Regardless of the products name, it is full of holes & these are the 5 things to watch out for:
1. The name one-way vision is misleading. I first found this out 18 months ago. The Advance Visual designers had done a very cool design for the internal glass on a boardroom window that looked out onto a high traffic hallway. The idea was to see out from the boardroom and for the hallway traffic not to see in. The issue was when the boardroom light was turned on it was brighter than the light in the hallway so you could see straight in. It is important to know what light aspects you are working with before assuming one-way vision. We ended up using a printed etch vinyl, it blocked the view from both sides but allowed light through, and it looked amazing. I haven’t called the product one-way vision since.
1. The name one-way vision is misleading. I first found this out 18 months ago. The Advance Visual designers had done a very cool design for the internal glass on a boardroom window that looked out onto a high traffic hallway. The idea was to see out from the boardroom and for the hallway traffic not to see in. The issue was when the boardroom light was turned on it was brighter than the light in the hallway so you could see straight in. It is important to know what light aspects you are working with before assuming one-way vision. We ended up using a printed etch vinyl, it blocked the view from both sides but allowed light through, and it looked amazing. I haven’t called the product one-way vision since.
2. Another issue with perforated window film (PWF) is water. Because the surface is covered with small holes, rain tends to collect in the holes and reduce vision considerably. In some cases, vision can be reduced to a blur so that nothing can be clearly seen through the film – a situation that defeats the purpose of one-way vision film. Make sure to always install an optical clear laminate in these cases.
3. (PWF) that does have a laminate to prevent the water issue curls up over time mainly on the corners, so trimming 5 to 10mm rounded corners is a good idea. Personally, I think it’s better to have a long-lasting graphic and just accept the loss of vision when water or window cleaning is required.
4. Important information for installation: It is recommended that the application temperature be between 15 degrees c to 25 degrees c and it is very important for the installer not to touch the corners when installing as this can also cause curling at a later date. We always make sure we have well trained staff for all installation requirements.
5. The last issue I have with (PWF) is vandalism. Since it only mounts to less than 50% of the glass area, when mounted at street level, kids love to vandalize (PWF) by picking off the film. This can be prevented with optical laminate or again a long lasting graphic and just accept the loss of vision.
I am not saying I refuse to use (PWF), as we have had many situations with good outcomes. It is important that you, as my client, are aware of the problems that may arise. Each (PWF) application needs to be researched on its individual circumstance; Lighting, water, curling, installation and vandalism risk.
Please don’t hesitate to call one of Advance Visual’s team members to organise a site meeting to discuss your window application options further. We have developed many different sample/alternatives, these can also be viewed at our showroom.
Contact us for more information.
3. (PWF) that does have a laminate to prevent the water issue curls up over time mainly on the corners, so trimming 5 to 10mm rounded corners is a good idea. Personally, I think it’s better to have a long-lasting graphic and just accept the loss of vision when water or window cleaning is required.
4. Important information for installation: It is recommended that the application temperature be between 15 degrees c to 25 degrees c and it is very important for the installer not to touch the corners when installing as this can also cause curling at a later date. We always make sure we have well trained staff for all installation requirements.
5. The last issue I have with (PWF) is vandalism. Since it only mounts to less than 50% of the glass area, when mounted at street level, kids love to vandalize (PWF) by picking off the film. This can be prevented with optical laminate or again a long lasting graphic and just accept the loss of vision.
I am not saying I refuse to use (PWF), as we have had many situations with good outcomes. It is important that you, as my client, are aware of the problems that may arise. Each (PWF) application needs to be researched on its individual circumstance; Lighting, water, curling, installation and vandalism risk.
Please don’t hesitate to call one of Advance Visual’s team members to organise a site meeting to discuss your window application options further. We have developed many different sample/alternatives, these can also be viewed at our showroom.
Contact us for more information.
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