Sun-X rescues the RSPCA

When the RSPCA moved into new, purpose-built offices in 2001, it didn’t anticipate any problems with solar heat gain or solar glare since the architects had designed the southern aspect of the building elevation with a combination of an external brise soleil type shading system and internal blinds to keep the sun out.

However, even the best designed systems can have flaws, and once the RSPCA had moved in, staff complained that during the autumn, winter and spring when the sun was low in the sky, the sun appeared below the brise soleil shading level and above the internal blind level, causing significant glare problems within the offices (the brise soleil shaded the upper section of the glazing on each floor, with the internal blind systems shading the lower sections of glazing).

A solution was the sought by Mike Pearce, Building Services Manager for the RSPCA, and he investigated the possibilities of window film. He initially spoke to a number of installers and a window film manufacturer, but it resulted in some confusion as to the best film to do the job without causing thermal stress within the glass. The glazing is a double-glazed unit with a 6mm toughened outer pane and a 6.4mm laminated inner pane, which means that a film fully compatible with laminated glass needs to be selected to prevent thermal stress (and hence possible subsequent cracking of the glass).

Pearce turned to CPFilms and its Accredited Installer Sun-X (UK), who recommended Llumar® film type N1035 SR CDF which provides a glare reduction of 60% (total solar energy rejection of 52%, while blocking out 99% of harmful UV rays) and which is fully compatible with the glazing system.

Based on these recommendations, Sun-X’s quotation for the supply and installation of the performance film, and CPFilms’ reputation as the world’s largest window film manufacturer, Pearce decided to place the business with Sun-X.

The installation was carried out in August, with the film installed with minimum disruption to the staff. “We were very impressed with Sun-X’s efficiency as they installed CPFilms Llumar® performance window film to 88 windows within the south west elevations on the ground, first and second floor, as well as the south east elevation of the second floor,” Pearce commented. “Although we do not get low winter sun in August, members of staff have commented during the recent heat wave that the film has helped reduce solar heat gain through the windows.” During the recent heat wave, he recorded temperatures of 38°C on the exterior of the south west elevation.