benefits of using architectural window film to block sunlight for your office

Architectural window films are thin, multilayered materials, applied to windows to enhance aesthetics and durability. They cater to various needs, such as reducing heat from the sun, blocking harmful UV rays and enhancing privacy. In recent years, there has been a rise in office spaces, thanks to growing awareness about energy efficiency and the importance of employee well-being. This has also led to an increase in the demand for window films to block sunlight since several office spaces are located in high-rise buildings. 

Modern offices also strive for sustainability, while also ensuring a comfortable and productive environment for employees. Architectural window films align with these goals perfectly. 

In this blog, you will learn more about these window glass films, their different uses, and how they work. 

So, let’s read on! 

What is Architectural Window Film? 

Architectural window films have many purposes, with different varieties that suit each use: 

• Sun Control Films: These films reduce heat gain and glare, thus improving the comfort of those working in the office. 

• Cooling Films: They reflect or absorb heat, thus reducing the load on air-conditioning and significantly saving money. 

• Decorative Films: These add an aesthetic appeal, and give you the chance to customise the patterns, frosted finishes, or branding elements. 

• Safety and Security Films: They reinforce glass strength, thus helping prevent any accidents that could lead to it breaking and increasing resistance to break-ins. 

Technical Overview: 

Sun films for windows are combined layers of polyester with advanced coatings that filter UV rays and manage solar heat. They also reflect and absorb solar radiation, thus reducing the transfer of heat and protecting interiors from harmful effects. 

There are also some alternatives that you can use, although they won’t work as well as a sun-film: 

• Blinds and Curtains: While these reduce glare and give privacy, they can also obstruct natural light and need frequent maintenance. 

• Smart Glass: While this gives advanced light modulation, it has high installation and maintenance costs. 

Window Films, when compared to the other two, are cost-effective, easy to install and help maintain a balance between light control and transparency. 

Reduces Glare for Enhanced Productivity

Excessive glare of the sunlight on computer screens or work surfaces can lead to eye strain, headaches and reduced productivity. Window sunlight blocker films help reduce this glare by filtering the extra sunlight without darkening the space. 

But how do these sun protection window films work? The science behind it is very interesting: they selectively filter wavelengths of light, thus reducing the visible light intensity, while still allowing for sufficient natural light to enter. This helps create a balanced and comfortable workspace. 

Studies conducted have shown that over 50% of people working in an office experience eye strain caused by light glare, which has significantly affected productivity by 

20%. By reducing glare, you can improve focus and comfort significantly. 

Improves Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient window films are designed to regulate indoor temperatures by controlling heat transfer through windows. 

There are many types of energy-efficient films: 

• Low-E Films: Reflect heat indoors during winter while reducing heat gain in summer. 

• Spectrally Selective Films: These block specific wavelengths, reducing the heat without sacrificing visibility. 

Seasonal Energy Savings: 

• Summer: Reduce the cooling demands by minimising the solar heat gain, leading to lower air-conditioning costs. 

• Winter: Retain indoor heat, thus reducing heating costs. 

These films can also cut energy expenses by up to 30%, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint and long-term savings.

Protects Furniture and Interiors from UV Damage

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can fade furniture, carpets and artwork, which can lead to costly replacements. Cooling films for windows can block up to 99% of UV radiation, protecting office interiors from deterioration. 

Long-Term Cost Savings: By preventing UV damage, your business can save on frequent furniture and equipment replacements, preserving the aesthetic and functionality of your spaces. 

Sensitive Equipment Protection: Electronic devices, monitors and sensitive materials like artwork benefit from reduced UV exposure, maintaining their performance and longevity. 

Enhances Privacy and Aesthetics

Architectural window films also offer a practical way to address privacy concerns and elevate interior design. 

Custom Design and Branding: Decorative films, like those made by Garware Hi-Tech, are available in various patterns, colours and designs, which lets your business incorporate logos or thematic elements directly onto windows enhancing brand identity. 

Privacy in Open Plan Offices: Frosted or patterned films create visual barriers in glass-walled meeting rooms or workspaces, ensuring confidentiality, without compromising on natural light. 

Transparent Films: For areas that need visibility, advanced transparent films provide privacy without blocking any views, offering a balanced solution for collaborative and private spaces. 

Improves Employee Comfort

Cooling film for windows offers the benefit of temperature control but also has some additional advantages that ensure employee comfort, such as: 

Noise Reduction: Specialised window films can reduce noise from outside by dampening the vibrations on glass surfaces. This creates a quieter workspace, something that is particularly valuable in offices that are close to busy streets or construction zones, thus improving focus and reducing stress. 

Eliminates Hotspots: In offices that have large glass windows, uneven heat distribution can cause hotspots, which will make some areas uncomfortably warm, while the others remain cool. Window film even out these temperature fluctuations by controlling heat transfer, thus ensuring a uniformly comfortable environment. 

Cost Effective Solution Compared to Alternatives

Sun protection glass films are a cost-effective alternative to the otherwise traditional and high-tech window solutions.

Here is a comparison of how these window sun protection films are a better choice rather than the alternatives available in the market:

Long Term Cost Breakdown: 

• Installation Costs: Window films are significantly less expensive than smart glasses. 

• Maintenance Costs: Garware Hi-Tech’s Sun Control Films also need to be cleaned occasionally, and they last for up to 10 to 15 years. 

• Energy Savings: reduce HVAC loads, saving up to 30% in energy bills every year. 

Ease of Installation: 

Sun protection window films can be easily installed with minimum disruption, allowing offices to remain operational during the process, unlike a smart glass, which may need structural changes. 

Supports Sustainability Goals

Architectural window films also align with corporate sustainability objectives, by reducing energy consumption and supporting green initiatives. 
 

Energy Savings and Sustainability: 

Reduced HVAC usage also means lower carbon emissions, thus also contributing to sustainability goals. Energy-efficient offices can save 0.5 to 1 tonne of carbon dioxide emissions every year, per window! 

Compliance with Green Building Certifications: Window films also help commercial office buildings meet certifications like: 

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): By improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort. 

• WELL Building Standard: Enhancing employee well-being through reduced glare and uniform lighting. 

Customisable Options for Different Needs

Sun films for windows cater to all kinds of requirements with advanced customisation options:

Climate-Specific Films: 

• Hot Climates: Sun-blocking films reduce solar heat gain and glare. 

• Cold Climates: Insulating films minimise heat loss during winter. 

Advanced Technologies: 

• Nano-Ceramic Films: High-clarity with superior heat rejection.

• Dynamic Tinting Films: Automatically adjust tint levels based on the sunlight’s intensity, offering on demand comfort. 

Here is a guide you can refer to when trying to decide what kind of architectural window film you need for your business or office building: 

Step 1: Evaluate the building’s needs. 

Identify what problem the film will solve. Is the problem harsh sunlight, glare, lack of privacy, or aesthetics? 

Step 2: Assess the climate. 

Now that you know your problem, assess the climate. Do you want to cool the office space, or insulate it? 

Step 3: Explore your options. 

Garware Hi-Tech has a wide range of architectural window films to choose from: the classic reflective films, premium safety films, and the platina dual-reflective films, each of which come with their own uses and will benefit your office space greatly. 

Step 4: Consult Experts. 

In case you have doubts or are confused, you can even seek advice from experts at Garware Hi-Tech, and we will help you finalise your choice. 

FAQs

1. How long do window films last? 

   • Window films typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality and maintenance. 

2. Will window films affect natural light?

   • No. Most films are designed to allow natural light, while blocking harmful UV rays and excess heat. 

3. How to block sun heat from windows?

   • Install sun control window films that reflect or absorb solar heat, reducing indoor temperatures. 

4. Do window films help with soundproofing? 

   • Yes. Some films reduce noise by dampening vibrations on glass. 

5. Are window films compatible with smart windows? 

   • Yes. These films will improve the functionality of smart windows by adding heat rejection or privacy features. 

6. What are the benefits of sun control window films?

   • The window films reduce heat, glare and UV exposure, which help improve comfort and protect interiors. 

Conclusion

Architectural window films have a lot of benefits for modern offices, such as improved energy efficiency, employee comfort and aesthetic appeal. They provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution to enhance the workspace functionality, while still supporting sustainability goals. 

So, don’t wait. If you are looking for a cost-efficient, energy-saving sun film for windows, then Garware Hi-Tech is the best choice. Contact us today for expert advice and choose the perfect window film for your office space!