LOW-E WINDOW FILMS

[xtiank]

I am looking into Low-E window films for a commercial project in south Florida. It seems to me most Low-E windows are more designed to keep heat in. I think I would be more interested in reflective windows to keep heat out. I get to wear a sweater about 3 times a year here. Is there a reflective, low-e, UV and everything else protective film for windows? This project is also for a hurricane shutter manufacturer so Impact resistant windows are not wanted. Thanks for any help

[Antisthenes]

it's not a film per se
its built into the glass and adds 10$ to the cost of the window

[xtiank]

I see both types, built into the window and After the fact film ex. 3M makes a film.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/WF/3MWindowFilms/Solutions/Commercial/

I have not had a chance to review the actual price differences in the windows. I am located opposite Miami in Florida and up til now, I have only been concerned with the pressures (+/-) and impact resistance of a window under cat 5 (150 MPH) hurricane conditions. The contractors have tended to override my choices by cost. I also have to deal with a very sunny and wet climate almost year around. I prefer Aluminum windows since vinyl does not hold up to the sun very well and wood is much more expensive. I have not had the chance to see much PVC windows.

Pretty much I am looking for brands that other architects have used for Low-e aluminum or PVC windows for a commercial building. There will be both fixed and operable windows which will be protected with a high end shutter system. Dealing with keeping heat out. Is a film in any ways better than ordering windows with low-E glass? price vs. labor to install?

[csintexas]

For low-e glass windows the coating is put on different faces depending on the climate (heating or cooling) I would think the same principle would apply to after market films. no?

[Madimel]

This is the most amazing product when it comes to keeping everything out. I specify it for all my clients who have expensive art hanging in their homes.

http://www.huperoptikusa.com/consumer.cfm?gclid=CNfBq9PDp5MCFRn_iAodZAyo5Q

[mx2]

Low-Emissivity Glazing is a system designed to block energy wavelengths...short wavelengths are light and long wavelegths are heat. They coat the glazing at the factory for either condition wanted. In other words, for South Florida (I am in Miami) you want to specify a low solar gain coating. Up North they will want the opposite.

The problem with aftermarket tints (applied films) is that you reduce the light along with th heat, not to mention they can get scratched very easily.

Another issue to consider when thinking of Low-E glazing, typically these come in double paned glass...which is where the cost increases (not in the coating itself). However the great added benefit to double paned system is the superior sound control over single paned glazing.

One last thing to look into is the U-factor. I recently sat in a presentation by a PVC window manufacturer who explained the rigity of the PVC system that also traps air inside their frames, thus dramatically increasing their U-values around the frame. Keep in mind, heat gain is not just through the glass.

mx2.5

[xtiank]

Thanks for the comments, very helpful. MX2, whats your thoughts on the PVC window frames? I have not had a chance to use them or even see a demo.

[mx2]

I was very impressed by the PVC presentation. The onyl reason I have never specified it is simply because they do not have an NOA nor do they meet the wind pressures I typically have to deal with (my biggest headache)...however, since you mentioned using a shutter system, I would definitely recommend you get them to present to you. I think you will be equaly impressed. They really made an enormous effort to replicate old wood window assemblies, which is rare in today's extruded metal market...or even with the wood windows of today that are more interested in standardization. In other words, proportionally they created a very nice product. And more importantly, I am most impressed by their U-factor. Check them out...Paradigm windows. (I think it's paradigmwindows.com) Anyway, good luck

mx2.5

[xtiank]

I am in Naples, so I totally understand your pain. This project is for a high end Shutter manufacturing plant. The look I got from the Client after asking him if he wanted impact resistant windows was priceless. Thanks again for the help.

One more stupid question from me. Are PVC and vinyl windows the same, or has vinyl windows started to use the plastics from PVC in their product. I have been under a bad impression of vinyl windows from sun bleaching for a while. Has this been fixed?

[mx2]

Vynil windows are PVC windows. I had reservations myself and again, I have never spec'd one. However I was impressed by what I saw and would not hesitate to do so now.

mx2.5