On The Outside Looking In. Change Gamer
To say that I am obsessed with all things window film related might be an understatement.
So it's no surprise that I read a recent 3M Press release extolling the innovative virtues of an exterior version of the six year old prestige film.
I couldn't avoid reading this press release since it was repeated, re-mixed and referred by numerous 3M window film dealers highlighting this product as a "game changer."
Given the "noise" I assumed 3M had innovated a new to the world exterior film that could withstand the elements for a long-term life cycle of (15-20 years.)
I imagined that they had patented; a new polyester configuration with a grim death durable UV layer and adhesive driving this exciting "Eureka moment."
After all Hanita the Israeli company that already resells their exterior film to 3M, currently produces exterior films that carry a 7 year warranty.
The dozen films that make up the XtraZone range provide the largest portfolio of Exterior films available. "Exterior window films are Hanita's flagship product," explains Yochi Solna, head of Hanita's window film division, "'and with the addition of the XtraZone enhanced durability films, we're offering unique solutions. For example, our new Titan Xtra is the only Neutral Grey exterior film in the market that is warranty backed for installation on sloped and horizontal window panes."
In addition to the neutral grey Titan Xtra in 20, 35 and 50% VLT, the XtraZone range includes Solar Bronze Xtra, Silver Xtra, and a selection of Xtra Safety and Anti-graffiti films.
Checking with 3M dealers we were told that this "Game Changer" film would only carry a limited five year warranty.
For the neophyte window film observer the question might occur to you as to why you would need an exterior window film in the first place?
We have done nearly 5,000 installations since departing 3M in 2007, and frankly we have only completed three applications (not counting dozens of bathroom window glass where the interior facing is raised or etched.) That's a pretty small demand; so what gives?
Well the European commercial glass marketplace is somewhat unique compared to the USA. To quote the world leader in exterior films Hanita (once again)
Exterior window films are used in buildings where access for installation is prohibited or too difficult, or when regular solar films could cause thermal shock or seal failure in high performance glazing units
Europeans have a larger demand for exterior films because they have more laminated glass in their commercial buildings.
In the USA exterior films are typically used for anti-grafitti applications and spandral glass applications to match the vision glass (done on the interior with 15 year warranty)
So it's no surprise that I read a recent 3M Press release extolling the innovative virtues of an exterior version of the six year old prestige film.
Given the "noise" I assumed 3M had innovated a new to the world exterior film that could withstand the elements for a long-term life cycle of (15-20 years.)
I imagined that they had patented; a new polyester configuration with a grim death durable UV layer and adhesive driving this exciting "Eureka moment."
Not so.
After all Hanita the Israeli company that already resells their exterior film to 3M, currently produces exterior films that carry a 7 year warranty.
The dozen films that make up the XtraZone range provide the largest portfolio of Exterior films available. "Exterior window films are Hanita's flagship product," explains Yochi Solna, head of Hanita's window film division, "'and with the addition of the XtraZone enhanced durability films, we're offering unique solutions. For example, our new Titan Xtra is the only Neutral Grey exterior film in the market that is warranty backed for installation on sloped and horizontal window panes."
In addition to the neutral grey Titan Xtra in 20, 35 and 50% VLT, the XtraZone range includes Solar Bronze Xtra, Silver Xtra, and a selection of Xtra Safety and Anti-graffiti films.
Checking with 3M dealers we were told that this "Game Changer" film would only carry a limited five year warranty.
For the neophyte window film observer the question might occur to you as to why you would need an exterior window film in the first place?
We have done nearly 5,000 installations since departing 3M in 2007, and frankly we have only completed three applications (not counting dozens of bathroom window glass where the interior facing is raised or etched.) That's a pretty small demand; so what gives?
Well the European commercial glass marketplace is somewhat unique compared to the USA. To quote the world leader in exterior films Hanita (once again)
Exterior window films are used in buildings where access for installation is prohibited or too difficult, or when regular solar films could cause thermal shock or seal failure in high performance glazing units
Europeans have a larger demand for exterior films because they have more laminated glass in their commercial buildings.
In the USA exterior films are typically used for anti-grafitti applications and spandral glass applications to match the vision glass (done on the interior with 15 year warranty)
Here is an example of one of our recent applications.
By the way that's Hanita Exterior film being installed by my crews. I learned who made the best exterior films while I was at 3M.
So their "game changer" was simply to take a film introduced six years ago; have it configured with the UV layer reversed and launch a new SKU with a limited life expectancy of 5 years. - Imagine an office tower property manager explaining to his property owner that he has to pay for film installations 4 times during a 20 year period?
- Imagine the removal cost being paid three times?
- Imagine the gradual (you'd hope) deterioration of this film in year 3, 4 and approaching year 5? How will the film degrade? Optical clarity? Flaking?
Frankly it's unimaginable.
Game Changer?
Not today.
Not today.
Posted by Mike Feldman at 7/19/2011 8:24 AM 
Categories: Commercial Window Film, Windowfilmusa.com, Orlando window film window tinting, Vista, LLumar 2012, Energy Savings Window Tinting 2012, Sarasota Bradenton Window Tinting
Tags: exterior window film window film USA Hanita exterior film 3m exterior film
Categories: Commercial Window Film, Windowfilmusa.com, Orlando window film window tinting, Vista, LLumar 2012, Energy Savings Window Tinting 2012, Sarasota Bradenton Window Tinting
Tags: exterior window film window film USA Hanita exterior film 3m exterior film
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