Can I slow down the fading and the damage to my furniture and wood floors with window film in Augusta, Ga ?

Hüper Optik is the smarter choice for your residential solar control solution. The excellent performance of these films exceeds the growing expectations of discerning consumers who are increasingly concerned about comfort, aesthetics, safety and security in the home.

Hüper Optik nanotechnology window films not only greatly reduce the total solar energy buildup in the house, they also cut off more than 99.9% of the ultraviolet rays that cause skin problems and fading of interiors. While protecting valuable home furnishings, the nonreflective films have the added feature of low reflectivity at night so that the view is not obscured. The layer of film also provides an additional level of safety by keeping glass fragments together in the event of accidental breakage.

Excelling as the industry leader, Hüper Optik is constantly upgrading and improving to meet the changing needs of our consumers. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality products and establish total customer satisfaction by providing the finest solar control solutions, creating the perfect window.

No, we just can't put auto film on your home or business

Professional dealer installers have film-to-glass recommendations from their manufacturers to use in assisting the customer in selecting the correct film for the particular windows and product benefits desired by that customer. 

Professionally installed films look better longer and are usually more likely to perform to specifications for their warranted lives, or even longer, than those improperly installed. 

Professional dealer installers have experience and/or training which can help them to identify unique or unusual circumstances which might affect either the installation or performance of a particular product in a given situation and might not otherwise be noticed. 

The warranties offered on quality films installed by professional dealer installers usually cover costs of removal, costs of replacement film, and costs of reinstallation. Film purchased elsewhere will likely only be covered for costs of replacement film in the event of a problem or product failure. 

Remember that the best film installed improperly or used in a situation where a professional dealer installer might not otherwise install that particular film will likely not live up to the customer’s expectations.

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

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

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.

Sun Safety in cars

SUN SAFETY IN CARS

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

Just because it's darker doesn't mean it blocks more heat

The common perception that windshield and window tinting with darker shade to provide better protection from sunlight and produce less heat in the cabin of a vehicle is overly exaggerated.

Following public outrage with the recent announcement by police to launch a nationwide crackdown in the middle of next month on vehicles with excessive dark tinting more than the permissible level under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Certain Types of Glass) Regulations (1991), Cars, Bikes & Trucksdiscovered the fallacy of dark tinting after speaking to experts from renowned tinting manufacturer and supplier.

CBT threw the following question: “Does dark tinting offer good protection from sunlight or ultra violet rays for a cooler climate inside the vehicle?”

The answer is somewhat surprising: “Tinting installed using solar film with heavily dark shade using the conventional dyed film technology does not necessarily mean it gives better heat reduction or cooler cabin.”

“Contrary to the common belief that darker tinting means better effectiveness and quality, many dark tinting films out there do not offer Ultra Violet Reduction (UVR), Infrared Rejection (IRR) or Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER).

“Without those, the dark tinting films in the market are just coloured films,” said B.K Tan, the procurement head of Solapex Marketing.

For example, he said, the UVR prevents ultraviolet radiation of high energy wavelength, which is the primary cause of fading, discolouration of furniture and skin damage.

Meanwhile, IRR blocks out infrared radiation, commonly known as ‘heat’ or ‘heat radiation’, and TSER rejects the total solar energy (heat) and reduces the overall temperature of your car cabin.

Tan said consumers always neglect these elements by installing excessive darker shades of solar film, manufactured via conventional dyed technology, as a cheaper alternative for their car window tinting.

He said that heat-shielding films with outstanding clarity performed better than the ordinary dark tint films since, “heat-shielding materials provide better protection and safety solutions for automotive glass application.”

He also stressed recent advancements in solar films technology have enabled the development of high specifications in tinting films without having to rely on dark shade.

Dark Tinting Myth

According to world’s leading manufacturer in solar film, the notion that darker shade of car window films by using the conventional dyed technology to provide better heat rejection is not accurate.

“Today’s window film technology can offer cooler car interiors without blacking-out your windows. Our 3M Crystalline and Nano Safety AutoFilm offers clear and lightweight films that out-perform dark-tinted films,” said Linda Chua, the senior marketing specialist of 3M Malaysia Renewable Energy Division.

She highlighted that the 3M-patented technology was one of a kind in Malaysia with both AutoFilms constructed using 3M-patented multilayer optical film technology which combined more than 200 layers of films and interestingly is thinner than a single sheet of Post-it note.

“Dark window films would reduce driving visibility but 3M AutoFilms are designed to allow clear, cool and visible light into the car for safe driving,” she said.

Under Rule 5 (1) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Certain Types of Glass) Regulations (1991), it states that automobile windscreens that can be tinted must permit at least 70 per cent Visible Light Transmission (VLT). For side and rear windows, the tinting can be at least 50 per cent VLT.

However, exemption is provided for vehicle owner in certain cases due to medical and other reasons under Rules 11 (a) and 11 (b) of Motor Vehicle Rules (Prohibition on Specific Types of Glass) 1991.

 

The optical meter reading to gauge the effectiveness of a solar tinting film normally used for buildings and vehicles. (Pic by Shahrim Tamrin/CBT)

BK Tan showing the tone contrast between coloured film and solar film distributed by Solapex Marketing. (Pic by Shahrim Tamrin/CBT)

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