A Heated Matter

Excessive heat gain and sun glare through store windows can create challenging situations for customers as well as store associates. James Beale, managing partner of NGS Films & Graphics, discusses trends and tech advances in window films withChain Store Age.

What trends are you seeing in solar films and safety/security films in the retail space?

The latest trend in solar control window films for retail stores is to install a virtually clear, high-heat rejecting and low reflective “spectrally select” film that will not change the look of the glazing. The main benefit is to achieve heat gain reduction and fade control without changing the look of the glazing.

What about trends in specialty graphics?

We are now recommending some new, very flexible/multi-use products that can be used for glass graphics, wall graphics and floor graphics that are lower cost than traditional “scope specific” films or wallcoverings.

What’s the biggest mistake retailers make when it comes to dealing with extreme heat issues?

We have seen retailers select a clear UV film or lightly tinted metallized film thinking they will get heat reduction, and that’s not the case. There are specialized clear heat rejection films called spectrally select that are the best in class films. We also recommend exterior versions of these films because they perform substantially better than the interior applied versions.

What about glare reduction?

There is always a tug of war between wanting to reduce glare and wanting to not “tint” the windows. We recommend looking at the specific location to see if we can utilize diffuser films on transom windows so as to allow light but not glare and have an architectural look.

The lower panels can be slightly tinted so that the combination works well. If there is a serious issue we can install electronically controlled films that will tint on command. These are the latest films, called electrochromic.

What’s the biggest misconception retailers have about window films?

The biggest misconception we run into is that all window tint is “dark” or “shiny reflective.” This is not the case and I think most of our clients are surprised at the options available and the amazing new technology used in some of the new products. We have films now that are virtually clear and will take single-pane to dual-pane performance.

Has technology impacted your industry?

Absolutely. We now have the ability to upgrade windows without changing them, integrate automation to control the tint or color of the windows on command or via schedule. We also can print on most of these films to create custom branding while achieving solar or security performance.

How is NGS positioned in the marketplace?

At NGS we have positioned ourselves to be the preeminent leader in the window film, graphics and signage space from design, engineering, production, project management and installation. We want our clients to feel confident they can come to us to get the most comprehensive consultation and, as needed, the best product & service at a fair price. Per a recent customer survey we commissioned the top three words our clients use to describe us are: reliable, responsive and professional.

What are your core products?

Our core products and services are solar control films, our field-proven Tri-Shield forced-entry protection solution, printed graphics programs, signage and branding packages.

What advantages does NGS bring to the table?

The advantage of working with NGS is that we are able to leverage our expertise in all manufacturers’ products in our space and provide full graphics, films and signage services with one dedicated account manager. No longer do retailers have to hire multiple companies to accomplish these scopes.

We also install all of our products and thus we own our projects from cradle to grave ensuring the most seamless process and comprehensive warranty. Our motto is: We’ve got you covered, any project, any place, any time.

Do you offer national rollout services?

Yes. We are licensed and operate from coast to coast and we have an infrastructure built to specifically support high-intensity rollouts. Our team of project managers and qualified installation teams have tackled some of the most challenging projects within the tightest of timelines.