This method used for enhanced glass retention secures the safety film to the window frame with a structure sealant, silicone adhesive (similar to caulking). The safety film is first installed to the glass as a daylight installation and then secured to the frame with a structural sealant - Dow 995 is one of the products commonly used. Sealant is applied around all four edges of the film, overlapping the film and touching the frame to create a bond between the film and frame. This method is also referred to as a chemical attachment system.

The amount of visible light that passes through the glazing system, expressed as a percent. A lower VLT rating tends to be better for glare control, while a higher rating is preferred for maintaining natural light.

The amount of visible light that is reflected by the glazing system, expressed as a percent. A higher VLR rating offers better glare control. Films with higher ratings tend to be more reflective and/or darker.

The amount of visible light that is absorbed by the glazing system, expressed as a percent.

Invisible, powerful wavelengths (shorter than light but longer than X rays) emitted by the sun separated into three types, UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-B causes sunburn, and prolonged exposure can cause skin cancer. Window films block nearly 100% of ultraviolet light from passing through glass. The Panorama window films are approved products of the Skin Cancer Foundation.

A measurement of heat transfer through film due to outdoor/indoor temperature differences. The lower the U-value, the less heat transfers. When using performance data, a lower U-value is desirable for heat management.

Measures the window film’s ability to reject solar energy in the form of visible light, infrared radiation and ultraviolet light. The higher the TSER number, the more solar energy is rejected way from the window.

A process that imbeds metal particles such as silver, stainless steel, copper, gold, titanium and chromium onto polyester film. Rolls of film are unwound and passed over target materials, depositing atoms evenly on the surface of the film through ion bombardment. This ensures long-lasting color and excellent solar performance. BSF was the first in the industry to sputter-coat window film.

The amount of solar energy (visible, infrared and ultraviolet) that passes through a glazing system, expressed as a percent.

When sunlight strikes glass, solar energy is either transmitted through the pane of glass, absorbed by the glass or reflected away from the glass. The type of glass and window film applied causes varying transmittance results, shown as a percent – this is the amount of solar energy that entered through the glass and film. Always refer to a manufacturer’s film-to-glass installation recommendation.

The amount of solar energy (visible, infrared and ultraviolet) that is reflected by the glazing system, expressed as a percent.

When sunlight strikes glass solar energy is either transmitted through the pane of glass, absorbed by the glass or reflected away from the glass. The type of glass and window film applied causes varying reflectance results, shown as a percent – this is the amount of solar energy that the glass and film rejects away.

For maximum heat rejection, look for films with a high solar energy reflectance rating. Always refer to a manufacturer’s film-to-glass installation recommendation.