Today, the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group comprised of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers, announced the availability of a new downloadable resource for consumers, “Making Window Film History” – an eBook detailing the benefits of professionally installed window film for historic buildings, now available at www.iwfa.com/consumer/Literature.

Window film has long been recognized as an excellent home improvement choice for historical properties where updating with replacement windows may not be an option.

“Historic homes come with their own set of challenges for the owners, chief among these is finding ways to improve their efficiency without compromising the building’s historical significance,” said Darrell Smith, Executive Director of the IWFA. “Those looking to improve their homes while preserving the vintage look and feel would do well to consider the many benefits of professionally installed window film.”

Window film is a thin sheet of coating installed on an existing window, which may deliver a range of high-value benefits, particularly for historic homes and properties. The film can be professionally installed on virtually any window, regardless of size and shape, or age. Available in a variety of shades, it allows the façade of the property to appear unchanged. Installing window film gives homeowners the option to improve their property without affecting its historic appearance.

Older homes are typically quite inefficient due to age and poor insulation, and owners often struggle to address these issues without compromising the historical significance of the building. Windows are particularly problematic, typically accounting for 15 to 30 percent of the total heating load, and up to 50 percent of the cooling load during the warmer months. Also of concern is that windows usually cannot be replaced at historic properties, either due to structural or historic considerations, government regulations, or simply that the windows or glass are not made anymore.

Old windows not only increase energy costs for homeowners, they also allow a significant amount of UV rays to penetrate the building. Untreated windows may block as little as 25 percent of UV rays, and the remaining rays can do major damage to antique furniture and period rugs, causing fading and deterioration. Fortunately, window film may block up to 99 percent of UV rays, which protects home furnishings, both antique and more contemporary.

For more information download the IWFA’s “Making Window Film History” eBook at www.iwfa.com/consumer/Literature.

About the International Window Film Association
The International Window Film Association (IWFA) (http://www.iwfa.com) is a unified industry body of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the window film industry though the use of education, research, advocacy and consumer awareness.  The organization builds alliances with trade associations, utilities and government agencies to advance dealers’ and distributors’ businesses and provide value to their customers.