Glare Reduction Window Film for the University of Windsor Toldo Lancer Centre Pool
The University of Windsor needed a more reliable way to manage glare from the large windows surrounding the pool at the Toldo Lancer Centre in Windsor, Ontario.
Motorized shades were already in place, but repeated mechanical issues meant the facility needed a more dependable solution that did not rely on moving parts. At the same time, Feather Friendly bird-collision markers were already installed on the exterior surface of the windows, so any new window film solution had to work with the existing system rather than interfere with it.
Having previously completed work for the University of Windsor, Windsor Window Imaging was brought in to recommend and install an appropriate commercial window film solution for the pool area.
The Challenge
Large areas of exterior glass bring natural light into aquatic and recreational facilities, but that same daylight can also create significant glare. At the Toldo Lancer Centre pool, glare through the surrounding windows was the primary concern. Motorized shades were available to help manage the light, but they had experienced repeated mechanical problems. The University wanted an additional solution that could provide ongoing glare control without relying solely on the shades. There was also another important consideration. Feather Friendly bird-collision markers were already installed on the exterior surface of the windows. Because those markers needed to remain undisturbed, the new film solution had to be installed on the interior.
The Solution
Windsor Window Imaging recommended 3M™ Affinity 15 Sun Control Window Film for the interior surface of the pool windows. Affinity 15 is designed to help reduce glare and eye discomfort while also providing solar control benefits. Depending on the glass configuration, the film can provide approximately 85% to 87% glare reduction. For this project, glare control was the primary reason the film was selected.Installing the film on the interior allowed the existing Feather Friendly markers on the exterior glass to remain in place. This gave the University a passive glare-control solution that could work continuously alongside the existing shade system rather than depending entirely on motorized shades to manage incoming sunlight.
Why Interior Window Film Made Sense for This Project
The existing bird-collision markers made the installation approach especially important. Because the Feather Friendly markers were already installed on the exterior glass, applying 3M Solar Control Window Film to the interior surface allowed both systems to remain in place and serve their separate purposes. This is an important consideration for commercial, institutional and recreational facilities where multiple glass treatments may already be installed.Professional window film selection is not simply about choosing how dark a film looks. The existing glass, building use, orientation, other products installed on the windows and the client’s primary objective all need to be considered when determining the appropriate film and installation method.
Installation Around an Active Pool Facility
The project involved 55 windows surrounding the pool area, covering approximately 2,000 square feet of glass. A three-person Windsor Window Imaging crew completed the installation over two days.Working around the pool presented additional installation challenges. Vents and structural cross beams limited direct access to portions of the glass, requiring the crew to use ladders and planks to reach the installation areas. The pool also remained in use during the project, so installation had to be coordinated around facility activities to minimize disruption.
The Completed Project
The completed installation provided the Toldo Lancer Centre with a permanent window film solution designed specifically to help address glare from the pool-area windows.
The project included:·
3M™ Affinity 15 Sun Control Window Film installed on 55 windows surrounding the pool
Approximately 2,000 square feet of glass treated
Interior installation so the existing exterior Feather Friendly bird-collision markers could remain in place
A passive glare-control solution that does not depend on motorized shades being operated or functioning correctly
A three-person installation crew
Installation completed over two days
Work coordinated around an active aquatic facility
Additional access planning around vents and structural cross beamsBecause no post-installation client feedback or performance measurements have been collected at this stage, this case study focuses on the project requirements, product selection and installation rather than making claims about measured results.
A Practical Glare-Control Solution for Large Commercial Windows
This University of Windsor project demonstrates how commercial window film can solve a very specific building challenge. The objective was not simply to tint the pool windows. The facility needed a glare-control solution that could work continuously without moving parts, reduce reliance on motorized shades, be installed around an operating pool environment and coexist with existing exterior bird-collision markers. By selecting an interior-applied 3M sun control film suited to the application, Windsor Window Imaging was able to address those requirements without replacing the existing glass or removing the Feather Friendly system.
For universities, recreation centres, pools and other commercial or institutional facilities with large expanses of glass, professionally installed window film can provide a practical option for managing glare while working with existing building systems.
Windsor Window Imaging has been a leading window film and graphics provider in the Southern Ontario region since 1998. Located in Windsor, Ontario, we are a 3M Authorized Window Film dealer proudly serving Windsor, Sarnia, Essex, Chatham, and the surrounding area. “All our work is guaranteed and we guarantee your seen our work.”
Managing glare in a pool, recreation centre, office, school or other commercial building often requires more than simply choosing a darker window treatment. Windsor Window Imaging can assess the existing glass, building conditions and project objectives to recommend an appropriate 3M window film solution.
Contact Windsor Window Imaging to discuss your commercial window film project.
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