An office always needs to be well lit to ensure that work is performed with the least bit of eye strain. Natural light is the best for this as it also helps you save on energy costs. Sunlight however, does cause excessive heat and spots within the space which can be uncomfortable. It can also add to increased glare from computer screens, fade furniture and fixtures exposed to the sun. Sunlight also has its share of harmful ultra violet rays. All these problems can be adequately addressed by providing office windows with sun control film, so that the working environment becomes more comfortable.

The use of office window film allows the use of high technology that has outstanding properties of heat rejection. It will in no way change the appearance of a building, except for windows appearing slightly darker. You can choose the amount of tinting that you are comfortable with it, and still be assured that seventy percent of the visible light will get through. The reflectivity that such films offer is lesser than glass, and thus will no way add to the environment around a building getting heated up.

Most of these films have a dual reflective technology that allows for privacy during the day while the view at nights from inside, is in no way hampered. Sun control film makes for an economical solution to blinds, special glass and other solutions to reduce glare from the sun, coming into offices. Window films can also block heat loss and this can help you to save on heating bills in winters. The light that does get through is more than sufficient for working, while glare from the outside is reduced. The windows present an almost opaque appearance during day time, and only things very close to the glass will be seen from outside, though in no way is the visibility of things outside reduced to any great extent.

Window film is a material that is self-adhesive and can be applied to any existing glazing with the least bit of trouble. The simplest form of this film consists of a thin polyester film, which has adhesive on it. This adhesive is again protected by an even thinner polyester liner, which acts to protect the adhesive.

You can also find these sun control films with additional layers of polyester and these two ply films add to security and safety, as they prevent glass from shattering. Technology has enabled these films to be given dyed layers to add some colour or tint or even coatings that are scratch resistant. Decide on your requirement for your office windows before you go shopping for films.

Tints vary from very light to very dark, and some may even have reflective surfaces. These reflective films are ideal for windows that are west facing, so that the afternoon sun is kept out. You can also choose different tints for different windows, depending on the amount of natural light that falls on them, and the amount of light that you are comfortable with.

This film can be easily applied to any flat glass. The application is done to the inside of the glass, and this makes it very easy to put on office windows from within the premises. Fitting to patterned glass may be difficult, unless the film is very flexible, but as most patterned glass has a flat side, this problem can be overcome. If the flat side is on the outside, it may need some protection from the elements if it has not to undergo frequent replacement. You can easily apply this to automobile glass also, but it becomes difficult if the glass has curvature in two directions. However thinner material has been specially developed for this or the film can be heat shrunk to adapt to the double curvature.

There are also some films which are free of adhesives and can be easily installed and removed. This may be advantageous when you have to create dim light conditions in conferences, temporarily for the screening of audio-visual content. The actual application of polyester adhesive backed films is a relatively simple affair. The adhesive film must be cut to the size of the window that is to be given this additional protection. These films are available in different widths and before undertaking any large scale application a complete study must be made of all the windows needing treatment and their sizes must be noted down. The right width must be selected. These films come in rolls of fairly large lengths, and the number of rolls then decided, depending on the total area to be covered.

The glass on which it has to be applied must be thoroughly cleaned. The glass is then wet with soapy water. The film protecting the adhesive must then be removed. The film that has already been cut to the size of the window must then be applied to the wet glass, preferably at the top. The film adheres to the glass with the adhesive and surface tension from the soapy water, and must be lightly stretched downwards till it covers the entire surface. Smooth it with the hands and then use a squeegee to remove any air and water bubbles.

Maintenance of window films is a must and their surfaces do need to be kept clean. Care must be taken to see during such cleaning operations, to see that corners of the films do not get lifted, leaving the adhesive vulnerable to coming off. Brushes or any sharp implement can damage this film and this must be avoided. Window films are an economical solution and offices will do well to replace them whenever any film gets damaged or scratched beyond repair. It is also possible to cut out film to incorporate logos into them and this can add to the ambiance of an office.