Commercial Window Films

Office space leasing can be highly competitive, and it is usually easier to retain existing tenants than attract new ones. Tenant comfort related to temperature can be a major factor in extending leases, and when this issue is effectively addressed, your tenants will be more likely to renew.

One of the key variables in tenant retention is related to the windows. They bring in natural light and connect people with the outdoors, and the pricing of office space is often linked to the quality of the view. Unfortunately, if the windows face south, west or east, excessive solar heat and glare can make offices uncomfortable and employees lethargic. In fact, studies have shown that productivity can decrease as much as 40% when temperatures exceed 24 degrees Celsius in an office environment.

Few things are as frustrating as working on a computer screen in a sunlit room. Reducing annoying glare will improve the visibility of computer screens and monitors and minimize eye strain. 3M Sun Control Window Film helps you do your work, be more productive and enjoy your office without the annoyance of excessive light. Often the solution has been to cover the windows with drapes or blinds, but this obstructs both the light and the view. 3M Window Films allow you to enjoy your views without having to use blinds or sun shades to block excessive glare.

3M Sun Control Films have been specifically designed to make office space more 'tenant friendly' by reducing excessive solar heat in the summer by up to 79%, reducing heat loss in the winter by up to 30% and reducing solar glare by up to 78%.

3M Sun Control Window Films help maintain a consistent temperature by reducing hot and cold spots in a building so tenants are able to enjoy their views without the associated heat and glare from the sun.

Energy used for heating and air-conditioning is a major expense for any building, especially in Canada’s extreme weather possibilities. While there have been swings in energy prices over the past few years, there is no doubt that these costs will continue to rise, affecting your company's bottom line. While some people may think that solar heat is beneficial, very few buildings are designed to use this heat and therefore the solution is to remove the excess.

• Rejecting up to 77% of the total solar energy
• Reducing air-conditioning loads by up to one ton for every 100 square feet of glass
• Retain up to 30% of radiant heat that would have been lost through the glass in the colder months
• Reduce peak power demand in the hottest periods in the day

Energy payback periods on a typical project will vary depending on the amount of sunlit glass exposure, the type of window film used, the type of glass it is applied to, the cost of fuel, and other variables. By installing 3M Window Film, you can expect paybacks in the range of 3 to 5 years.

In the case of chiller upgrades or replacement due to CFC conversion or under capacity, the payback period can be much shorter. Window film reduces the need for air-conditioning by moderating extreme peaks in usage and decreasing demand on cooling and utility needs, and so should be explored before considering a new chiller or replacing windows. 3M Window film is a simple and cost-effective retrofit to boost overall energy efficiency.

Installation of 3M Sun Control Film supports the objectives of the Canadian BOMA Go Green Program as it applies to existing buildings in both commercial and government sectors. Many 3M window films are also recognized under the Energy Star Partner Program.

In addition to improving productivity and occupant comfort by providing a more uniform temperature, 3M Sun Control Window Films offer additional health benefits. By blocking 99% of UV radiation and up to 79% of the direct solar heat and glare, 3M Window Films provide a sanctuary for those who are allergic to or have skin sensitivities to the sun's rays.

Standard commercial glass without window film offers little or no protection from the UVA rays that are considered to be responsible for malignant melanomas and skin cancer. 3M Window Film creates a healthier and more comfortable environment for employees, customers and tenants. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends many 3M Window Film Products for effective UV protection.

Window film for sun control protects your valuable assets from fading and sun damage
You have made a sizable investment in your buildings contents, and it is important to protect that investment from the sun’s rays. Carpeting, paneling, desks, wood, drapes, and valuable upholstered furniture can quickly lose value when damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun.

3M Window Films address the three major contributors to fading:

• Ultraviolet Rays 40%
• Visible Sunlight 25%
• Solar Heat 25%
• Misc. 10%

3M Window Films for sun control are designed to reduce the effects of solar heat and the sun's destructive rays on your furnishings and interior finishes. They also block and filter up to 99% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, which are the single largest cause of fading. While no window film can stop fading completely, 3M Window Films dramatically slow down the process of fading, protecting your investment and keeping your building's interior looking beautiful.