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Trotwood McDonald's Reduces Sun Glare with Window Film

August 12, 2026 · 4 min read

This McDonald's project shows how solar window film reduces glare by 85%, improving customer comfort and reducing heat gain.

Understanding Window Film for Your Business in Ohio

Glare from the sun can make dining uncomfortable for customers and employees alike. This project at a McDonald's in Trotwood, Ohio, demonstrates how commercial window film effectively addresses this common issue.

How Solar Window Film Works

Solar window films are thin, transparent or tinted layers of material applied to the interior surface of glass. They are designed to manage the sun's energy before it enters your building.

  • Light Reduction: Films like the Avery Dennison OptiTune 15 used here have a specific Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of visible light that passes through the film and glass. Lower VLT means less light and reduced glare. In this Trotwood McDonald's, the film reduced harsh light by 85%.
  • Heat Control: Window films also manage solar heat gain. The Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER) is the percentage of all solar energy (light and heat) blocked by the film. A higher TSER means more heat is kept out. While the primary goal was glare reduction, this film also contributes to a cooler interior.
  • UV Protection: Most high-quality window films block over 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause fading of interior furnishings and can be detrimental to skin.

Applying Window Film in Trotwood

For this McDonald's, the client needed a solution to prevent sun glare from affecting customers during meals. We selected Avery Dennison OptiTune 15, a dual-reflective film. This type of film has a different appearance and performance from the inside versus the outside, optimized to reduce glare while maintaining outward visibility. The installation covered 28 windows, totaling 568 square feet.

Benefits Beyond Glare Reduction

Beyond solving the immediate glare problem, this type of solar control window film offers additional advantages for businesses in Ohio:

  • Improved Comfort: By reducing direct sunlight and heat, the film creates a more pleasant environment for both customers and staff.
  • Energy Savings: Less heat entering the building can reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, potentially lowering energy bills, especially during Ohio's warm summer months.
  • Reduced Fading: Protecting interior elements from UV damage helps maintain their appearance and value over time.

Implementing window film is a practical way for businesses to enhance comfort and functionality. Learn more about our residential window tinting services in Dayton, Ohio.

See the full project →

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