Attachment Systems

Attachment systems are used with safety film installations for added fragment retention, anchoring the glazing system to the window frame. Safety film is installed on the interior room surface of glass and then secured to the window frame by either the mechanical or “wet glazed” method. The level of Protection desired dictates whether or not an attachment system is required, as well as the type of method used. 

Daylight Installation

A common method for installing solar and safety window film. Window film is precut slightly larger than the framed glass pane, then trimmed up to 1/8 inch of the glass edge.

Emissivity (E)

A measurement of a surface’s ability to absorb or reflect radiant energy. The lower the emissivity rating, the better the insulation characteristic of the glazing system in regard to heat loss. For windows with film, emissivity refers to the heat reflected back into the room. When using film performance data, lower emissivity ratings are preferred to minimize interior heat loss.

Fragment Retention Film

A common name for  safety & security window film, referring to the primary benefit of safety film: helping to hold glass intact in the event of it being broken.

Low-Emissivity

Low-Emissivity, or Low-E, refers to a coating on glass or window film that reduces heat loss through the window film. The lower the emissivity rating, the better the insulation characteristic of the glazing system in regard to heat loss. Solar Gard Silver Ag 25 is an excellent low-emissivity film

Mechanical Attachment System

This method is used for enhanced glass retention, anchoring 8 Mil or thicker safety film to the window frame with a metal batten system. The safety film is installed to the glass, overlapping the window frame by approximately 1 inch. A metal batten system is placed over the overlapped film and screwed into the existing window frame, securely attaching the window film to the frame. Depending on the type of glass retention needed, the mechanical system can be attached as a one-sided (top), two-sided or four-sided installation.

MIL

Unit of length for 1/1000 of an inch (.001”). Used in expressing thickness of films. 1 MIL = 25 microns

Mylar

A trademark name for polyester film produced by DuPont. Mylar, glass retention, anti-shatter, shatter resistant, fragment retention and blast mitigation are common references to Armorcoat safety and security window film.

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA)

A film mounting adhesive that uses pressure to form a mechanical bond between the film and glass, adhering the film to the glass during installation. Pressure sensitive adhesive is tacky to the touch. All automotive Window Films and safety window films incorporate PSA

Safety Film

Safety film is composed of incredibly strong, optical-quality clear or metallized polyester, high-grade ultraviolet inhibitors, special laminating and mounting adhesives, and scratch-resistant coating. The product is retrofit to interior glass surfaces for glass breakage protection. When events such as natural disasters, vandalism or bomb blasts cause glass to break, the film’s flexible construction and pressure-sensitive mounting adhesive help hold the shards on the film. This reduces the potential for personal injury and property damage. Safety film is also referred to as anti-shatter film, glass fragment retention film, blast mitigation film and Mylar.

Shading Coefficient (SC)

The ratio of solar heat gain passing through a glazing system to the solar heat gain that occurs under the same conditions if the window was made of clear, unshaded double strength glass. The lower the SC number, the better the solar control efficiency of the glazing system.

Solar Absorptance (A)

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

Solar Energy

Energy from the sun that is represented by visible light (glare), infrared radiation (heat) and ultraviolet radiation (fading and health hazards). Each form of energy is differentiated by its wavelength.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The percentage of solar energy directly transmitted or absorbed and re-radiated into a building. The lower the SHGC, the better the solar control properties of the film.

Solar Reflectance (R)

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

Solar Transmittance (T)

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.

Wet Glaze Attachment System