3M introduces Prestige Exterior Window Films

17 May 2011

3M, the diversified technology company, today announced the introduction of an extension of its innovative line of sun control window film products. 3M Prestige Exterior Window Films - a new series of high performance sun control films comprising several hundred ultra-thin layers based on a unique nano technology - set new standards in visible light transmission and heat control:

• The highest Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on the market - up to 90 per cent - preserves interior and exterior views
• No visible change to the exterior appearance of building – no darkening of windows or reflection/mirror effect
• Externally-applied to suit buildings with double or triple glazing – greatly reducing the risk of breakage from thermal stress
• Protection against UV rays – up to 99 per cent
• Top-level heat rejecting capabilities – blocks up to 77 per cent of solar energy
• The first non-metalised exterior-applied film, eliminating corrosion or interference with wireless or cellular signals inside the building.

“3M Prestige Exterior Window Films mark a significant technological advancement in how this type of product can enhance buildings,” said Scott McLachlan, National Sales Executive for 3M Window Films.  “Whatever the kind or size of building glazing, customers now have high performance clear or lightly-tinted window film options that combine all the benefits of heavily tinted or reflective film without the inherent drawbacks of darkened rooms or shiny windows.

“3M Prestige Exterior Window Films are almost as clear as glass, so the external appearance of the building is virtually unchanged and inside, reflection from internal lighting on the treated glass is significantly reduced.”

Several 3M customers in Europe - in schools, public buildings, hotels and commercial offices - tested the product in real conditions last summer.  3M Prestige Exterior Window Films achieved a significant reduction in the warming effect of the sun’s rays on working conditions inside buildings, without losing natural light or changing the external appearance of the buildings.

About 3M Prestige Exterior Window Films
Like all members of the Prestige product family, 3M Prestige Exterior Window Films are clear, non-metal based window films that significantly reduce heat and UV rays entering a building.  They are externally applied which is of special relevance for many European countries and regions where the thermal stress risk can be too high for the films to be installed internally.  3M Prestige 90 Exterior Window Film has the highest Visible Light Transmission (VLT) – up to 90 per cent – on the market, and it can be applied easily even to buildings with a landmark status forbidding any visible external modifications.  The features of heat reduction and UV protection capabilities, combined with full transparency of windows, makes it particularly suited to use on commercial buildings such as shops and retail markets.  All three variants of 3M Prestige Exterior Window Films – PR40 exterior, PR70 exterior and PR90 exterior are available now.

3M Prestige Exterior Window Films offer a range of benefits suitable for property owners in virtually every climate and environment.  The absence of metal in these films prevents corrosion of the film on properties near the coast or in humid areas, avoids interference with wireless and cellular signals and creates far less internal reflection, all of which can occur with other metalised window films.

In summer months and in warmer climates, 3M Prestige Exterior Window Films reject up to 77 per cent of solar energy to prevent heat and UV rays penetrating the window, resulting in less stress on air-conditioning systems and lower overall energy costs. Because these films allow more light to enter a building than traditional window films, they can also help building owners save on lighting costs as well.

With time, UV rays, solar heat and visible light can irreversibly fade fabric and upholstery on couches, chairs, rugs and other valuable items inside homes such as wallpaper and natural wood floors.  3M Prestige Exterior Window Films are designed to reduce the effects of solar heat and visible light on furnishings and will block up to 99.9 per cent of the sun’s harmful UV rays, which are the single largest contributor to fading.  While no film can stop fading completely, these films dramatically slow the progress of fading to keep furnishings looking beautiful longer.

3M is a trademark of 3M Company

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Ambrose Communications
Contact: John Farmer
Tel: 01491 412944
Email: johnfarmer@ambrosecomms.co.uk