KEEPING COOL IN CHELMSFORD

Large windows are a popular element of building design. They provide a stylish aesthetic; they allow natural light to pass through and into the interior and also ensure that those inside can enjoy a view of the outside. Large windows can also result in less desirable outcomes however, with excess heat a common problem. In situations such as this, The Window Film Company can help.

Uncomfortable internal temperatures occur when the sun’s solar energy is allowed to constantly pass-through glass and into the property. This process means that the internal temperature steadily rises, with the heat increasing as more solar energy passes through the glass. In residential settings, this issue has traditionally been tackled by closing curtains or blinds. This is an ineffective solution (both blinds and curtains are set back from glazing, meaning solar energy is still able to pass through the glass and inside) as well as being undesirable – shutting blinds and curtains blocks both light and the view. Commercial settings may rely on air conditioning to regulate the internal temperature, and while these systems can be effective, they are also expensive to run and potentially harmful to the environment. Solar control window film provides a cost-effective alternative solution, with none of the aforementioned downsides.

Solar control window film from The Window Film Company works by reflecting away a percentage of the sun’s solar energy before it can pass through glass. This is delivered by the film’s mirrored external appearance which delivers a sleek and contemporary appearance while also serving to reduce glare and filter potentially harmful UV rays. Put in simple terms, the film bounces away solar energy instead of allowing it to pass through the glass.

This was the solution requested by the team at an NHS facility in Chelmsford. The frontage of the building was a large glass construction, comprising more than 130 square metres of glass over a number of floors. While the glazing looked great and provided naturally bright internal environment, the quantity of glass meant that the area was frequently uncomfortably warm.

After discussions with the clients, it was agreed that the best film to alleviate the issue would be High Reflective Silver. Due to the inaccessible nature of the internal side of the glass, it was agreed that the external grade version of the film would be used. High Reflective Silver is a high performance solar control and heat reduction film, rejecting up to 78% of the sun’s solar energy while also reducing glare by up to 85% and blocking 99% of UV rays – the single biggest contributing factor to fading.

There were a total of 78 panels spread across a number of floors, meaning the installation took place using a cherry picker. The film was fitted to the glass by a team of The Window Film Company’s fully qualified and vastly experienced installers, with the film effective as soon as it was in place on the glass.

The finished project left the glazing with a stylish and contemporary appearance, the reflective element of the film providing the glass with a sleek silver look, while also serving to deliver the primary requirement of significantly reduced excess heat within the facility.

For more information on the range of heat reduction window film supplied and installed by The Window Film Company, please contact a member of the team by calling 01494 794477 or email info@windowfilm.co.uk.