The Hidden Truth Behind Dimming Smart Glass Film and Smart Glass
Smart glass and dimming smart glass film are the modern-day glass technologies in the world of glass windows and doors. You can turn a clear glass into a frosted glass for various purposes using this technology. The primary objective is to ensure privacy, but it also serves a few other purposes. You can install smart glass for a new building as a first-time installation. Or, choose a smart glass film to cover an existing window glass to save money. There is a noticeable difference between the costs of the two options. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between the two options.
Choosing Between a Smart Glass and Dimming Smart Glass Film
You need to know about a few crucial things before buying a smart glass or a smart glass film. This guide will help you choose the best option according to your budget and specific requirements. So, go through the following information to make an informed decision:
1. Haze
When we switch a smart glass to clear, the glass may turn a little milky. This milky effect is known as the haze. The smart glass needs PDLC crystals to get switchable properties. Due to these crystals, you cannot avoid this milky effect. PDLC crystals create mist by acting like tiny droplets, reflecting the light. Under a normal lighting environment, the smart glass would be clear after turning it on. You will notice the haze only under artificial light or uneven lighting environments.
You can decrease this haze using a top-quality product. Therefore, you must use a high-quality dimming smart glass film which will make this haze barely noticeable. Using a low-quality film is usually hazier because of the uneven PDLC crystals distribution. This uneven distribution of crystals and low-quality plastics is the real cause behind the unwanted haze. You can lessen any fog through optimization of the lighting conditions.
2. Cost
The cost of smart glass film and smart glass is always more than what you need to pay for a set of standard curtains. A typical smart glass should cost you around $75 to $100 per square foot. The cost of a smart glass will is significantly lower than smart glass, which is approximately $25 to $40 per square foot.
However, you may also find a few glass films at cheaper rates than this. This is where the quality of the product matters a lot. Smart glass films available at more affordable rates are not easy to install, more susceptible to damage, and are thinner.
Choosing a low-quality privacy glass for your doors, windows, or walls can decrease your building’s overall value. Plus, a low-quality product will deteriorate too early, proving costly in the long run. The cheaper smart glass would also not produce desired privacy effect even when it is in its shape. Keep in mind that smart glass does not only provide privacy, but it also offers several other benefits. A high-quality smart glass or dimming smart glass film would also minimize heat gain and helps in soundproofing.
3. Is Dimming Smart Glass Film More Susceptible to Damage?
Smart glass films are not ideal for outdoor use. You should also not use these films in public spaces and moist areas. Even if the smart glass film is made using top-notch materials, you still keep it away from the places where there is excessive moisture. Why? This is because a smart glass film is still an electrical product, and it would probably damage by exposure to water.
However, you can use smart glass films indoors in moist areas. But in that case, you must keep it clean using liquids for a longer life because the edges of the film are silicon-covered to prevent damage. The most subtle part of a smart glass film is the area where the film wires connect. Therefore, you must handle this part with extra care to avoid damage. If you damage this part, then the glass film will not function anymore.
Like plastics, a smart glass film is prone to scratches by cats, dogs, or even small children. If the dimming smart glass film you are about to install is in reach of them, then you should also install one protective liner on the glass film. This protective liner would protect the glass film from scratches. We recommend you buy a high-quality smart privacy glass for outdoors and busy areas. However, a smart glass film is a perfect option for low budgets and less frequently visited places.
4. Discoloration
Some smart glass films may discolor and turn yellowish with constant exposure to ultraviolet light. However, you can avoid this issue by the installation of a high-quality smart glass film. Top-quality glass films never discolor and always remain clear.
5. Delamination
Another problem with a low-quality privacy glass film is that it may delaminate easily. One reason behind the delamination of the glass is film’s peeling strength. A top-quality glass film comes with sturdy PDLC glue, which makes the film layers stuck together. On the other hand, a low-quality glass film comes with low-grade adhesives, and they peel apart too often.
Another cause of delamination is the improper installation of the smart glass film. Delamination occurs when you make inevitable mistakes during the film installation. The most common mistake is using a dull cutter to trim the glass film. If you are not sure about installing the glass film perfectly, you should leave this task for the professionals.
Conclusion
Smart glass and dimming smart glass film are reliable tools for privacy and temperature control. Both come with unique benefits and features. Smart glass films are more susceptible to damage and are not recommended for outdoor use or in moist places. However, their cost is significantly less than the smart glass. A high-quality smart glass does not discolor or delaminate and proves a cost-efficient option in the long run. However, it is necessary to choose a top-notch privacy glass to enjoy the exclusive benefits.
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