficult because many factors contribute to energy use such as the fluctuating cost of fuel, amount of direct sun exposure, type of film installed, etc. However, typical payback in energy savings is usually 2–5 years, sometimes less.

2. Window films turn purple.

Not anymore. While this may have been true in the early 1980’s, when you commonly saw cars with windows that had a purple hue due to the discoloration of tint. The technology behind today’s automotive films is more advanced including developments in metal deposition methods, color extruded base materials, and specialty coatings. With proper installation of quality films, that type of discoloration is very rare.

3. Window film is too dark.

False. Window films come in a variety of light transmissions, allowing buyers to customize the amount of light they want for the space. Even the lightest films still block up to 99% of harmful UV rays. With today’s technology, many window films can block a significant amount of heat while still allowing in 60-70% of the visible light. With the help of a professional dealer, the buyer can decide which shade will offer the look and protection they wish to achieve.

4. Window Film is not designed to last long.

Incorrect. Window film is manufactured with longevity in mind. In fact, many window film providers offer a warranty of up to 15 years for commercial installations, and some residential and automotive window film applications come with a warranty that lasts as long as you own the house or car.

5. Window film causes glass to break.

Only in rare cases. Adding solar control film to glass increases the glass temperature, but properly chosen film installed correctly will not cause the glass to break. There are, however, some factors that can contribute to the rare case of glass breakage including the amount of external and internal shading, glass size and shape, and previous glass breakage history. Experienced dealers are able to make the proper film-to-glass recommendations, minimizing the risk of glass breakage. Many also offer limited warranty protection for properly applied installations.

- See more at: http://easyenergysavingtips.com/five-common-misconceptions-about-window-film/#sthash.bcKDFKSY.dpuf

Friday, September 5, 2014

5 Things you might not know about sun protection

5 things you might not have known about sun protection

Aug 28, 2014

While enjoying the outdoors is a must, so is protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays all year round.

Most of us think if we slather on the sunscreen – the higher the SPF the better – that we are adequately protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But really, that’s only half true.

1. Higher isn't necessarily better

For babies and small children, it’s especially important to apply sunscreen on them. The brands that are geared towards kids are usually SPF 60 or higher. But while that number is high, it’s not necessarily better than an SPF 30, especially if you are only applying the SPF 60 once.

The important thing about wearing sunscreen is the frequency with which you apply it. While SPF 15 is the lowest you should use, it, and any other SPF number sunscreen you use, should be applied at least each hour you are outdoors.

2. Shade only does so much

Umbrellas and shade may offer protection from the sun’s heat, but they do not protect you from UV rays. Sun damage can easily occur in the shade where the SPF protection is only five to seven. If you are at the beach or near water, UV rays can bounce off sand and water and reach you under your umbrella, which makes reapplying your sunscreen even when under any type of shade even more important.

3. Waterproof protection

While there are sunscreens that claim to be waterproof, there is actually no such thing. Between sweating and swimming, these sunscreens only last a maximum of 80 minutes safely, 40 if you are swimming. Despite the “all-day” or waterproof label, you still need to reapply sunscreen every one to two hours.

4. A sunscreen for all seasons

A common myth is that sunscreen is only need during the summer months. Just as UV rays bounce off water and sand, the same occurs with snow and ice. Also, dry winter skin is especially vulnerable to UV rays.

5. Medications and the sun

If you are on birth-control, antihistamines or other medications, you could be more sensitive to the sun, making you a prime target for sunburn, despite applying sunscreen. Ask your doctor about any medications you are taking to find out if any of them are making you sun sensitive.

The next time you step outside, remember that applying and re-applying sunscreen is your best line of defence against UV rays, no matter the season.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Sun Safety in cars

SUN SAFETY IN CARS

Family-Car

From The Skin Cancer Foundation / SkinCancer.Org

For most people, car safety means seatbelts and airbags. But there’s another important way to stay out of harm’s way on the road, and that’s by protecting your skin from the sun.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53% of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers’ side of the body. If you’re one of the approximately 208 million licensed drivers in the US, take heed: “The increase in left-sided skin cancers may be from the UV (ultraviolet) exposure we get when driving a car,” said Susan T. Butler, MD, coauthor of the study.

Here’s how to protect your skin when you’re in a car:

  • Treat Your Vehicle to Window Film

The sun’s ultraviolet radiation is associated with most cases of skin cancer, which will affect one in five Americans over a lifetime. UV radiation reaches us in the form of shortwave UVB and long-wave UVA rays, but glass blocks only UVB effectively. Although car windshields are partially treated to filter out UVA, the side windows let in about 63 percent of the sun’s UVA radiation; rear windows are also unprotected, leaving back seat passengers exposed. There is, however, a solution. Transparent window film screens out almost 100 percent of UVB and UVA without reducing visibility, and is available in all 50 states. If you have window film installed, remember that it protects you only when the windows are closed.

  • Keep Sunscreen in the Car

A sunscreen should be on hand for quick reapplication during long drives (The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying every two hours). Look for one with an SPF of 15+ and some combination of the following UVA-blocking ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

  • Skip the Sunroof, Skip the Convertible

Drivers’ heads and necks receive the most UV exposure, so it’s no surprise that Butler’s team found over 82 percent of skin cancers on the patients’ heads or necks. A solid, closed roof is your best bet. If you have a sunroof or a convertible top, wear a hat, preferably a wide-brimmed one (3″ or greater all around). At the very least, be sure to apply sunscreen to exposed areas of the face, neck, and scalp.

The second most common area for skin cancers was the arm, so, in addition to applying sunscreen, avoid propping your elbow up on the open window while you drive-keep both arms inside the car, and your hands on the wheel. Long-sleeved shirts are also a great sun-protective option.

Keep a hat in the car, along with your sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses, and you’ll have a sun protection travel kit to see you safely to your destination.

- See more at: http://blog.interwesttools.com/sun-safety-in-cars/#sthash.9Obont0C.dpuf