Building Management Hawaii - (Page 20)

WindoWs /doors Window Film Cuts Glare, Energy Bills 5 facts to consider before investing in window tinting BY DAVID LEANDRO P Which Film to Choose roperty owners and managers looking to improve their buildings' energy efficiency are exploring such options as window film installation. Investing in window films not only helps reduce the sun's heat, it also is an effective and natural daytime lighting strategy. Here are some tips on selecting the best window film for your property: Window Film Now that you have decided to include window film as part of your energy conservation program, the obvious questions arise. Which window film type should I consider? What type of film will work best for my property? How will window film affect the aesthetics of my property? Most importantly, how long will the film last, and am I getting the best value from my investment in window film? When considering window films, know that this is a long-term investment, as a window films are warranted for up to 15 years, and films from a reputable manufacturer have been shown to last well over 20 years on a property. It is highly recommended to work with a manufacturer that you trust, has a history in the window film business and has the financial standing to honor its warranty, as there are low quality films in the marketplace that give window films a bad name. Hawaii's Environment All window films are not the same. Window films were invented in 1965, and numerous advancements have occurred over the years, but none so relevant to Hawaii as the introduction of metal free infrared blocking window film. Moving away from the tradition of "darker is better," the latest trend in window film is quite the opposite. New technology, known as multi-layer optical films, have allowed for lighter 20 February-March 2015 BMH All window films are not the same films that now outperform their darker predecessors. Most of us have seen what Hawaii's coastal environment can do to our cars-rust. The same thing happens to most, if not all, of the traditional window films we see around the islands. In 2006 a film was introduced that contains absolutely no metals. Corrosion is not an issue, and this film type requires no special installation or edge sealing. This type of non-metal film is well-suited for our salty Hawaiian air. Out with the Old Stuff How a film works is as important as how a film looks. Many window films are reflective of the metals they contain. Some films even can change the look and feel of a building by the colors they reflect. These new multilayer optical films are color neutral, and are invisible once installed. They have been used on numerous historically registered buildings in the U.S., where no aesthetic change to the building would be acceptable. This is helpful in maintaining a building's identity, or for retail environments where it is important that two-way visibility be maintained. When thinking about the value of investing in window film, here are some things to take into consideration: energy savings, day lighting, occupant comfort and tenant retention. Being "green" is top of mind these days, and window film is often overlooked in achieving this goal. According to a recent study completed by the U.S. Department of Education, window films typically payback in less than three years, and some utility companies provide rebates for you to install the product. A lighter shade of window film will complement a day-lighting strategy by allowing more natural light through a window. Occupant complaints go down and productivity has been shown to improve. Tenants are more likely to remain in a space where they are comfortable. Getting It Right Here are some steps to take before you make your purchase decision. Find a reputable dealer. Ask around, especially ask people who have had their windows treated recently. Research window film brands. There are plenty to choose from. Always ask about warranties, and read the fine print as all warranties are not the same. Request a full window sample of all films you are considering. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive; the same goes for window film. A full window sample is the only way to truly see what you will be committing to for your property. Contact David Leandro at dleandro@ prgthawaii.com www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii

Editor’s Note: Energy Management
Insider’s Guide to Picking a Security Company for Your Property
Industry News
Dealing with Graffiti and Glass Damage
Hawaii’s High-Tech Roofing Products
Building and Management Expo Set
Installing New & Improved Windows
Window Film Cuts Glare, Energy Bills
Reassessing Hurricane Preparedness
An ESA Can Deliver Peace of Mind
Checking a Building’s Energy Score
Managing PV Energy Consumption
The Ultimate Energy-Efficient Building
What to Know About Chiller Plants
New Trends Emerge in HVAC Systems
Walk-throughs Vital to Engineers
Trapped in the Web of Act 326
Faces: The IREM Banquet

Building Management Hawaii