Window Film Glossary
A practical dictionary for comparing proposals and manufacturer specification sheets.
Core performance terms
- VLT — Visible Light Transmission
- The percentage of visible light passing through the combined glass-and-film system. Lower is darker.
- VLR — Visible Light Reflectance
- The amount of visible light reflected by the glazing system.
- TSER — Total Solar Energy Rejected
- A broader solar-performance measure that accounts for reflected, absorbed, and transmitted solar energy.
- Infrared rejection
- A product-specific laboratory measure that can be reported over different wavelength ranges. Compare test methods, not just headline numbers.
- UV rejection
- Reduction in ultraviolet transmission. It can support fade mitigation but cannot eliminate fading from heat, visible light, material chemistry, and time.
Film families
Dyed film emphasizes appearance and glare control at a lower entry cost. Carbon film is generally chosen for color stability and nonmetal construction. Ceramic film uses nonmetallic ceramic technology and is commonly chosen for higher heat-management performance while maintaining lighter visible shades.
Proposal terms to verify
- Exact manufacturer and product line
- Film shade and measured net VLT
- Glass compatibility
- Written warranty and exclusions
- Removal terms and edge-finish expectations