Solar glare
filters
Solar heat
filters
Privacy and
decorative films
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Solar glare filters
What is glare?
Glare occurs when our eyes cannot adjust between widely contrasting light levels. For
example, when you enter a darkened room after being out in bright sunlight, your eyes
simply cannot adjust fast enough for you to see properly when you first encounter the
contrast in light. This adjustment, called the light/dark adaptive response, is
continuously being made by your eyes and is quite separate from our eyes ability to focus.
Like all other physical characteristics, everyone is unique in their eyes' sensitivity to
light. In most circumstances, your eyes will adjust to the light level without you even
noticing. However, in an office environment when it is common to sit in a room which is
much darker than the view outside or which is north-facing and receives a great deal of
sunlight, it can cause a significant amount of discomfort and irritation.
OSH recommendations for glare reduction
To reduce the effects of glare, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) recommend all
computer monitors are at right angles to windows. However, this may not always be
practical, or even possible in the modern office environment. In these circumstances,
the alternative options are to cover the windows with blinds or have them treated with
a solar control film.
Blinds
In some situations, blinds can provide a workable solution to reduce the effects of
glare. However, as the angle of the sun changes greatly during the day and throughout
the seasons, they require constant adjustment, reducing views and ambient light. Blinds
can also generate noise if there is any air movement through them.
Solar control films
Solar control films filter visible light levels by up to 80%, reducing amount of work
your eyes have to do to adjust to the inside and outside light levels. Solar control
films also have the advantage of not having to be adjusted or maintained throughout the
course of the day or the year. And, they also ensure that the beautiful harbour view that
many Wellingtonians experience every day does not need to be blocked out to reduce the
light entering the room.
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The photos on this page show the typical state of offices we encounter with glare
problems. In the ‘before’ shot, you can see that the blinds are pulled completely
down and are even further covered by heavy paper to stop the light entering the room.
However, in the ‘after’ shot, solar film has been applied which has reduced the glare
and heat problems which were bothering the occupants. As a result, both the blinds
and the heavy paper have been removed from the windows. As you can see, this has
significantly opened up the room and made it a much more pleasant working environment.
For a closer look, please click on the above pictures for enlargements.
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Solar heat filters
Even in temperate climates like New Zealand, most office buildings operate
air-conditioning systems to control the heat generated by computers, elevators, lighting,
and in the case of large buildings, the presence of hundreds of building occupants.
However, significant pressure is placed on the ability of these systems to operate
effectively due to the amount of sunlight entering through the windows. In older systems
this problem can be compounded when, for example, the sensor for a whole floor is placed
in the centre of the building. This can cause the system to heat the whole area, even
when those sitting near the windows are complaining of the heat on a sunny day.
Solar control film is the most effective method of reducing solar heat gain before it has
a chance to overheat the rooms’ occupants and fittings. The film reduces the temperature
within the room, cutting the risk of occupants by the windows sweltering while those
further in are chilled by the air-conditioning vents.
Cost reductions
Once the occupants and fittings are overheating you are reliant on the heat being removed
by the air-conditioning system. Unfortunately, this drives up operating costs and, in
some cases, the system may not cope with the demands placed on it causing the disgruntled
occupants to further overheat.
Tinted and coloured glass
Many buildings already have tinted glass but still have excess solar heat gain. This
is due to the fact that tinted glass absorbs solar heat then reradiates it back into
the environment - just like wearing dark coloured clothing on a sunny day. How much
is radiated from the glass is subject to a number of variables, however, when the sun
shines there will always be heat radiated from tinted glass. Reflective solar control
films are a highly effective solution for this problem and work by correcting the heat
balance while maintaining a consistent exterior appearance.
Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) star rating system
As a guide to making buildings more comfortable, the Australasian Window Council has
introduced a unique Window Energy Rating Scheme. It is independent of any one
manufacturer and was developed in association with Lawrence Berkley Labs and the US
National Federation Rating Council.
The WERS system models film and glass behaviours and accurately shows consumers the
relative energy performance available by the number of stars assigned. That is, the
greater number the stars, the more efficient the product. WERS ratings can be provided
for all of the films we work with. Please feel free to contact us to discuss this
further.
Demand Analyser Modelling Software
Modern business practises usually require that a return on investment (ROI) can be
shown for all major expenditure. This can now be provided for potential window film
installations by using the Solar Guard Demand Analyser. The Demand Analyser is considered
the most reliable method available for determining energy savings. It calculates energy
use and operating costs of every hour of the year using typical weather data for the
location before and after the installation. This information can then be used to provide
a detailed written report that includes the estimated energy savings and payback period.
If you are interested in further details please contact us.
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Privacy and decorative films
Privacy can be increased in three ways:
- Make the glass appear mirrored
- Make the glass appear darker
- Use a frosted or patterned film
Which option is best for you will depend on your individual circumstances as
the level of privacy with both darkening and ‘mirroring’ the glass will depend
on the existing light levels in your business and an onsite consultation with
one of our staff is recommended.
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Over the last few years, sandblast and etch films have taken over from previous
methods of decorating glass. Sandblast or etch films can be used in a variety
of different ways:
- To display logos and corporate images
- As decoration to lift an otherwise ordinary partition or door
- To increase privacy in open plan offices and/or
- As a 'vision' strip to make windows, doors and partitions safer
Unlike earlier methods of decorating glass, the glass does not have to be removed
or replaced when using sandblast or etch films.
We also have an extensive range of coloured and patterned films, including
custom-made full-colour and watermark style prints that can be applied to any glass
surface.
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