Writing a spec this weekend for window film (088743) , is it insane to ask for a sample or mock-up on the actual glass to be used? Anyone who has prepared this spec in past have any words of wisdom?
I have window film on our house. I would do one or more windows as there will be a change in the reflection (more of a mirror) and you want to be sure it is not too dark. If this is a condo, I would do one entire room. The film can be removed if necessary.
It depends. If this is a single interior location to receive a custom window film, you could request a sample, but a mockup might be overkill. If it is installed incorrectly, simply require that it be removed and new film installed.
If there are a number of locations to receive film, then a sample and a mockup would be a good idea.
Surprise Colin, its not a condo, actually a new retail building, Architect is using the film to emphasize glass configuration at prominent locations.
Colin, FL Architects are still not using specifications for Condo work, except for a rare few, most are my clients. I’ve stopped fighting for the importance of specifications in Condo documentation, even though no one has proven that specifications increase litigation risk. The naysayers are too strong, too powerful.
Peter, its not the installation that I am concerned with its the final appearance, unfortunately the Architect is in Vegas for a “conference” this weekend, otherwise i would ask. Specs are due Monday morning. This is the first job for this client that I have specified color window film, having written specs for 18 years for this client.
I’d specify mock-ups of each different film/location for approval by Architect before final installation. If the Architect disagrees, it’s easier to take that out than it would be to put it in.
I always suggest a mockup when specifying glazing film. These products are similar to paint, in that the effect can’t really be known without a good-sized area installed in place. Multiple mockups would be warranted for a large installation w/ different conditions or varying orientations.
Let me play dumb and naive…
Since your client selected the glass and selected the film, I assume the client has already investigated the compatibility and appearance of the two products together. So what is the point of a mock-up?
That is a good question, Michael. The client may not have looked at the glass with the film applied to it. For that matter the client most probably did not look at the glass and film together in the “environment” where it will be installed. That suggest a minor sort of mock-up I believe.
I would definitely specify a sample and mockup, unless the client is very familiar with the film product and has used it on similar projects. Samples and mockups are a hassle, but not as big a hassle as redoing work do to lack of submittals.
Be aware that adding a film to glass will may void the glazing warranty.
This is an example of how much thought it requires to specify an apparently simple product. I hope Jerome’s client appreciates his diligence.
David, how could adding a film to the interior face of the glass affect the warranty, the laminated glass remains untouched?
Jerome,
An interior film reflects heat and UV back into the insulated glazing unit creating excessive heat in the cavity and possibly shortening the lifespan of the gaskets. Check with film and glazing manufacturers to ensure the film and glass is compatible.
Vitro Architectural Glass has an article on field applied films: http://www.vitroglazings.com/VitroGlazings/media/sitedocuments/TDs/100_TD-139.pdf
Right you are David, I just spoke to the Florida Vitro Rep who confirmed. Thank god I did not recommend the color film. I asked the Vitro rep if colors could be added in the factory as part of the glass configuration. Waiting to hear options. Perhaps this is why I have never specified Color Fim on Glass, too bad I wrote the spec section which will now be discarded.
The only time I have written an applied film specification was for retrofitting existing windows where the owner did not want to replace the glazing units. The glass was out of warranty anyway so what the heck!
The window exposure may make a difference on the film/glass combo. I would have less concern about using it on North facing windows or interior lights (at least in the Northern Hemisphere).
Check mfr data for warranty limitation for glass breakage if decorative film is applied to exterior glass. I recall a ridiculously low $ limit, something like $500. May have been 3M. I therefore recommend for my clients to consider avoiding decorative glazing film if it is exterior.
I would have much rather seen specific parameters which make it successful, instead of the mfr basically copping out on their product. It would help if the manufacturers all had trained installers or if the industry had a common program for trained installers.
The glass film industry seems to lack standardization other than a few broad functional terms. This has led to wild claims of even bullet-resistance yet without ballistic testing.
I concur with Mr. Grimm’s comments. I have run into clients who believe that they can get bullet-resistant glass or wind-debris-impact- resistant glass with film applications over existing, in place glass. This can happen with limited lower expectations (like smallest caliber handguns or smallest missile impact). Even so, there are very specific requirements that affect the appearance of the installation.
I will generally only specify film for interior projects, but I have done the impact-resistant film for a few existing installation.
New exterior installations with high performance requirements require specific glazing installations which will also affect the framing systems. Likewise, the glazing industry offers a variety of specialty products. The Owner should be aware that replacing such units may require greater than normal expense and long lead time.
Looks like my client will be opting for use of a color interlayer within laminated glass in lieu of the window film.
A better choice, as a result of the specifications process!