Commercial Skylight Film Installation in Downtown Columbus
A commercial property in Downtown Columbus faced significant challenges with intense heat and glare entering their offices through 16 skylights, totaling 236 sqft. The excessive sunlight made workstations uncomfortable and unproductive during peak daylight hours. The building owner sought a solution that would mitigate these issues without the expense and disruption of replacing the existing glass.
The Solution: Exterior Window Film
TruView Films applied Madico Silver 20 Exterior window film to the skylights. This specialized film is designed to be applied to the exterior surface of the glass, addressing solar heat gain before it enters the building. The "Silver 20" designation indicates a film that reflects a significant portion of solar energy and allows for a controlled amount of visible light (approximately 20% VLT - Visible Light Transmission) to enter, effectively reducing glare.
How Madico Silver 20 Exterior Film Works
This film functions by reflecting a substantial amount of solar radiation. Its metallic composition helps to block heat-producing infrared rays and light-producing visible rays. By rejecting solar heat, the film lowers the surface temperature of the glass and, consequently, the interior air temperature. This directly combats the heat buildup experienced in the affected offices.
Addressing Glare and Enhancing Productivity
The glare from the skylights was a major disruption, making it difficult for employees to work comfortably, especially at computer terminals. Madico Silver 20 Exterior film significantly reduces the amount of visible light entering the space. This lowered Visible Light Transmission (VLT) creates a more comfortable visual environment, reducing eye strain and improving focus for building occupants.
Energy Efficiency and HVAC Savings
By reducing the solar heat gain, the window film lessens the workload on the building's HVAC system. Instead of constantly battling intense solar heat, the air conditioning units operate more efficiently. This reduction in energy consumption not only lowers utility bills but also decreases wear and tear on the HVAC equipment, potentially extending its lifespan.
Project Details
- Location: Downtown Columbus, Ohio
- Service: Commercial Window Tinting
- Film: Madico Silver 20 Exterior
- Area: 236 sqft (16 skylights)
- Benefits: Heat reduction, glare control, improved workspace comfort, energy savings.






