SMART FILM PRIVACY WINDOW GLASS IN CANADA
PDLC – LIQUID CRYSTAL FILM
Smart window film is applied topically to existing glass & windows to change from clear to opaque on demand Once seen on the Jetsons as futuristic, Switchable Window Film is the latest and greatest product that can change from clear to an opaque state, providing the ultimate in heat & privacy control. For more than a decade, switchable glass technology has been utilized for commercial, residential, transportation, healthcare and government applications. Now you can achieve this functionality using a topical film applied to any glass surface using a patented new technology called PDLC.
How it Works This self adhesive Smart Window Film applies to any existing or new smooth glass surface. A simple ON – OFF mode switches the PDLC film from the clear (transparent) to a frosted (opaque) state. In clear mode, an electrical current is passing through the PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) interlayer which aligns the microscopic crystals along a number of parallel axes, thus allowing vision through the glass. Conversely when electricity is switched off, the liquid crystals return to their normal scattered positions changing the film from clear (transparent) to opaque (frosted). Essentially this product is an electronic blind providing privacy and security for any glass, window or partition.
Where & Why? Many custom homes incorporate unique window shapes that enhance the appearance of the property but can be extremely difficult to treat. Up to this point, window covering solutions have been limited, clunky and expensive. Oval, eyebrow, angled and trapezoidal glazing can now be templated and custom fit to create a beautiful, clean and effective solar and privacy window covering solution. Multiple pieces can be butt together to treat larger window openings.
Key Benefits:
- Privacy on Demand: Instantly switch from clear to frosted for complete privacy when needed, perfect for offices, conference rooms, or home spaces.
- Energy Efficiency: By reducing heat and glare, PDLC film helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate, potentially lowering energy costs.
- UV Protection: Protects your furniture and flooring from harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light to filter through when in transparent mode.
- Easy Installation: Can be easily applied to existing glass surfaces without the need for extensive renovations or replacements.
- Stylish Design: Available in various sizes and can be custom cut to fit any window or glass surface, enhancing the aesthetic of your space.
- Custom shapes: Exceptional treatment for angled, trapezoidal and odd shaped windows
Applications:
- Commercial Spaces: Ideal for offices, meeting rooms, and retail environments, providing flexibility, privacy on demand & making that lasting impression with potential clients
- Residential Use: Perfect for homes, providing instant control of light, UV, heat & privacy with the flixk of a switch
- Healthcare Facilities: Useful in hospitals and clinics to maintain patient privacy while ensuring safety, visibility & bacteria free window treatments
- Smart Homes: Integrate with smart home systems for automated control and energy savings thru temperature triggered events.
- Specialty windows: Ideal for shading some of the most challenging window shapes including circles, triangles, trapezoidal, arches, raker style & any glazing where a minimalist window treatment is desired.
Wiring for this product is very specific so plan ahead to ensure that provisions are made prior to insulation, drywall, taping & painting.
Call us today / don’t delay! 1-866-664-4267 or info@gicor.com
Block UV and IR
- Switchable PDLC glass and film is considered a green energy-saving material:
- For self-adhesive switchable PDLC film, blocks UV almost 100%; blocks Infrared at 17% in clear state & 80% in opaque state
Sound insulation
For switchable smart glass, laminated film reduces sound up to 32dB depending on glass type
Safety
When using switchable PDLC film, the glass surface becomes stronger and more like safety glass where broken glass sticks to the PDLC film
The main material of PDLC film is PET, about 0.38mm thickness which is greater than regular glass explosion-proof film
GiCor 65V Ultra High Definition Switchable PDLC Film
Our most popular, Ultra High Definition smart film uses a special liquid crystal material combined with Japan-made Mitsubishi Optical PET to achieve a high-definition viewing experience, and is transparent to the original glass;
- Full viewing angle
- Industry leading low haze rate
- Highly UV resistance
GiCor SWITCHABLE PDLC COLORS
Videos
A compilation of our AMAZING switchable film installations across western Canada 🙂
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Installation & Maintenance
We consider installing Smart Film as an ART. Once the wiring is in place, the glass must be cleaned, cleaned again & cleaned two more times after that in order to remove as much dirt, dust & debris as possible. Only then can the installation begin. Typical is 150 to 200 sq ft per day.
Smart Glass can be installed in existing or new construction however wiring can be more invasive if the building is already finished (Painted & occupied)
All types of glass can be used for SMART GLASS
Yes Smart Film can be installed on single, double or triple pane glazing.
Smart Film requires very little maintenance & can be cleaned using mild soap & water or non solvent based cleaners
Smart Film can be cleaned using mild soap & water or non solvent based cleaners
Smart Film is available in widths up to 1500mm & can be cut to lengths up to 15 feet however this becomes a challenge to install based on alignment and other factors. Panels can be installed side by side with a small 2mm space in between which would be siliconed in order to protect from moisture
Smart Glass wiring is one of the most IMPORTANT of all factors to consider. Requirements vary depending on how you would like to control the opacity. Options include wireless remotes, wall switching, home automation controls & even voice control for those techy clients
Smart Film & Switchable Film
Privacy Glass & Light Control
Yes Smart Glass can be switched from clear to opaque in milli-seconds
Typically Smart Glass turns opaque when the power is switched off however the Smart Glass that can be turned clear when the power is off and opaque when turned on. This typie is often 2 to 3 times the clost of traditional Smart Glass
Privacy Glass (aka Smart Glass) provides privacy day or night. The new DLC Black film also provides good room darkening properties at night.
Smart Glass blocks up to 98% of Ulta-violet rays in the ON or OFF state
Smart Glass blocks up to 80% Infrared rays in the OFF state & 17% in the ON state
Standard PDLC Smart Glass – milky white film can actually increase glare on a window surface. The new DLC Black Smart Glass can substantially reduce glare when in the On or OFF state
Smart Glass provides 100% privacy for offices, homes & institutional properties.
Yes Switchable Glass can be used as an alternate to standard window coverings including specialty shaped / hard to treat glazing.
Standard Milky White Privacy Glass / Smart Glass allows for natural light in either the On or OFF state
Energy Efficiency & Performance
Smart glass is considered a green energy-saving material. It is an exceptional product for all types of glazing &can reduce UV by 98& with the power on or off & IR – heat gain 17% with the power on & 80% when powered off.
Smart Glass can reduce heating & cooling costs. Savings maaay vary depending on the efficiency of the glazing being treated. Treating low efficiency glazing can realize the most energy savings.
Smart Glass can be used to control indoor temperature. In the clear state, it can reduce IR by up to 17% & up to 80% in the opaque state
Smart Glass can reduce solar heat gain. The less efficient the glazing, the more solar heat gain can be reduced.
Smart Film can help to reduce HVAC costs. The less efficient the glazing the more savings can be realized. High efficient windows already save on HVAC costs so the percentage of heat gain reduction would be less
Smart film improves indoor comfort on two fronts. It provides privacy on demand with a minimialist appearance. It also reduces heat gain and damaging UV rays in both the clear & opaque satates.
Smart Glass blocks up to 98% of Ulta-violet rays in the ON or OFF state
Installation & Maintenance
Applications of Smart Glass
Smart Film can be installed on the interior side of ANY window in a home. It can be used to provide privacy between rooms OR for privacy & heat control on exterior windows.
Smart Glass can be installed in existing or new construction however wiring can be more invasive if the building is already finished (Painted & occupied)
Smart Film is ideal for interior office partitions as it creates an open concept when powered ON and privcay on demaind when switched OFF
Smart Glass or Smart Film can be used in conference rooms to provide privacy on demand. It can also be used as a whiteboard or projection surface when in the opaque state.
Smart Film can be used in bathrooms as long as it is not a “STEAM ROOM”. For shower stalls, the film MUST be installed on the outside of the shower
Smart Glass can be used for storefronts to reduce harmful UV damage as well as to reduce heat while keeping the window displays unshaded by conventional window treatment for maximum exposure at all hours of operation. SMART FILM also increases security as the glass surface becomes stronger & behaves more like saaafety glass where broken glass sticks to the film
Smart Filmcan be used in hospitals, clinics, dental labs & essentially any health care facility where privacy on demand is desired
Smart Filmcan be used in hotel rooms, particularly in bathrooms and glass divided spaces to increase privacy & reduce sound travel.
Smart Glass Design Options
Smart Film can be etched with the ability to do custom cut outs HOWEVER all exposed edges must be sealed with silicone. A better solution is to apply custom designs on the opposite side of the glazing, creating a unique look with maximum effect
Smart Film is designed to be applied to flat surfaces so installation may not be possible on patterned glass. As Smart Film is designed to turn from clear to opaque, installing on frosted glass would make the film’s function dedundant
Smart Film can be customized to fit most window shapes however caution must be used with harsh angles and pointed corners as these can be a source of moisture penetration
Smart Glass can be controlled by any Smart Home system where wired OR wireless switching can be achieved
Smart Glass can be controlled by remotes, wired or wireless switches as well as integrated with Smart Home systems & voice control platforms.
Smart Glass can be automated by any building control system where power can be switched using wired or wireless platforms.
Smart Glass Cost & Pricing
Smart Glass ranges in pricing depending on glazing specs, frames, film grade used as well as control systems. Pricing therefore must be quoted on a job by job basis.
Smart Glass ranges in price for supply & install depending on whether standard PDLC, UHD PDLC or DLC Black film is used. Costs start around $110 per square foot and range up to $190 sq ft depending on product, wiring requirements, control systems & travel requirements must be factored in.
There are many factors that affect the pricing of Smart Film & Smart Glass installations. These include glazing & film specs, window shape & size, wiring requirements, control systems & travel. Most projects are quoted on an individual basis in order to obtain the most accurate budgets.
tends to be more expensive than traditional (non motorized) window treatments for standard shapes and sizes. When compared to motorized window treaments & specialty shaped treatments, the cost difference can often be minimal.
GiCor can provide a rough budget within 24 hours as long as we have approx. window dimensions, quantities, wiring requirements, travel requirements & a photo or two so that we can see what access & surrounding finishes might need to be considered.
Smart Glass /Smart Film can definitely be worth the investment over the long term. The cost to add Smart Film to existing glazing verses replacing windows offers a substantial savings and return on energy savings
Smart Film Canada & Local Services
GiCor can provide a rough budget within 24 hours as long as we have approx. window dimensions, quantities, wiring requirements, travel requirements & a photo or two so that we can see what access & surrounding finishes might need to be considered.
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