Retrofit projects
Smart film installation for existing commercial glazing
Switchable privacy added to the glazing you already have, applied in situ with the building still in use.
- 100ms
- Switching timeClear to private
- 87%
- Light transmissionPowered state
- 99%
- UV filteredAcross both states
- 10 W/m²
- Power drawSteady state
The case for retrofit
Add switchable privacy without replacing the glass
Retrofit film carries the same PDLC layer used in laminated switchable units, supplied as a self-adhesive sheet cut to template and applied to the room-side face of the existing pane.
For an occupied building that removes the cost and programme of de-glazing: no crane, no frame disturbance, no making good, and no temporary screens while units are on order.
Where glazing is already being replaced, laminated switchable glass is usually the better answer. We will say so at specification stage rather than sell the wrong product.
Where it suits
Planned around live and occupied buildings
Most of our film work is carried out in live offices, clinics and hotels, sequenced around occupancy.
- Occupied offices where glazing cannot be removed
- Cat A to Cat B conversions and tenant fit-outs
- Listed and heritage buildings with retained glazing
- Existing partitions currently screened with blinds or manifestation
- Short-lease premises where replacing units is uneconomic
- Phased refurbishments carried out room by room
Site installation sequence
- Survey of each pane, frame depth, bead detail and power position
- Film cut to template with the lead-out set to the agreed edge
- Glass deep-cleaned and the surface prepared in a controlled area
- Film applied wet, squeegeed out and left to cure
- Lead-out terminated, transformer sited and switching commissioned
- Handover with cleaning guidance and warranty registration
Specification
Performance data for retrofit schedules
Sheet sizes, seam positions and lead-out routes are confirmed at survey. Data sheets are issued with the specification.
- Technology
- Self-adhesive PDLC film
- Switching time
- Approx. 100 ms at room temperature
- Visible light transmission
- Approx. 87%
- Viewing angle
- Approx. 130°
- Haze
- Approx. 5% ON / 80% OFF
- UV filtering
- Approx. 99%
- Life expectancy
- More than 10 years
- Unpowered state
- Frosted (opaque)
- Maximum width
- 1,800 mm
- Maximum height
- 3,000 mm
- Construction
- Clear PET outer layers, conductive layers and liquid-crystal technology
- Applied to
- Existing glazing, in situ
- Warranty
- Retrofit smart film 2 years, electronics 1 year
Questions
Retrofit specification questions
No. The film is applied to the inner face with an adhesive layer and can be removed again by a trained installer, leaving the glass intact. We confirm the condition of each pane at survey before work begins.
Work is usually carried out room by room, out of hours or at weekends where required. A typical meeting room is prepared, applied and commissioned within a single visit, and the space can be handed back the same day once the film has cured.
Yes, it is applied to the room-side face of the inner pane. For external glazing we review solar gain and the existing coating at survey, as some coated units need to be assessed before application.
Gently curved glass can usually be accommodated. Textured, patterned or heavily coated surfaces do not take film reliably and are better served by replacement switchable units.
Always switch the system OFF before cleaning and do not switch it ON until completely dry. Use only a damp, clean, lint-free microfibre cloth, avoid chemicals and excessive water, and do not allow water to enter the edges. For stubborn marks, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol may be used carefully on the film surface.
Sectors
Project experience across six sectors
Next step
Submit your drawings for specification and budget costing.
Glazing schedules, elevations or a simple room list are enough to begin. Budget costs are typically issued within two working days.