Why This Matters
California's Title 24 energy code sets minimum window performance standards for new construction. Window film can bring older homes up to — and beyond — those standards without window replacement.
Near Big Rec Ball Field in San Francisco, south- and west-facing windows receive the most direct solar load and benefit most from film. This is especially problematic for historic or older home installations, which older single-pane windows benefit most from low-e retrofit film to improve thermal efficiency.
Inland California cities experience some of the highest solar irradiance in the country. Combined with older single-pane window stock, this creates strong demand for low-e retrofit and solar control films.
The Solution
Perforated film solves the privacy-versus-light tradeoff. The micro-hole pattern maintains outward visibility from inside while blocking the view from outside during daylight hours.
Perforated film solves the privacy-versus-light tradeoff for street-facing rooms. The micro-hole pattern maintains outward visibility from inside while blocking the view from outside during daylight hours.
Retrofits existing glass with a low-emissivity coating for improved thermal performance.
Climate & Solar Performance
Properties near Big Rec Ball Field in Mission District, San Francisco experience south & west exposure conditions that make window film particularly effective. Low-E Retrofit Window Film is specifically engineered to address this solar exposure.
Effective against south & west exposure
Rated for historic or older home protection
Professional installers available in San Francisco
10–15 year manufacturer warranty
Installation Guide
The best time to schedule installation is in the morning, before the glass heats up. Hot glass causes the slip solution to evaporate too quickly, making it harder to position the film correctly.
Install time
30–45 min
Per window
$150–$400
Cure time
30 days