Car Window Tinting Specifications
-The perfect tinted film to glaze your windows comes with a list of specifications and their particular measurements. Here, these major specifications are broken down for you to make a smart, informed selection.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
The visible light transmission or VLT is one of the most essential ratings to be considered for a window film. In short, VLT is the amount of light from outside that is allowed to pass through the film. It is similar to the level of darkness in your film, but with some differences. For instance, a window tinted with 30% VLT, would mean that 30% of the sunlight could pass through whereas 70% is blocked. So, a lower VLT percentage implies a darker tint and results in lesser light that could pass through. Besides, the percentage would inform you on the amount of UV, heat protection, security and glare reduction that is provided. When choosing a level of tint, note that the VLT of the original glass and that of the film to be applied would be combined. This results in a lower VLT value than what is anticipated.
Visible Light Reflectance (VLR)
Visible Light Reflectance or VLR is simply the opposite of VLT and is regarded as a main specification to consider as well. VLR is defined as the amount of daylight that is reflected by the tinted window film. It is also generally separated into two: interior ratings and exterior ratings, depending on which side of the film is being referred to. A higher VLR value indicates more light bouncing off your window and vice versa. Also, a low percentage would prevent interior damages and excessive glare. Reflected particles would provide the glass with a mirror-like appearance, thus enhancing the exterior of the applied product. The reflective attributes would not impact your clear vision through the window, so an ideal rating would be around 25 – 30%.
Ultraviolet (UV) Rejection
The percentage of ultraviolet energy that is reflected away from the window film is known as the Ultraviolet (UV) Rejection. The UV rays are present in three harmful forms: UV-A (320 to 400 nm), UV-B (290 to 320 nm) and UV-C (100 to 290 nm). UV-A is known to fade and deteriorate paints and materials such as fabrics and leather. UV-B, on the other hand, is notorious for causing sunburns and skin conditions, that may even lead up to skin cancer. UV-C is mostly filtered by the ozone layer and the Earth’s atmosphere. A higher percentage of UV rejection indicates reduced transmission of UV rays into the film. 99% of UV rejection is considered as an optimal rate to block away rays that are hazardous, to both you and your interior.
Infrared Rejection (IRR)
Infrared rejection refers to the total amount of blocked infrared rays by the window film, either by absorption or rejection. Infrared rays is composed of only 53% of the total solar energy-and should not be mistaken as solely heat. The wavelength of IRR energy varies widely, across the ranges of 780 nm – 2500 nm. When IRR is higher, more infrared rays are blocked away from the film. So, the majority of heat that gets through is lessened, and this helps in sustaining a cooler surrounding.
Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER)
Total solar energy rejection or TSER is reckoned as the key specification to judge when choosing the best window film. TSER is the total amount of heat rejected by the window film. The solar energy mentioned here includes UV rays, visible rays, infrared rays as well as, heat from the sun. When the value of TSER in a window film is higher, less solar heat is transmitted through the film. Such quality performance of the film guarantees an all-rounded protection from the harmful solar energy.
Peel Strength
Peel strength- or adhesive strength- of a window film refers to the amount of resistance that the bond possesses towards tension. Film with higher percentage of peel strength is preferred to ensure longevity of bond between adhesive and glass. Yet, the convenience in removal and replacement of film- in case of damages- should be taken into account as well. Therefore, the adherence of the sticky layer is very important as poor adhesives result in appearance of bubbles, waves or peeling within a short period of installation. Such deformation- if, unattended- would distort viewing and cause hazards.
Tensile Strength
The maximum amount of pulling force that a window film could withstand before peeling or breaking is known as tensile strength. This specification is measured in PSI. The construction properties of the film determine its tensile strength. Opacity of the film is in no way, a determinant of this, as even security films could be colourless. Similarly, the tensile strength does not differ according to thickness of the film. A film that is bonded permanently to the glass window or surfaces would drastically increase its tensile strength. This, in turn, decreases risk of glass shards from protruding out from the pane. So, in short, the quality of the adhesive and chemical bonding agents used to adhere films to glasses are main causality of its tensile strength.
Elongation at Break
Elongation at break refers to the capability of the film to resist the change of its shape without cracking. Window film with higher percentage of elongation could endure a higher breaking point. Generally, micro-thin, alternating layers are laminated together to enhance percentage of elongation. A window film with exceptional elongation properties allows for ease of application of the window film, particularly in single piece installations.
Taking into account these key specifications of a window film would ease the making of your purchasing decision much better, for a guaranteed safety and security.