Guide To Avoiding Glass FailureThe purpose of this Guide is to address the
association of window film with two highly publicized glass failure problems: thermal
stress fracture and insulating glass seal failure, and to provide a procedure for
examining the advisability of installing window film in a specific situation.
For the
purposes of the discussion presented herein, window film is divided into two different
types: clear safety film and heat-absorbing solar control film. Heat-absorbing solar
control film can be any combination of tinted, coated, or spectrally selective film.
The
procedure presented for determining the advisability of installing window film in a
specific situation involves the investigation of several critical points regarding the
glazing conditions and characteristics of the window installation. Based on the results of
this investigation, a conservative decision can be made as to whether or not it is
advisable to install window film in a particular application. If the use of window film is
judged to be a poor risk based on criteria presented herein, it is recommended that the
window film manufacturer be contacted regarding the proposed installation or film choice.
More rigorous analyses performed by manufacturers representatives or informed consultants
can result in more liberal recommendations for the use of window film.
The window film
manufacturer should be considered the final authority on whether or not to install window
film and the proper type of window film to be installed.
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