Common Myths Using Window Films on Insulated or Low E Glass Window films today isn’t just the purple stuff we see on car windows or the shiny stuff we commonly refer to as window tint. Today’s “smart technologies” in solar control window films focus on the Infrared and UV light spectrum to reduce heat. This means that they allow more natural daylight or visible light into a building much like a low e coating on glass. Some films may even improve single pane clear glass to meet dual pane low e specifications without a mirror finish. Window film manufacturers have significantly improved the performance of window films to match dual pane glass performances without the costly replacement cost of new window units. I’ve heard installing film to low e glass creates problems? Many property managers and facility engineers are concerned about using window films on low e glass because they have heard window films will cause glass to break, explode or cause moisture between the panes. When the correct film is applied to the glass these issues are eliminated. Not all films are the same, just like not all paint is the same. Installing interior paint on an exterior of a building would be ill‐advised much like installing an automotive tint to dual pane glass. Every manufacturer of window films has a film to glass chart available to confirm the compatibility of the film to the glass. Film to glass charts expressly state if adding a window film to the dual pane unit is safe. It is important to note that not all films can be applied to dual pane glass. ALWAYS consult a film to glass chart before applying a film. Does Window Film Void Warranties on Dual Pane Glass? A common question that is asked about installing film to insulated units is “Will the film void the glass warranty?” In some cases this may void the glass manufacturer’s warranty however, in those cases the window film manufacturers are confident enough that they will not only warrant the film from failure but will also warrant the glass from seal failure and/or glass breakage to match the existing glass manufacturer’s warranty. Think of it as an insurance plan for the glass. In the past, glass manufacturers felt that adding film would cause premature seal failure. Installing a heat absorbing film like “auto tint” will increase the temperature of the glass surface, creating premature seal failure (moisture between the panes). However, when applying appropriate film that reflects or redirects the infrared and UV back outside, the heat is NOT trapped in the glass, and the seal is maintained. Will Window Films Improve the performance of Low‐E glass? There are many testing methods used to determine the improved performance. Using tools such as data loggers, BTU meters and even using energy modeling through DOE2, Optics, eQuest and many others show an accurate improved performance level. Most manufacturers today go through 3rd party verification processes through National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) which is the same group that monitors new window performance. This ensures the window film is performing correctly. The NFRC logoed sticker is on each box of window film that have gone through the verification process, just like a new window. Applying these new “smart” films to areas of buildings that have temperature imbalances caused by heat gain from the sun, particularly south and west facing windows, are a perfect solution without altering the appearance of the glass. Don’t forget Austin Energy rebates are available for some smart technology films for 2014. These “smart” films are also key components, especially when partnering with lighting retrofits, to achieve Federal Tax Credits as well. Jonathan Thompson is a managing partner of Sunsational Solutions and has been in the industry for 20 years. He is a member of the International Window Film Association and won several regional dealer of the year awards from multiple manufacturers. Has been a member of AAFAME since 2010 and is co‐chair for the Expo 2014.