Window Tinting Los Angeles Area
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About Solar Control Films

Please note:

The information you are about to read especially on this page are solely my professional view's compiled from over 13 years in the business as a technician, consultant and owner (obviously, not a writer). If you find that there are any discrepancy's to any informational material's you are about to read I would love to hear from you. My goal here is to educate consumers on the different types of film technologies while trying my best to keep an overall unbiased view but at the same time consult you on my professional findings. As a consumer, I hope this helps you on your Window Film Venture!..... Manny Almeida

  • All Residential and Commercial Films are installed from the interior side of the room unless the glass is not accessible from the inside.
  • We use the words "Tinting" and "Films" interchangeably.
  • The words "Reflective", "Reflectivity" and "Reflectance" is used extensively. These words synonymously represent the appearance of a particular film. The higher the reflectivity the more of a "Mirrored" look to the film.

What Causes Fading?

  1. 40% Ultra Violet Rays
  2. 25% Visible Light
  3. 25% Heat (Infrared Light is main source)
  4. 10% Miscellaneous (indoor lighting, humidity)

Window Film's address the first three sun related facts which accounts to 90% of the reason why furnishings fade. Obviously, the higher combined percentage that's rejected, the better fade protection you achieve.

As new technologies are introduced Clearview takes pride in educating our customers with with up-to-minute online charts and the latest in Window Film Technologies. Our recommended films need to pass two critical features, Clarity on a scale of 8 out of 10 or better, and High Performance. Below is a revised chart as of 4/05/08 that highlights all the major Window Film offerings. There are many technologies to chose from in the Window Film business.

 

We Can Categorize Film into 2 segments:

(Reflective & Non Reflective):

Our definition of Clarity = "To be able to see through the glass after film installation as transparent and distortion free as possible".

This chart is not in any specific order by design, we numbered each technology because you will read about it below. The number's correspond to the chart.

*Light version's can appear non reflective but are not recommended because of poor spec's

1) Ceramic Based Films

Ceramic Based (multi-ply), is a popular recommended window film for the South Bay. No dyes or metals are used in producing these films. Multi-Ply Ceramic

films give glass a natural tinted look with great perforance and excellent overall clarity. Ceramic-Based Films appear much less reflective because of its inherited nature. This low reflectivity is a blessing for Homes with night views as these films have the most favorable combination of visible light transmission with low reflectance and high heat rejection on the market next to our "High Performance" Films explained below. For Homeowners living near an Ocean environment, Ceramic Films are a smart choice. The salty air environment can take a toll on "High Performance" Films and introduce corrosion problems where a Ceramic film is designed to withstand these conditions. Because Ceramic materials dissipate heat at a much faster rate such as the Ceramic Tiles on a Space Shuttle, the higher absorption rate isn't an issue when considering using these films for dual-pane windows. All our Ceramic films are "Dual-Pane Safe". Above is a picture of a Multi-Ply Ceramic 40 installation. Notice how these windows do not have that Silver "Tin Foil" look. Homeowner associations around the nation are quick to approve our Premium Multi-Ply Ceramic Films.

=== Please Note === Our Premium Multi-Ply Ceramic Films have forced some competitor's to compete by making there own version(s). Take caution to Single-Ply ceramic films, although these films may have their place, they appear more reflective then the patented multi-layer Ceramic's. We offer both versions from the 'Original Manufacturer' of Ceramic Film

 

2) High Performance

High Performance technologies come in many forms & names such as 'XIR' & Precious Metal's and the overall performance is referred to as 'Spectrally Selective Films'. Spectrally Selective Window Films are practically undetectable when installed to any glass surface and acts as a heat barrier by rejecting most of the infra-red radiation from the sun. Infra-Red is the

main cause of heat. No other film on the market can match the favorable combination of visible light transmission with low reflectance and high heat rejection as offered by these Spectrally Selective Window Films. In other words, if you are looking for a film that is light to medium in shade, zero to low in reflectivity and rejects the most amount of heat, than this film excels over the competition. No dyes are used in producing these High Performance Films. One huge clue to the difference in materials these films symbolize is the fact that every installation that's near the ocean must be edge sealed.

This precaution is taken because the edges of the film can corrode from the salty air. Although warranted for as long as you live in your home as is with all the films we sell. Popular for large Display Windows, Upscale Homes and Buildings, nowhere else will you find all the great features such as Low Reflectivity, High Infrared Rejection and High Visible Light Transmittance and Excellent Clarity crammed into one film.

Another option in this category worth mentioning is a technology we can represent as SSRF (Spectrally Selective Reflective Film), we just added the word 'reflective' to the general term 'Spectrally Selective' which is referred to this type of technology. SSRF is considered a High Performance Film (see above chart) but highly reflective and light in shade and color. For this Reason SSRF Technology has a split personality since we can also consider it a 'Traditional Reflective Film' (explained below) but with much better performance. For applications that require a film to allow most of the daylight to enter, reject a high amount of the sun's heat but prefer the reflective benefits, choose SSRF's.

 

3) Dual Reflective Films
Dual Reflective Films are the newest in metal based film technology. Because these films reflect much less towards the interior side of a room you see through your treated glass much better at night time. At night when your interior lights are turned on, a film with high interior reflectivity such as a "Standard Film" explained below will reflect back at you therefore obstructing or eliminating your view.

Our Premium Dual-Reflective films help solve these interior reflective issues. A high quality Dual-Reflective Film should not use any Dyes to accomplish this appearance. Dyes discolor and are not recommended for Residential applications (note: All of our Films presented to you during our initial consultation are Dye Free unless you have special circumstances, we will clearly identify these films to you if the circumstance arises). These Dual-Reflective Films are preferred mainly by homeowners and even some business owners because of the additional benefit of a better night view. During the day it is possible to leave your drapes or shutters wide open and have total privacy while keeping your home cooler and protecting your furniture. This technology along with Traditional Reflective Films are considered to be the safest type of film for Dual-Pane Window's since the absorption rates are very minimal, even for the darkest of the Dual Reflective's. The exterior reflective aesthetics are virtually the same compared to "Standard Films" mentioned below. For a product that works excellent in heat rejection, gives you added daytime privacy without too much interior shine at nighttime and is priced just right, choose Premium Dual-Reflective Window Film's. Please note, there is no such film that allows you to see out while providing you with nighttime privacy. Your only choice for nighttime privacy are certain decorative films that will completely block your view both in and out.

 

4) Traditional Reflective Films
Traditional Films are dominantly used in commercial buildings and large skyscrapers, this only makes sense because these films are the least costly of the three technologies and perform excellent for rejecting heat. Because of its mirrored appearance, Reflective Films can dramatically improve the appearance of a building by hiding mini blinds and office furniture.

We define a Standard Film as a film that is reflective on both sides of the surface or the same film is mixed with dyed materials. No dyes are used in manufacturing our recommended Standard Films but because of the many varieties and colors available many manufacturers mix dyed materials to these Standard films for reasons such as lessening the reflective properties of the film and to decrease production costs. This can explain some of the low ball prices offered by competitors in the Window Film Market. As we have stated, we recommend staying away from films that include dyes in them because of discoloration issues and the poor performance and warranty's they offer. As far as Privacy features are concerned, during a moderately sunny day you are able to see out but others can't see in because the light source (in this case, the sun) is outside. The reflection from the metals in these films will produce a shiny mirrored look (reflecting back towards the light source) therefore reducing or in most cases eliminating any transparency through the glass. The brighter it is outside, the more privacy you inherit. This phenomenon reverses at night time, when bright lights are turned on inside a room you can't see out but others can see in. Please note, there is no such film that allows you to see out while providing you with nighttime privacy. Your only choice for nighttime privacy are certain decorative films that will completely block your view both in and out.

A common commercial tint would be Silver 20 as shown above, the #20 represents how much light the film allows in. This numbering scheme is common throughout all types of films. Normally this shiny Interior and Exterior look is not much of an issue for most Building Owners but homeowners generally dislike this appearance. In addition, homeowner associations usually reject the installation of any type of reflective tinting in their communities. Traditional Films in general represent most of the window film market and because the darker versions can function just as good or better then their lighter/clearer counterparts they are a great choice for those on a budget and need good protection from the Sun.

Also available in our traditional reflective line is something we can represent as SSRF (Spectrally Selective Reflective Film), we just added the word 'reflective' to the general term 'Spectrally Selective' which is referred to this type of technology. SSRF is considered a High Performance Film (see above chart) but highly reflective and light in shade. For applications that require a film to allow most of the daylight to enter but prefer the reflective benefits, choose SSRF's.

 

5) Light Refraction Films (LRF) not our preferred application

Light Refraction window films are the newest technology introduced to the market. We can consider LRF's a High Performance Film but we have separated these films from that category because of three reasons:

  1. No sealant is required as they are with all other High Performing Window Film's
  2. The technology is new
  3. We do not recommend these films for most applications

These films are made with nearly 300 layers of clear polyester. As the sun's energy refracts through these layers, the more energy it rejects. These films work as good as Precious metal films and the specs are very impressive. Although a great concept, we have learned that these films lack in many critical areas such as Clarity. Because of the inherited nature (complexity of layers used), in our opinion, these films appear cloudy compared to our preferred selection. In addition, LRF films show an iridescent color after installed to clear glass (it is unknown at this time how the film reacts to tinted glass). This rainbow effect is especially noticeable when looking at the glass at different angles from the exterior. This only makes sense since the light is refracting through hundreds of layers. This Purple and iridescent color can be an issue for many discerning customers and should be noted. An unknown coloring material is used for darkening purposes on one or more specific shades. This coloring is apparently applied to the scratch resistant coating. We will be sure to update more findings as soon as they become available to us.

Conclusion

We believe there is no such thing as "one best film". The best film for you depends on your individual circumstances and preferences, not necessarily because of its cost or brand name. It is our goal to help make you understand the most important issues concerning Window Film Products. By addressing the 'core technologies' involved, certainly, you should now have a much better understanding to help make the most informed decision. The film's we ultimately choose to sell are what we believe to be the clearest (aesthetically) while at the same time the highest in performance Window Film product's available.

For more information please call us today, we will be happy to address any concerns you may have. As a reminder, we offer our customers a *free sample installation and (or) sample cards in conjunction with a free estimate.

(310) 372-5357 or Toll Free (866) 787-4881

*Must request when scheduling your initial appointment

 

Actual Clearview Sun Control Incorporated Installations Shown

1756 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA. 90266

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