Dual reflective film is a force to be reckoned with. As far as an all-around productivity film, it has a lot to offer. In addition to reducing glare, it can also improve views in both daytime and nighttime. But most impressive of all may be its ability to reflect solar heat. This attribute can improve comfort, as well as reduce energy costs.
As natural light is beneficial to our overall well-being (link happy article) commercial buildings and retail spaces alike are installing the biggest and most expansive windows possible. While they improve value and aesthetics, large windows do sacrifice privacy as onlookers can see directly into your building. Fortunately, there is a solution to that privacy issue: dual-reflective window film.
What does dual-reflective window film do?
This type of reflective window film is designed to offer privacy during the day and reduce reflections at night. Whereas there isn’t a window film that offers 100% privacy during the day and night, this option has a lot to sink your teeth into.
It’s called dual-reflective window film because both sides of the film offer benefits. The outside layer is designed to be highly reflective so that people outside can’t see in during the daytime. Meanwhile, the inner layer helps to improve visual clarity at night.
On the exterior, the film is highly reflective and mirrors back images of the surrounding landscape. But on the inside, it’s much more subtle. It still blocks heat, but you can see through it. In other words, you can create privacy without sacrificing aesthetics. Moreover, dual-reflective window film also supports energy efficiency.
Dual-reflective window film benefits
There are many benefits of dual-reflective window film. Here are some of the big ones:
- Blocks glare that interrupts screen viewing
- Blocks UV radiation that causes interior fading and skin cancer
- Limits indoor reflectivity for excellent daytime and nighttime views
- Reduced heat results in declining energy use and costs
- Reflects heat and improves indoor comfort
How does reflective window film improve privacy?
The primary goal of reflective window films is to increase privacy for occupants inside. Plain glass with no reflectivity has high visibility from the inside and outside during the daytime. The shiny metallic surface of these types of window films reflects daylight, thus making it difficult to see inside.
However, dual-reflective window film doesn’t offer the same level of privacy at night. Since there is no light reflecting off the metallic exterior surface, people will still be able to see in your building or storefront when it’s dark outside. Metallic window film surfaces are often referred to as mirror window film.
Mirror window film vs. dual-reflective window film
These two window films are very similar. Both are designed to increase privacy. Additionally, both offer improved energy efficiency and UV protection. So, what gives?
The difference lies in the benefits offered by the interior layer of the film. Dual-reflective film has an interior layer with less metallic surface which helps to improve nighttime visibility for those inside the building. Consequently, interior views aren’t compromised by the installation of the film.
Mirror window films are a special type of one-way film that’s the main attribute is its privacy capabilities. The outside of mirror window films is highly reflective, or “mirror-like” which makes it very difficult to see inside.
However, these window films do not have an interior finish that changes the way the film is viewed from the inside. Instead, mirror window films offer a clear, undistorted view from inside. In addition, these window films are a convenient and cost-efficient solution to convert windows into one-way privacy glass.
When to use dual-reflective window film
Dual-reflective privacy window film changes the appearance of the windows. This is why it is so popular in commercial buildings. The uniformity of reflection adds a sleekness to the building’s exterior that is sharp and elegant. Not only does it add a mirror-like effect to the windows, but it will also make them darker.
In general, dual-reflective window film is best used in situations where privacy is needed during the daytime, but you aren’t concerned with privacy at night. For those office buildings or storefronts that have large windows that overlook a river or a skyline, you may want to maintain those views after sunset. In these instances, dual-reflective films may be an ideal choice for you.
Is this the right window film for you?
Ironically, dual-reflective window films are one of the lesser-known styles of window tint. But as you now know, it has its own list of advantages.
If you think that dual-reflective window film may be the right choice for your business, we are here to help. NGS offers a complimentary energy modeling building analysis for all commercial buildings.
This service affords property owners the best possible option in window films for their buildings. We use government-approved software to assess your building’s location (for weather patterns), orientation (for placement to the sun), as well as the shape of that structure. This allows you to choose a window film that meets all of your needs, as well as provides premier energy efficiency.
Reach out to us today to schedule your building modeling assessment. We’ll have you saving money and adding to your bottom line in no time!
Note: Now is an ideal time to install solar window film on your commercial building. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act approves certain window films for installation and provides tax incentives for commercial property owners.
Feature Photo by Max Bender
