3M Thinsulate Window Film
Peter Davey
by Peter Davey
If you own property in New England, you understand the value of insulation. Yellow fiberglass batting, foam boards, and spray insulation inside walls and roofs have become the immediate solution for reducing heat gain and heat loss, but what about windows? Windows can be up to 30 times less insulated than walls and roofs! Although windows generally account for a small portion of a building’s shell, more than 30% of all the heating and cooling energy used in U.S. buildings and homes is due to heat lost or gained through windows. American Window Film, Inc. is now installing 3M Thinsulate Window Film, an innovative, low emissivity (Low-E) climate control film — considered insulation for windows.
A cost-effective, year-round upgrade to existing windows, 3M Thinsulate Window Film provides the traditional benefits of 3M Sun Control Window Film by rejecting heat in warmer months and blocking harmful UV rays that cause fading. It takes performance a step further to protect against heat loss during colder months. The film’s patented construction helps reflect more interior heat back into the room, improving personal comfort by reducing cold drafts near windows, which ultimately helps save on energy costs. Its high visible light transmission provides a neutral appearance that does not change building aesthetics.
3M began the window film industry upon receipt of the first patent for a sun control window film in 1966. Now celebrating 50 years in the industry, 3M continues to innovate with 3M Thinsulate Window Film. 3M Thinsulate technology has been used to insulate their coats, gloves, and blankets for almost 50 years. This film will now offer the same quality of comfort and climate control to windows.
As a point of reference, the professional installation of 3M Thinsulate Window Film will help improve the insulation value of a typical single-pane window to that of a double-pane; double-pane to that of triple-pane — and is far less expensive than window or glass replacement. Given New England weather, we see a real benefit for the region’s property owners. From historic registered buildings to contemporary towers, Thinsulate’s invisible insulation technology helps retain heat in colder months, and its solar reflecting technology helps block the sun’s heat in warmer months. It’s an all-weather winner and a great fit for historic and other buildings that must maintain their appearance while meeting requirements to reduce energy consumption.
Peter Davey is president at American Window Film, Inc.
