Identify the actual glazing before selecting film. Appearance alone is not enough to establish heat treatment, coatings, lamination, pane count, or condition.
Annealed glass
- Standard float glass that has not been heat strengthened or fully tempered.
- Edge damage, scratches, holes, notches, size, shading, and thermal conditions remain relevant.
Heat-strengthened and tempered glass
- These products receive different heat treatments and have different strength and breakage characteristics.
- Look for permanent markings where applicable and confirm records when the mark is absent or unclear.
Laminated glass
- Two or more plies are bonded with an interlayer.
- Confirm ply construction, thickness, coatings, interlayer, existing film, and manufacturer guidance.
Insulating glass units
- Two or more panes are separated by sealed spaces and spacers.
- Record pane count, pane thickness, tint, heat treatment, coating surfaces, gas fill when known, spacer, seal condition, size, and orientation.
Low-emissivity coatings
- Low-emissivity coatings manage long-wave heat transfer and can be placed on different surfaces within a glazing system.
- Use reliable identification and current manufacturer review; do not assume coating surface from age or appearance.
Field record
- Photograph markings and conditions.
- Record dimensions, orientation, shading, frames, damage, attachments, and the source used for compatibility review.