Frequently Asked Questions

What is V-Kool?

V-Kool is the world’s first clear, spectrally-selective applied film, which transmits more than 70% of daylight while rejecting 99% of ultra-violet, and 94% of infra-red heat.  Spectrally-selective films have transparent, metallized coatings designed to transmit, reflect or absorb different wavelengths of the solar spectrum.  In the case of V-Kool, it is designed specifically to be light transmitting while rejecting heat with out the “mirror” look.

 

How long has V-Kool been around?

V-Kool was first installed in the U.S. in 1991 and was originally invented as a specialty item for the U.S. government and was applied to the U.S. Military’s Stealth Bombers.  Performance data was obtained using a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 9 Spectrophotometer in combination with the “Window 4.0 Fenestration Program” provided by the Windows and Daylighting group at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories, the world’s foremost window science group.

 

Why does V-Kool cost more than conventional films?

V-Kool can not be compared to other competitive films because it is proven to be the most technologically advanced spectrally-selective coating in the world.  Other films are classified as conventional films, meaning that they are either tinted or reflective films.  Tinted films require significantly less sophisticated technology to produce; hence the cost is low.  Conventional reflective films utilize conventional evaporative deposition technologies, adapted from the same technology used to coat the insides of common potato chip packs.

Instead of looking at the initial cost of V-Kool, you should consider its life cycle cost as well as other intangible benefits.  While there is a premium associated with the purchase, V-Kool reduces air conditioning operating cost, reduces fading damage to draperies and furnishings, allows occupants to use floor space near windows even in the direct sunlight because of increased comfort.  Productivity and alertness are heightened in such comfort-enhanced environments.  It is a long-term cost-effective investment.

V-Kool is manufactured through multi-layered sputtering.  The raw materials and the high tech coating process gives V-Kool its unique performance which are costly. Our films are not made with dyes, which have a tendency to change colors or bubble because they are not stable.  Our product uses pure silver, gold, and indium oxide (even more costly than silver) to form the 7-layer V-Kool optical stack.  These materials are deposited one layer at a time onto a super clear polyester substrate (only the top 1% of all polyester that are produced daily in the world can meet our specifications) at a rate of 2m/min per layer.  The custom built sputtering machine costs $10 million.  This is the same equipment used to deposit the radar evasive skin on the Stealth Bomber!  As such, what you are getting is a deceptively clear looking V-Kool film, loaded with nothing but the best that tomorrow’s technology can offer.

 

Why not buy something cheaper?

If you weigh every aspect of your needs for energy savings and are really interested in not changing the architectural integrity of your home or building, then the lesser expensive products may be for you.  In order to block heat, most films other than V-Kool are dark and shiny.

 

Is V-Kool associated with Energy Star?

V-KOOL has been partnered with Energy Star for many years because of our energy efficient products.  V-Kool remains committed to saving energy thorough energy conservation programs.

 

Has V-Kool been installed on any high profile jobs?

Yes, V-Kool has been installed on many prestigious buildings, including government agencies, large national retailers, and universities.  Stanford university, Microsoft, Exxon Mobil, and The American Institute of Architects are a few examples of prominent V-Kool installations.

 

Will V-Kool void my glass warranty?

V-Kool should not void your glass warranty, however most glass companies void their warranty if you put any type of product on the glass.  We provide a warranty with the original purchase that covers most applications. V-Kool does offer an extended warranty that covers the window manufacturer’s warranty.  Please read over both of our warranties for questions or concerns.  Statistics show V-Kool’s incidence of glass breakage is considerably less than the glass industry’s own incidence of breakage; therefore we do not recommend paying extra money for the extended warranty.  The incidence of glass breakage with V-Kool is less than 1/10 of 1% of all of the film sold.  This includes those incidences where we might install V-Kool on windows that may already have a weak spot (crack, chip) in the glass.  The right film application will not break your windows or cause seal failure.

 

Will V-Kool make my glass stronger?

When applied, V-Kool creates a shatter resistant piece of glass.  We also have a safety film with the same heat rejecting and clarity properties that has been certified through extensive bomb testing.

 

Will I be able to see outside of my windows at night?

Absolutely, V-Kool is no more reflective than plain clear glass, so it does not distort or hinder your view day or night.  No other film can transmit as much light and reject the same amount of heat as V-Kool. (luminous efficacy)

 

Will V-Kool help stop my glare problem?

V-Kool 40 will help reduce the glare making it easier on your eyes, but it will not eliminate all of the glare. To eliminate all of the glare would mean very little light transmission through your windows.

 

Will V-Kool stop my fading problems?

V-Kool does reject 99% of the ultraviolet rays which is the main component of fading. No window film or any other window product will eliminate all fading, but V-Kool will help to substantially extend the life of your furnishings.  There are other factors that cause fading; such as heat, light, and the quality of the materials you are being protected.  These components should be a key part of your decision making when considering all of the benefits that a V-Kool film will provide.

 

What are the benefits of V-Kool over installing new windows or low E glass?

V-Kool is usually much less expensive than replacement windows and gives you the same or better energy savings.  Also V-Kool does not change the aesthetics of the glass like a lot of low E and E2 glass.  Similar technology to new high performance windows has been used by V-Kool for over 13 years.  And V-Kool definitely blocks more UV than most glass products.

 

Will V-Kool reduce the need for air conditioning?

V-Kool will reduce the amount of heat let in through your windows, which will reduce the amount of run time for your air conditioning unit.  Therefore V-Kool will cut down on utility bills and preserve the life of your HVAC equipment.  Every project is different but we have been told by some customers that V-Kool ”cools off” the area treated by 7-19 degrees.

 

V-Kool sounds too good to be true!

We have many repeat customers and references that will attest it is true.  V-Kool is independently tested and you will immediately feel the difference in our heat demonstration.