Insulation and Reflection: R-value vs Low-E

Heat flows from warm to cool until there's an even balance between the two. It happens everywhere in the universe and is a major underpinning of our understanding of entropy and thermal dynamics as a whole. Some materials slow this radiation of heat more than others.

To understand which materials are insulators or not, engineers and scientists have created a scale to rate various materials. The higher R-value indicates how good or bad materials are at insulating.

A typical insulated wall has an R-value of 12, while a typical double-pane window has an R-value of 2. A highly insulated wall could have a rating as high as 25. That means that the untreated window is negating all of the higher insulation of the wall.

We can do something about that with 3M window films. Technologies like 3M UV window films filter out ultraviolet and infrared spectrum light and still keep most of the visible light spectrum intact. This technology is a low-E (low emissivity) coating that certified 3M window film installers add to any window type or shape.



This means spending less energy to heat your home in the winter and to cool it less in the summer. It does this by reflecting heat, rather than preventing its movement or trapping it like material insulation. Instead of R-value vs low-E, the two work together to create the desired effect of energy savings.

3M Window Film: Hot Spots

We all know what it's like when the sun shines across your desk at certain times of day. It's also difficult to enjoy a book or watch TV when it shines across the couch and all you want to do is relax.

You don't need to loosen that tie or pull out a fan if you have the right 3M window film to cut the heat.

Your 3M window film installers can help you decide on the right film, like 3M Climate Control window film or 3M Sun Control window film. Using these films can reduce heat-causing infrared light from entering while allowing 40% to 70% of visible light in. This gives it a natural appearance.

This results in four major benefits:

• A natural, undiminished appearance
• Protection from harmful UV wavelengths on skin, eyes, and furniture
• Great reduction of internal solar heat buildup and hot spots
• Reduce glare by making the light more coherent



3M window films aren't only "window tint." As you can see, 3M window films serve a variety of other purposes than only blocking visible light. Though if desired, window films do come with various levels of visible light blockage.

Protective 3M Window Film

3M window film isn't only for looking good and saving energy, either. With a 3M window security film, you can rest at night with peace of mind. For residential and business applications, the 3M Ant-Graffiti film, 3M Impact Protection, 3M Safety & Security, and 3M Scotchshield lines all serve different needs.

3M window security films protect you from shattered glass hazards from storms and attempted break-ins or vandalism. 3M window security films are rated to protect against:

• Break and entry
• Safety glazing and human impact for highrises
• Seismic events
• Blast events
• Storms and weather

The highest-rated film in all the security series is the S140 3M Safety & Security Window Film. With a 3-ply 14 mil construction, it can take almost anything you can throw at it in stride.

3M Security window films attach directly to the window frame as well, providing an added shield compared to window film-only systems.

The 3M Scotchshield Night Vision system also blocks UV rays, reduces glare and eye discomfort, and offers superior views during nighttime. Especially for lower levels, 3M security window films are an excellent solution for home or business.

How good are Scotchshield window films?

The Ultra Night Vision S25 is an excellent offering for almost all types of windows and frames. On various types of glass and windows it:

• Reflects up to 7% to 8% of interior light
• Reflects between 19% to 24% of exterior light
• Transmits up to 13% to 24% of visible light

This adds up to between 50% to 62% of total solar energy rejection, despite putting safety first. It also rejects 99.9% of UV and reduces glare by 73%.



If you're looking for an inexpensive way to save on energy costs and increase security, there's no better option than 3M window security film offerings suggested by your 3M window film installers.

3M Privacy Window Film

Another window security film option, 3M Privacy Window Film saves massive expense over replacing existing glass windows with one-way mirrors or blackout glass.

3M Matte, Mirror, and Blackout window films help you to achieve the level of privacy perfect for you. No matter the shape or size, these interior films can match your needs.



Improve aesthetics, give your work extra privacy, obscure unsightly areas, and increase security with 3M privacy window films. Even one-way mirrors are possible, enhancing your security guard's ability to keep you safe.

3M Window Film: Your Window Solution

Windows have always posed unique challenges. Whether those challenges are safety or energy savings, there's a 3M window film solution.

All 3M window films come with a 12-year warranty from a company you can trust if they're installed by certified 3M window film installers.

TNT Signature Glass Design has two convenient locations in Green Bay and Madison, Wisconsin to better serve our customers. We have over 28 years of window film industry experience and customer trust. We're proud to have the trust of 3M as well, as a certified 3M Prestige Dealer.

Contact us for a free estimate for your home or business and see what 3M window films can do for you!