Glare reduction Films

It is impossible to alter glare without altering the light entering through the glazing. Using window film allows you to control excess direct glare.

It reduces the solar energy transmitted through the glazing before it enters the building which results in a reduction of the solar heat gain, workplace room temperatures and the rate of temperature change.

Glare is either too much light or intrusive light; two examples of glare:

1. You are working at your desk but sunlight entering through the glazing makes it difficult to see your computer screen, paperwork, etc. This is excess direct glare which tends to be more prevalent in the winter and spring as the sun is lower.

2. You are driving when suddenly looking out the window the sun is right through the windows of the vehicle. This is contrast glare. At the desk, when the window is seen reflected off the computer screen into your eyes, the amount of reflected light can be much greater than that given off by the screen.

Reducing direct glare

There is one important point to understand: to reduce excess direct glare it is essential to reduce the visible light transmission of the glazing – it is impossible to have a clear, transparent window or window film that also reduces glare.

Most glare problems can be solved by window films. Glare reduction, the percentage reduction in visible light transmission compared to a clear 4 mm annealed glass pane, is a good measure of the effectiveness of a window film product.

Reducing contrast glare

Contrast glare often occurs with direct glare, and in such cases the same method as for reducing direct glare should be used.

Where contrast glare occurs on its own then a diffusing film can be used. This type of product can allow high Visible Light Transmission levels of 65% or more and, because light is diffused, also can provide privacy to people seeing in through the glazing.

Working conditions Specify min. glare reduction

Comfortable - No glare reduction needed

Slightly uncomfortable - Minimum 30% required

Uncomfortable - Minimum 60% required

Distressing - Minimum 80% required

Disabling - Minimum 90% required

Glare from computer screen - Minimum 90% – often more – is required