Problems Solved

There are few things more welcoming than a sunlit room. Unfortunately with that sunlight comes overheating, glare, fading, and high energy costs. 3M™ window films can preserve occupant comfort and a sense of view and light while mitigating the harmful effects of the sun.  

Overheating: All light creates heat. 3M™ window films can cut heat gain by up to 77%, depending on the film used and the type of glass being treated. 3M™ selective wavelength films such as the Prestige™ series focus on filtering infrared light which humans experience as heat. 

Glare: Glare commonly refers to too much visual light in the wrong place. 3M™ window film can cut up to 80% of the glare depending on the film chosen. As we age our ability to handle glare decreases. Now that modern technology has brought many types of screens backlit by artificial light into our homes, glare control is even more important. 

Fading: Light affects art and other materials in two main ways. By fading colors and by weakening and discoloring materials. Over time, sun damage is cumulative and unfortunately, irreversible. To effectively control the negative effects of sunlight, a solution must address all three elements of the light spectrum: ultra-violet, visible light and infrared (or solar heat.) 

Energy Conservation: Reducing cooling load reduces energy use. Sun-lite staff can use the e-film modeling program to prepare an audit, estimating the potential energy savings from applying fiLm in commercial buildings. There are also certain tax credits and PECO rebates available to people using window film, especially in commercial applications.  

Comfort: Humidity and solar heat both can cause discomfort, yet psychologically sunlight has very positive effects on us. Sun control films can make you feel comfortable in a sunny room. Different people are comfortable in rooms with varying amounts of sunlight; our staff are able to help select a film that meets each person’s needs.  

Light Management/Daylighting: 
Daylighting is the process of redirecting natural light to parts of your property that it wouldn't naturally reach. 3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film moves excess light from close to the window and aim it deeper into the building to increase the daylighting penetration. Bringing natural light deeper into the building helps provide the many benefits of natural light for more occupants as well as helping reduce the need for artificial lighting which can save energy. 

Interior Privacy: Many office spaces have open designs or floor plans, with glass walls or dividers. This is visually pleasing but very public. Our decorative films can be used to make these glass walls translucent, creating private spaces while allowing the light to flow from room to room. 

Exterior Privacy: Decorative films can be used to block views and avoid the cost and maintenance required for traditional solutions. In examples such as street level offices or security control rooms, Night Vision™ films can be used to provide daytime privacy, by creating a one-way mirror effect.  

Decorative Effects: Make the most of confined spaces. Our decorative glass and window films transform plain glass, capturing the look of cut or texturized glass at a fraction of the price. Decorative films are easier to clean and maintain than frosted or etched glass. Our films can be die-cut to create custom signage, and are easily removed making decorative decisions impermanent and easily changeable. 

Distraction Stripes: Large expanses of glass are beautiful until someone walks into them. From simple lines to custom logos, installing film can both prevent injury and breakage, and add a unique spin to an interior space.  

Modernization:  Decorative films can mimic the effect of spandrel glass, commonly used on the outside of commercial buildings. These films can also be used to hide walls and create a sense of uniformity. These cost-effective techniques are much simpler than other solutions and can really update the appearance of a building. 

Theft and Intrusion Protection: These films also help to deter crime. Because the integrity of the window is improved; criminals are slowed down, allowing the alarm system to alert the police. 

Bomb Blast Protection: Flying glass shards are one of the most common causes of blast-related injuries. 3M Security Window Systems have been tested to government-referenced standards, and meet or exceed requirements on numerous glazing types.

School Safety: Unfortunately, for all of us, school safety has become a critical topic of concern in our daily lives. As a result, school systems are being stretched too quickly to establish effective safety measures that can increase protection and improve the safety of school children and educational staff. As many of you are already aware, the glass on windows and doors of a school building can be a very vulnerable entry point into a school. And most schools do not have laminated glass to prevent shattering, resulting in potentially easy access through the glassless frame. 3M™ Safety and Security Film has already been incorporated into over 200 U.S. schools year to date.

Severe Weather and Natural Disasters: Glass can be your worst enemy during severe storms and high winds, but 3M Safety and Security Window Films can help you to be prepared. When unprotected glass breaks, shards can be sent flying causing severe injury to people and cause major damage to property. During these disasters, our window films can help to contain glass to help protect both people and property.

Compliance with Building Codes: Building codes are constantly evolving. When a building is renovated or otherwise changed, other windows must be brought into compliance with current codes. Our safety and security films applied to new or existing glass can help meet that need. 

Environmental Impact: Our films reduce energy use by reducing cooling load. These films reuse existing glass by upgrading the performance of the glass, postponing or eliminating the need for new windows, also our films can modernize the appearance of existing glass. The 3M company has an innovative and comprehensive recycling program that has reduced the company’s waste by over two-thirds in the past 10 years.  

LEED Certification: There are many ways that window film can help with obtaining up to 9 LEED points. One can obtain LEED points for reducing light pollution, improving thermal comfort, optimizing energy performance, providing natural light and views, and for using alternative materials. Window film helps to accomplish all of these things, and is a strong step towards a greener building and LEED certification. 
Energy Conservation: Reducing cooling load reduces energy use. Sunlite staff can use the e-film modeling program to prepare an audit, estimating the potential energy savings from applying fim in commercial buildings. There are also certain tax credits and PECO rebates available to people using window film, especially in commercial applications.  

Daylight Redirecting: Compared to existing light-reflecting strategies, 3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film is easily integrated into new or existing windows. It requires no extra hardware or infrastructure and no additional maintenance or special cleaning. It’s also more cost effective than many existing daylighting solutions. Clients have saved up to 52% on lighting energy by using 3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film.