window film privacy, security, energy savings

The Evolution of Window Film Technology: Enhancing Privacy, Security, and Energy Efficiency

Advancements in window film technology. Today’s window films aren’t the window films of yesteryear.

It’s believed that protective window films as we know them today were developed back in the 1970s as a means of mitigating some of the potential effects of terrorist activity impacting much of Western Europe at the time. Since then, window film has evolved to do much more than offer blast and spar protection and security benefits, but offer privacy benefits, solar control, and, most recently, RF and IR protection.

In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the world of window film technology and discuss some of the key advancements that have been made since the earliest inception of these films. Read on to learn more or contact Signals Defense today for more information.

Privacy

Looking to enhance your facility’s privacy without being super obvious about it? Decorative window films can help – and help keep your property looking great in the meantime. From frosted glass film to architectural film to textured and gradient window film to patterned films, there is a wide range of options to choose from. At Signals Defense, we can also create custom window films to enhance your building’s privacy while meeting any unique aesthetic requirements. Another nice thing about decorative window films is that they work well as a privacy solution while also allowing in natural daylight

security

Security and safety are a big reason why window films gained popularity back in the 1970s – and security and safety still play a significant role in window films today. Think of it like this: The windows are any property’s first line of defense from any outside threats. Because of this, potential intruders often look to the windows as key points of entry. “Safety” window films aren’t likely to prevent an intruder from breaking windows. But what they can do is contain broken glass so that it doesn’t shatter everywhere. This can help prevent injury and buy time for a property’s security system to alert the authorities of a potential break-in attempt.

In addition to security from intruders, safety films can also offer enhanced protection from damage due to natural disasters.

Another way today’s window films help enhance security is by providing RF and IR attenuation. RF and IR signals often emanate from digital devices like phones, computers, recorders, routers and more. If left unchecked, such signals often emanate beyond properties with the potential to be intercepted by others. RF/IR shielding films are designed to be installed onto windows – a key point of signal exit and entry – to keep such signals contained and prevent electronic eavesdropping. It’s another security film example.

Energy Efficiency / Energy Savings

Looking to curb your energy costs and protect any building occupants from the sun’s glare? That’s where solar films can come in handy. Designed to allow natural light into buildings, but limit any subsequent heat transfer, solar films can help reduce heating and cooling bills and help any building earn LEED credits, improve Energy Star scores, or simply just promote more of a sustainable overall footprint. When you consider that energy costs represent about 30 percent of the total operating cost for commercial buildings, any opportunity to reduce heating and cooling costs should not be overlooked.

Another benefit of solar films is they can help limit the sun’s UV rays to minimize furniture and carpet fading.

Contact Signals Defense Today

For more information on advancements in window films, contact Signals Defense today. With a range of solar control, security film and safety film solutions designed to help safeguard and improve all types of properties, our films are held to the highest standards to meet your building’s needs. Contact us today for more information.