BEWARE THE WINTER SUN!

As we head towards the shorter days and longer nights of winter, the warmth of the summer sunshine all too quickly becomes a distant memory. However, just because we’ve packed away our shorts and t-shirts, it doesn’t mean that we should stop paying attention to the sun. 

Throughout the winter months the sun will continue to cause issues such as glare and fading. An application of window film to your glazing will help guard against both of these problematic occurrences.

Glare can sometimes be worse during the winter months. The low lying position of the sun can exacerbate the problem in both commercial and residential environments, making it hard to comfortably focus on screens, papers or colleagues. Glare is not conducive to an efficient or effective workplace, or an enjoyable home experience. An application of window film is a straight forward, cost efficient and hugely effective remedy.

Anti-glare window film can reduce the glare by anything up to 90%, with the reduction rate dependent on the grade of film chosen. There are a host of effective films available, many of which provide additional benefits such as solar control. An excellent example of a popular glare reduction product is the Optiview range of films.

Available in five different grades, this film has been developed to high technical specifications, with a unique “night neutral” finish, ensuring that the internal reflectivity is reduced when darkness falls. The exterior of the film has a reflective appearance during daylight hours, reducing glare dramatically whilst still allowing natural light to pass through the glass and maintaining a view to the exterior. In short, the best elements of glass are maintained, whilst the glare is substantially reduced.

Whilst glare is a visible side effect of sunlight, fading is hard to detect – often going un-noticed until it is too late. Sadly, wherever there are windows, there is a risk of fading. There are three main factors that combine to cause fade damage; heat, light and the biggest contributing factor – UV rays. Window film can block the majority of these rays, with specialist film like Clear UV blocking up to 99%. The film benefits from being optically clear, making it the ideal choice for fade protection when a completely unobstructed view is required. Often referred to as “museum film” this particular fade reduction product is popular for retail outlets and home-owners, both environments where fade protection is important, but a clear finish is desirable.

Other window films will combat the other causes of fading, with reflective films providing the ultimate in protection. These films will serve to cut down on excess heat as well as the UV rays, in turn tackling two of the major causes of fade damage.

Here at The window Film Company we recognise that each requirement is different, every window is unique and all solutions need to be suitable for a certain set of circumstances. That’s why we are proud to offer not just a wide range of films, but also friendly, no obligation, professional advice. If you are suffering from glare, fading or any other glass related issue, please give us a call – we’re ready and happy to help – whatever the weather!

For more details on the films available, samples or a quote, please call 01494 794477 or email info@windowfilm.co.uk.