The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Glass Protection

Glass windows add a nice modern architectural touch and functionality to homes or commercial buildings. However, issues with the intense heat, limited privacy and annoying glare are not uncommon. For this reason, glass protection films are often applied to residential and commercial windows.

Window glass protection can benefit both residential and commercial property owners by reducing the amount of glare, heat and UV rays entering the building. Window films work really well in blocking out harmful UV rays, which help reduce the likelihood of fading on carpets and posing health risks. They also help property owners to regulate the internal temperature of their home or office, and thus reduce their overall energy costs.

The kind of films applied to residential and commercial windows differ for a number of reasons, including:

Structural Differences

Commercial windows, particularly in mid-rise and high-rise buildings, usually have higher structural loads and are exposed to higher wind pressures compared to residential windows. Therefore, they require heavy duty frames and reinforced glazing. Residential films simply won’t perform well under high stress and pressure. Installing appropriate window glass protection prevents the likelihood for structural issues to arise.

Solar Heat Gain

For offices, the main purpose of applying protective window films is to reduce glare and limit the heat coming through the office windows which can make the workplace quite uncomfortable. In addition to that, commercial premises are also considered as “internal-load dominated buildings,” which means they generate a lot of heat from all the lighting, computers, people and other equipment inside. Because of this, it takes more energy to cool down the workplace to a comfortable temperature, resulting in high energy spending.

Commercial glass films are specifically dark-tinted and reflective to mitigate solar heat gain and reduce the costs of cooling the office. They are reinforced with high-performance glazing to allow light to stream through the windows, without letting too much heat in.

On the other hand, residential properties rely on solar energy as a heating source. They are way less crowded with people and equipment and therefore do not generate a lot of internal heat. For this reason, residential window films are typically lighter and less reflective. Some are discreetly tinted to increase privacy as well as to avoid altering the kerb appeal of the property. Residential glass protection rejects up to 70% of sunlight to prevent damaging UV rays from streaming in, as this can cause fading on fabrics and overheating inside the home.

Installation

Because they are often custom built and require more material to build, commercial grade window films are more expensive than residential films. Additionally, it takes more time and precision to install commercial glass protection and it requires the use of specialised equipment such as cranes to hang and install the film on high-storey windows. This drives up the costs even higher.

Residential and commercial glass protection films may look the same, but there are important differences in their efficiency, build and installation to take note of.

At Ultrashield, we have a range of top-quality glass films for all kinds of application. For inquiries or a free no-obligation quote, call 0800 4 ULTRASHIELD today!