As a business owner, you put a lot into your space in the form of time, money, and effort. As a result, you are likely always looking for ways to improve your business. One way to improve commercial spaces is with window film! Window film offers various functionalities and benefits like heat rejection, UV protection, increased security, and more.
Businesses lose energy and comfort through untreated windows—but choosing the right window film can improve comfort, cut energy costs, and enhance safety. Whether you manage an office, school, or retail storefront, this guide from Professional Window Tinting (serving Delaware and Maryland) helps you compare the top 3M and Solyx options for your space.
Contents
What Are the Main Types of Commercial Window Film?
Sun Control Films (for Comfort & Energy Savings)
Benefits:
- Heat Rejection: High-quality commercial window films are engineered to significantly reduce the amount of solar heat transmitted through windows. This will help you to maintain a cooler commercial space while simultaneously improving your business’ overall energy efficiency.
- Glare Reduction: Commercial window films also provide an effective solution for minimizing glare. This will go a long way in maintaining your employees’ productivity and in-office comfort. By filtering out harsh sunlight, these films allow natural light to enter without the discomfort and visibility issues associated with direct sunlight.
- Boosted Energy Efficiency and Comfort: Installing commercial window film is also an effective way to stabilize indoor temperatures year-round. This leads to less energy consumed by heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower utility bills and a consistently comfortable working environment.
- UV Protection: Commercial window films provide excellent protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Sun Control Window Film addresses problems like hot spots, glare, and harmful UV rays while welcoming natural light into your space. Depending on the film you select, it can reduce up to 78% of the sun’s heat.
By rejecting the sun’s heat, window film takes some of the work off of HVAC systems, lowering energy bills. Additionally, it rejects up to 99% of UV rays to protect furniture, flooring, and occupants’ skin. This film also has the ability to minimize bothersome glare so occupants can work comfortably. Some of our 3M sun control products include:
Want to cut your building’s cooling costs by up to 30%? Request a quick quote to see which 3M window films fit your space.
Decorative & Privacy Films (for Style & Discretion)
Benefits:
- Increased Privacy: Commercial window films are available in a range of opacities, providing customizable levels of privacy while still allowing for light transmission.
- Maintain a Naturally Lit Space: Reduce glare and block harmful UV rays without sacrificing the natural light.
- Enhance Aesthetics: Commercial window films are available in various designs, textures, and colors. An incredibly easy and cost-effective way to spice up your commercial space!
In the workplace, architectural trends tend to lean towards natural lighting and open floor plans. Many opt for an office space full of windows and glass conference room walls to achieve this. While glass provides an open feel, it also creates a lack of privacy. Not to mention, excess glass can seem redundant.
Decorative and Privacy Window Film can create privacy where necessary, without eliminating natural light! Available in numerous patterns, colors, textures, and opacity levels, Decorative and Privacy Window Film allows you to customize your level of confidentiality. Not only does it create privacy, but this film can also be used to enhance the interior design of your space.
If complete privacy is your end goal, you may select a frosted film. On the other hand, if you’d like to add a unique element of design to your space, you may select a patterned film. With so many designs available, the options are endless! We offer two lines of decorative window films: Solyx and 3M Fasara. Other privacy-specific films we offer include Smart Film and Casper Cloaking Technology.
Our local experts can help you match the right frosted or patterned film to your office’s design. Book a free consultation today.
Safety & Security Films (for Protection & Peace of Mind)
Benefits:
- Increased Security: Commercial window films make it so your windows are more resistant to attempted break-ins or accidental impacts.
- Protection Against Inclement Weather and Natural Disasters: By holding shattered glass in place, commercial window films can provide an additional layer of safety during severe weather events or natural disasters, helping to protect occupants and interiors from flying glass debris.
- Deter Break-Ins: The reinforced barrier will make windows harder to breach.
Windows are the most vulnerable point of your space. From break-ins and bomb blasts to inclement weather, an unexpected event can wreak havoc upon your space. Not to mention, if a window is broken, it can send flying shards of glass into your space, potentially causing more harm and damage. With Safety and Security Window Films, you can fortify your business against whatever comes its way!
3M Safety and Security Window Film adds a virtually invisible layer of protection to windows. If a window is broken, this film holds the glass in place! As a result, it minimizes damage and harm caused by flying shards of glass. It can also allow extra time to react in an emergency and deter criminals from entering your space. In order to further increase security, 3M Safety and Security Window Film can be paired with 3M Impact Protection Adhesive (IPA) Attachment Systems. This attachment anchors to the window frame, providing even more security.
Talk to our Delaware and Maryland teams about reinforcing your windows before hurricane season. Start the conversation online.
How to Choose the Right Film for Your Business
Every commercial space has different window exposures, privacy concerns, and aesthetic goals. Choosing the right window film starts with evaluating your building’s current conditions and priorities.
Here’s a quick framework our experts use:
- Assess the problem areas. Identify windows that cause hot spots, glare on screens, or fading on furniture.
- Set your goals. Are you looking to lower energy costs, improve safety, or make a design statement?
- Consider your building type. Offices often benefit from glare reduction and privacy, while schools or government buildings focus on safety and UV protection.
- Review maintenance and warranty needs. Premium 3M and Solyx films come with long-term warranties and minimal upkeep.
- Get a professional evaluation. An in-person assessment ensures your chosen film performs well with your existing glass type and HVAC system.
Partnering with Professional Window Tinting gives you access to local consultants who measure exposure levels, recommend suitable window films, and provide samples before installation—so you can feel confident in your investment.
Why Businesses in Delaware & Maryland Trust Professional Window Tinting
Since 1986, Professional Window Tinting has been helping local businesses protect their spaces and reduce energy costs. As a 3M™ Authorized Dealer and family‑owned, woman‑run company, we deliver both top‑tier products and unmatched customer care.
What sets us apart:
- Local expertise. We understand the climate challenges specific to the Mid‑Atlantic region—from humid summers to cold winters.
- Certified installation team. Our technicians are factory‑trained and certified to apply advanced 3M window films safely and seamlessly.
- Custom solutions. From decorative glass partitions to storm‑resistant coatings, every recommendation is tailored to your building’s purpose.
- Proven results. Hundreds of local offices, schools, and storefronts have already improved comfort and cost savings with our installations.
Businesses choose us because we make the process simple, transparent, and results‑driven—from the first consultation to the final inspection.
Get a Free Commercial Window Film Quote
Ready to enhance your building’s efficiency, comfort, and security? Our team is here to help.
Here’s what happens when you request a free quote:
- A local specialist schedules a quick walkthrough of your property (virtual or in‑person).
- We measure your glass, note any problem areas, and discuss your priorities.
- You receive a custom recommendation and transparent pricing—no pressure, no hidden fees.
You’ll see exactly how window film can lower HVAC costs, reduce glare, and strengthen your glass.
Whether your end goal is to improve energy efficiency, create privacy, or increase security, there is a window film solution for you! In order to find the best commercial window film for your space, reach out to our team at Professional Window Tinting.
Professional Window Tinting is a family-run and woman-owned business, proudly serving the MD, DE, PA, and NJ region for over 30 years. To get your free quote on commercial, residential, or automotive solar window film, give us a call at (302) 456-3456 or fill out a form online.
*This article was originally published in June of 2022
