Paint and Coatings Industry News

Main News Page

PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY:
Low-e Coating Window Film

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

A patent-pending, low-e coating is the key to the insulating properties of a new film product for windows introduced by a subsidiary of Solutia Inc. (St. Louis, Mo.)

CPFilms Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solutia and a major producer of professional window films for automotive, residential, and commercial markets, announced the introduction of the EnerLogic™ Series, an addition to the Vista™ line of architectural window films.

In summer, heat from the sun is reflected away from windows treated with the film, reducing air-conditioning use. In winter, radiant heat from heating systems is directed back into the building interior, also reducing energy use, the company says.
 
The window film adds up to 92%  more insulating power to existing commercial and residential windows, improving energy efficiency in every season, Solutia said in announcing the product introduction. The estimated increase in insulating power is based in the percentage improvement in average annual insulating properties of 3mm glass with film compared to the same glass without film.

“A building is only as energy efficient as its windows,” said Dave Kaliser, CPFilms director of product marketing—architectural. “Traditional window films reflect heat out, providing substantial savings in summer, but adding relatively little value in winter.”
 
The company said the technology effectively transforms the insulating power of single-pane windows into double-pane, and double-pane windows into triple-pane. The company noted that windows typically account for an estimated 15% to 30% of a commercial building’s heating costs, and frequently more than 30% of cooling costs.

Described as the first product in a series, the window film is reported to expand tax-credit eligibility for residential applications (see windowfilmtaxcredit.com for details).

More information: www.energolicfilm.com.
 
CPFilms Inc. is a producer of aftermarket window films and a supplier of precision-coated film and film components sold to a variety of businesses. Solutia is a manufacturer of performance materials and specialty chemicals.