What are the benefits of tinting glass?

There are a number of obvious and not so obvious benefits but it does depend on what you are trying to achieve. A number of characteristics are already built into film but there are specific films which carry out one specific purpose. For instance.

 

• Safety Film - This film assists with retaining the structure of the glass it is applied to. This protects both people and objects from flying glass when the glass is broken by bonding the glass to the film, very similar to that of laminated glass. This is a very cost effective way of upgrading existing glass to achieve and meet the required standards.
• Security Film - As the name suggests it has similar properties to that of the safety film.
• Privacy Films - There are a number of standard patterns and designs available which can be applied to the glass which restricts the publics views of what or who may be in the vehicle, office or other private area. Privacy films can be used anywhere which an element of privacy if required. Patterned, frosted and mirrored finishes are available.
• Solar Control - These films actively reduces the solar heat gain coefficient which reduces the heat retained by the vehicle or building. This assists with optimising working conditions, saves energy by reducing operating costs of Air Conditioning systems.
• Energy Saving - Film which reduces the buildup of solar heat in the Summer and assists in retaining heat during the Winter.
• UV Protection - UV protection can substantially reduce and filter harmful UV rays which can otherwise damage and fade products, materials and furnishings. We do have access to films which can filter between 40% to 100% of harmful UV light.
• Glare Reduction - Reduce the amount of glare received from both natural and artificial light.
• Aesthetics - Films can be used as a method of improving the look and style of your vehicle. It can also enhance the style of office spaces which have glass as a method of partitioning for example. Individual designs can further enhance your surroundings by incorporating company logo's and the like.
• Anti-Vandalism - Virtually invisible and removable layer of film to protect glass from Graffiti. A simple yet cost effective approach to Anti-Vandalism.

What applications can the film be used for?

There are many uses of our film and it's not restricted to the Automobile industry. The ares we we specialise in are -

 

• Automotive
• Domestic
• Commercial

Where is the film fitted?

Generally speaking the film if fitted on the inside face of the glass. There are occasions when the film will be fitted to the external face depending on the application.

How good is the fit?

Depending on the application and the film in use the fit can be virtually impossible to see. In the case of vehicles we use pre-cut templates therefore the fit is extremely accurate.

How durable is the film?

Our films are extremely durable aided by the manufacturing process which means that every film has a scratch resistant layer engineering into the film during manufacture. Providing the end user complies with the manufacturers recommendations for maintenance and the like the films. Depending on the product the manufacturer offers a 12 years warranty from demetalising, adhesive and cracking.

Can you see the film once it's been applied?

Our professional installers are trained to ensure that the film is virtually impossible to see and retain the original manufacturers intended look. Please ask our technicians as applications do vary.

How do you clean the film?

It is much the same with glass itself, using glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive materials on the surface of the film. Again please consult with our technicians for further information.

Do heated screens damage the film?

No. However, it is a requirement that any screens which have the ability to be electrically heated should not be used for at least 3 days after the film has been installed.

What does the law say?

The law specifies how much light must pass through the vehicle glass.

What is the purpose of the law?

The purpose of the law is to ensure the vehicle glass is not tinted beyond the point where the driver’s ability to see the road around the vehicle is restricted.

What glass will DVTA Enforcement officers check?

The windscreen and the front side windows to either side of the driver’s head.

In what units is the level of tint measured?

The tint is measured as the percentage of light passing through the glass.

What are the legal limits of tinted glass\film?

For vehicles first used on or after 1 June 1978 but before 1 April 1985, the glass in the windscreen and front side windows must allow 70% of light to be transmitted through. For vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985, the glass in the windscreen must allow light 75% of light to be transmitted through and the glass in the front side windows must allow 70% of light to be transmitted through.

How do DVTA Enforcement officers measure glass for compliance?

If an officer encounters a vehicle with excessively tinted glass and has no equipment with him to measure the visual light transmission (VLT) for the glass, then action will be taken only in the worst instances of non compliance. Action will be taken if it is obvious to the officer that the driver’s vision is severely restricted by the level of tint. When officers have equipment available they will use a calibrated opacity meter to measure the VLT. Enforcement action will be taken only when the glass has VLT significantly below the required level and you will be notified what the measured values were.

Are there any other implications for motorists who tint the glass of windscreens and/or front/side windows?

Yes, any modifications to a vehicle that alter the standards to which it was manufactured may render your motor insurance invalid - if the modification also makes it illegal for use because it breaches the legal requirements then this becomes more likely. Depending on the degree of tint or non compliance the vehicle may be prohibited or the user prosecuted for which there is a maximum fine of £1,000.00