News & Events | IWFA.com

Washington, D.C. – January 9, 2020 – The International Window Film Association (IWFA) is suggesting five key trends for window films in 2020. Window films offer multiple benefits and are proven to be cost-effective products to upgrade older existing windows in good condition to achieve improved energy savings, safety and UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

You may hear more about the need to ‘decarbonize’ in the coming year and beyond. Think of the term as putting a building on diet, just like people who want to reduce their weight by eating less of foods that contain ‘carbohydrates’ such as bread, potato’s and pasta.

Washington, D.C. - November 18, 2019 - With unrestricted access to a home’s interior, the winter sun’s destructive force of ultra-violet (UV) radiation and the more direct penetration through unprotected windows can damage costly furniture, drapes, floors and even the skin. 

November is a great month to reflect on all of the things in life to be thankful for.

December can be quite busy and while there is always time to say ‘thanks’, somehow November provides a better backdrop and important dates for me to count my blessings.

Washington, D.C. - October 21, 2019 - With November 3 marking the end of Daylight Savings and more pronounced shorter periods of daylight in the northern hemisphere, the nonprofit International Window Film Association is offering advice on how to maximize the benefits of indoor sunlight, while protecting the skin and furnishings.

Shorter days and limited sunlight can cause people to feel down, decrease productivity and disturb natural sleep patterns. In more extreme cases the result is a form of depression know as #SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Fortunately exposure to bright light has been shown to alleviate the condition and improve performance.

Many older homes may have single or dual pane windows in bathrooms, in stairwells and surrounding front entry ways or in doors. In other areas of the home some windows may be located only 18 inches above a floor. Unfortunately, in some instances these windows may not be in compliance with the most current building codes for safety.

The International Window Film Association exists to help ensure information about window films are as accurate as possible and that the industry is treated fairly so it can advance. Why do I mention this? For nearly three decades the IWFA has worked to improve people’s understanding of window film. Part of the IWFA’s mission is to provide educational opportunities for our members and the industry at large as well.

Washington, D.C. - September 17, 2019 – To kick-off National Energy Awareness Month this October, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) offers five top tips to save homeowners money and to help decarbonize the environment by reducing building emissions.

“An energy efficient building keeps more money in consumer pockets and cuts the carbon released into the environment,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA.  Smith noted that in California and Florida for example, window film is rated as the most cost-effective energy efficient retrofit installation.

Her Window Film Business Started As A Way To Improve Her View - Rose Bartoli, president of Sun Control Plus based in Old Forge, PA was looking for a way to reduce glare coming through a bedroom window and ended up with a successful window film business in Northeast Pennsylvania. Read the details of her career path and her secrets for success by clicking here.

School buildings when I attended elementary school were designed far differently than today's structures.  The exterior was usually brick and the windows, while wood framed and single pane, were placed pretty high off the ground, so it would be difficult for someone to reach up to get inside. The front doors were solid wood flanked with narrow glass sidelites.

Washington, D.C. - August 13, 2019 - School intruders intent on harm is a community-wide concern and delaying their entry with Security Window Films on window and doors may buy time to allow for more response time and save lives, according to the nonprofit International Window Film Association (IWFA). 

To find local coverage in your area, go the State listed and click on the "View Article" link to view articles in your web browser.

Washington, D.C. - July 8, 2019 - Windows can be an unseen safety threat to people and pets as the result of breaking glass and the resulting shards that may cut due to sharp edges and momentum, according to the nonprofit International Window Film Association (IWFA).

“Windows are critical to a building’s design and comfort, and they need to be evaluated to make sure they are both safe and effective,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “Take the time now to arrange for a professional window film dealer to evaluate and address them as needed to protect occupants,” he added.

We all want to get away for vacation and when we do, we don't want to be worrying if someone is breaking into our residence. But being worried about a break-in is a reasonable concern as the FBI's crime data paints the following picture:

• July and August are the most popular months for break-ins (thieves like warmer weather too)
• The hours in which most break-ins occur is between 10 am and 3 pm (I'd like to work just those hours too)
• The most common entry point is the front door. Next most common is a window, followed by a back door.

Many public school's close for the summer months, making it an ideal time for repairs and retrofits to the buildings.

For cost savings and return on investment, window films are often the most cost-effective with a payback period that is in many instances less than five years. Full window replacements, on the other hand, may have decades long payback periods for schools, according to a report from the Building Technologies Office of the Department of Energy. It lists full window replacement payback periods for different climate zones at anywhere between 32.4 years (Las Vegas) to 151.8 years (Duluth)....

Washington, D.C. - June 4, 2019 - Automotive window films, or tint, may offer a wide variety of benefits, such as reduced exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays, a cooler cabin, reduced glare and more safety for the occupants, according to the nonprofit International Window Film Association (IWFA).

"Today's automotive window films offer a wide spectrum of performance to improve comfort and safety," said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. "It's important for vehicle owners to keep in mind that window tint should be evaluated on factors such as how much total solar energy rejection is offered and not by how dark they appear," said Smith....

Washington, D.C. - May 14, 2019 - While many people are aware the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays may lead to skin cancers on unprotected skin outdoors, medical research indicates that being exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays indoors may also lead to skin damage, whether inside a vehicle or building.

"Unprotected glass, even glass that is colored to appear darkened, allows a significant amount of the sun's damaging UV rays to pass straight in and onto your skin, making sun protection necessary inside as well as outside," said Darrell Smith, executive director of the International Window Film Association (IWFA). "All quality window films block 99 percent of the sun's UV rays and should be installed. The impact of the sun's UV harmful rays are cumulative and may lead to skin cancer," said Smith.

It's been a while since I completed driver education and passed the driver's test so I can drive. What I learned then has stuck with me and it has also kept me safe and saved me money too - no traffic infractions to pay and the associated insurance surcharges.

I also make sure my vehicle is 'up to code', meaning that I do my best to maintain it. When I go to the shop for an oil change, I make sure my tires have enough tread to handle the occasional harsh conditions that I drive.

Washington, DC – April 17, 2019 – National Window Film Day (NWFD) is April 30, and the window film industry is wasting no time promoting it as it gains traction with governors and mayors across the United States, many of whom are issuing proclamations.

In alignment with proclamations issued by governors and mayors across theUnited States, NWFD is a day dedicated to furthering public education of the many benefits of professionally installed window film including: energy efficiency, indoor temperature comfort, blocking of 99 percent of the sun’s UVA rays, the reduction of glare and the fading of furnishings, and protection from possible harmful exposure to skin and eyes.

A key motivation the International Window Film Association (IWFA) initiated National Window Film Day in 2014 was based on a national survey conducted for the IWFA. The poll revealed 65% of Americans aged 18-34 were unaware they are exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays that passes through unprotected glass windows.

To find local coverage in your area, go the State listed and click on the "View Article" link to view articles in your web browser.

Washington, D.C. - March 6, 2019 - This March the International Window Film Association (IWFA) honors women for their contributions to North America and the world and it is highlighting how far women have advanced in the window film industry. Women in the U.S. earn on average 81 percent of what men make, but the gender pay gap is narrower in the construction industry where women earn on average 96 percent of what men make.

The month of March honors women for their contributions to America and the world, showing how far women have advanced and how we as a country value equality and the contributions of all our citizens. Women in the U.S. earn on average 81 percent of what men make, but the gender pay gap is much narrower in the construction industry where women earn on average 96 percent of what men make. The IWFA believes the window film industry presents a great opportunity for women to advance further and faster than many other industries

The IWFA is taking the initiative to tell the story of two women who have built successful careers is the window film industry.  Terri Fair, 58, and Tammy Lanovaz, 51, are two women who have broken through 'glass ceilings ' and powered their way to successful careers in the window film business. Both women started out with little or no knowledge of the window film industry. Today they are leaders in their respective markets and communities. Please take the time to read their stories here.

Washington, D.C. - February 12, 2019 - To save money on a building's energy costs, window replacement may not be a smart move, according to conclusions from government agencies indicating it may take decades to recoup the cash outlay for the installation of new, energy-efficient windows.

Window Film Industry Association Expands Global Representation

Strong Momentum Predicted For 2019 Window Film Market

Washington, D.C. - January 22, 2019 - The International Window Film Association (IWFA), the largest global association promoting the many benefits of window film, is predicting further market growth for many of its manufacturer, distributor and dealer members in 2019. Window films are proven to be a smart and cost-effective way to enhance window performance without the need for window replacement.

To accommodate the growth of the industry, the nonprofit IWFA recently expanded the number of elected representatives to its board to 15. Members of the prestigious body work voluntarily in support of the industry and offer counsel and insight on market trends and industry standards.

America’s Big Rig Truckers Get The ‘10-4’ From the DOT For Window Film Use In Cabs To Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Washington, D.C. --- April 3, 2012 -- The International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced today that millions of commercial truck drivers on big rigs can now use window film on the cab’s side windows to keep them safe from the sun’s UVA rays, which have been linked to skin cancer. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA), clarification to safety regulations relating to a truck’s window visibility now allows the use of compliant window films on big rigs, according to the IWFA. Historically, the enforcement community and the trucking industry have taken the position that no film is allowed on any commercial vehicle.

The new ban on hand-held devices while driving became effective on October 26, 2009. This new law made it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, and dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communication and entertainment devices. 

Senate Bill 5581, relating to sunscreening devices, has passed the Washington Legislature and was signed by the Governor on April 20, 2009.

This legislation is an extremely important initiative for the industry and consumers within the state as the previous statutory provisions resulted in confusion by law enforcement, installers, and customers. The new law, which will go into effect on July 26, 2009, will clarify the statutory provisions and define in a very clear and concise manner the legal limits in Washington. 

During the month of June 2009, a call was received from a member of IWFA regarding the appropriate sun-shading allowances for medical waivers on v vehicle front windshields in Virginia. Discussions with the State Police i indicated that the law is very clear regarding the medical waiver for the front windshield. Section 46.2-1053 of the Code of Virginia specifies that “Such sun-shading or tinting film shall not cause the total light transmittance to be reduced to any level less than seventy percent except for the upper five inches of such windshield or the AS-1 line.” 

This legislation has been developed over the last several years (introduced in March 2011) to address a number of key issues relative to specialized motor vehicles.  These types of vehicles include low-speed, motor scooters, mini-trucks, and motorcycles. 

On October 5, 2009, several representatives from the International Window Film Association and the AIMCAL-Window Film Committee met for a second time with members of the Economic Crimes Division of the Florida Attorney General’s Office to review (1) both new and prior concerns over the accuracy and use of certain statements made by members of our industry about the level of protection afforded by the use of safety and security window films during hurricanes and (2) steps already taken and proposed by both groups to address these concerns. The officials expressed their sincere appreciation for our industry’s proactiveness in these matters and for providing them with accurate information about the very real protection our industry’s products can provide in hurricanes and other storm events. 

Model legislation that is applicable to each and every jurisdiction is not possible because most jurisdictions amend existing safety or glazing statutes to restrict window film. Generally, the law that sets the standard for window film also specifies the restriction for signs, decals, and stickers. 

LAW CHARTS

Canada Window Tinting Law Chart

Illinois Tint Law Certificate

New Mexico Alert on Enforcement

US State Law Chart

Texas Window Tinting Standards (Addendum)

New Law for Big Rig Truckers (Press Release)

The summary chart of state aftermarket tint law information is not a legal document.It is the result of independent research, using several sources of public state documents. Window tinting laws vary from state to state and province to province. Before applying any window tinting materials, installers should thoroughly review the appropriate state regulations as well as local enforcement policies to insure compliance with all applicable standards.

FilmVLT%: Refers to the film itself 

Net VLT%:  Refers to the combined film & glass

Vague: The language of the law is unclear, legislative intent is unclear, or interpretation is uncertain.

Windshield: Presumably, NR tinting is permitted above the AS-1 line. If the law specifies only the AS-1 line, AS-1 appears. If AS-1 or specified inches appears, the AS-1 is assumed and only the number of inches down appears.(Note: NR is used in lieu of “No, Any, or a specific percentage” when the law permits unspecified “nonobstructive” or “Transparent” tinting materials. In these cases, the legality of tinting inevitably depends upon each officer’s discretion.

Front Sides: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted. (Note: Because they may vary from state to state, manufacturer’s tolerances (i.e. + / - 3% VLT) are not listed on this chart, not are they included in these VLT numbers.)

MPV: Multi Purpose Vehicle, a vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed to carry ten people or less that is constructed either on a truck chassis or has special features for occasional off-road operation.

Back Sides: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

Rear: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

% of Reflectivity: NR No metallic or mirrored appearance

NE: Not excessive (not specific)

MNIR: Must not increase reflectivity

MBNR: Must be non-reflective (not specific)

NMMA: No metallic or mirror