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, the full range of the Infra-Red Spectrum is between 780-2500 nm. 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.

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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. LRF Films work well but we have found that the clarity is not acceptable. We give it a 5 out of 10 concerning clarity. Light Refraction Technology is achieved by stacking nearly 300 layers of clear polyester. The nature of the construction of these particular films can also give it an iridescent appearance especially from an exterior point of view. As such, we do not recommend these products.