Tint Film Factors

All window films typically have a list of ratings attached based on a variety of measurements. This is one of the most accurate ways to determine what the film will do for you once you put it on your windows. While you probably won’t know what a few of them mean, for most consumers there are only a few that are relevant and informative. Regardless, this article will help define these specs and help you understand what to look for when choosing a window film.

Here is a list of the most common ratings you’ll see on a particular window film:

▪ Visible Light Transmittance

▪ Total Solar Energy Rejected

▪ Total Solar Transmittance

▪ Total Solar Reflectance

▪ Total Solar Absorbance

▪ Interior Visible Light Reflectance

▪ Exterior Visible Light Reflectance

▪ Glare Reduction

▪ U-Value

▪ UV Radiation Rejected

▪ Shading Coefficient

▪ Emissivity

 

Visible Light Transmittance and Total Solar Energy Rejected

Visible light transmittance (VLT) and total solar energy rejected are by far the most important specs to look at. In fact, they may be the only two you will really need. VLT is just amount of LIGHT that is let in through the film. So, the lower the number, the MORE light is cut out.

Total solar energy rejected is the amount of HEAT that is cut out by the film. The higher this number is, the more heat the film will stop from entering the room.

If you want a film that cuts out the most light and heat, choose one with a very low VLT (around 5-15%) and a very high total solar energy rejected (around 80-85%). To allow more light and heat in, choose one with a VLT of 25-35% and a total solar energy rejected of about 65-70%.

 

Total Solar Transmittance, Reflectance, and Absorbance

Heat can do three things once it hits your window: it can pass through into the room, it can be reflected away, or it can be absorbed by the glass. So, total solar transmittance is the amount of heat that the film will let through the glass into the room.

Total solar reflectance is the amount of light reflected away by the film. And finally, total solar absorbance is the amount of heat absorbed by the film itself.

For transmittance and absorbance, you usually want the lowest number possible. This will allow your room to be as cool as possible since the heat is not absorbed or transmitted. As far as reflectance, a higher number is preferred is you want to cut out as much heat as possible.

 

Visible Light Reflectance – Interior and Exterior

Visible light reflectance is the amount of light reflected away by the film. This is commonly separated into interior and exterior ratings because some films have two different sides.

While having a high reflectance means less light is coming in the room, many people do not want to cause too much glare. If this is the case, shoot for a medium film with a rating of about 25-30%.