Ellen, Jean-Luc's recommendation to follow the recommendations of the CCI Notes is an excellent one, and I can only add to that some personal thoughts from practical application of many types of light-mitigation materials. When I began using filtering film, it was mostly in the form of roller shades; the thought was that installation was easy (although the first vendor insisted on having their own installer do it -- what a waste of money!), and shades could be raised if need be, for periods of maintenance or changing exhibitions. I found a spot where a couple of units could be installed, and waited to see the reaction of our director and board members. No one noticed -- a good thing. When informed about the installation, and queried about the appearance, the board's consensus was that the medium-density film was "too bright". So we went with the denser film, which was what I wanted all along.
In other light-filtering applications, I used non-roller film panels, exterior acrylic panels with film applied (a bit risky, but they lasted twice as long as the five-year expected life), and (semi-)rigid acrylic panels, suspended on double-hung window sash, and even one adhesive film applied to a modern window. I also used shading fabric roller shades, too, if you would like to hear about that. There were various installation challenges, such as century-old bronze window frames, two hundred year-old woodwork surrounding some windows, and so forth. Although I had heard that removing failing, old film was a tough and risky job, I was fortunate in never having had to do it. I was also fortunate that neither the director nor the board members complained about the look of the filtered windows -- even from the exterior. Maybe that was just luck, but I'll take it.
If I may be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch -- abmacleish@verizon.net
Best,
Bruce
------------------------------
Bruce MacLeish
Curator Emeritus, Newport Restoration Foundation
Cooperstown NY
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 08-16-2023 06:55 AM
From: Ellen Henry
Subject: Window film in museums and historic houses
We are considering the use of window films for an historic property (1881-1884 construction) we are restoring and plan to open as a museum. The windows have PPG glass which was installed during a 1936-38 restoration. If anyone would like to share their experience with window films or their thoughts about using these films, all comments are welcome!
Ellen J. Henry, MFA
Curator
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association
4931 South Peninsula Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
386-761-1821 ext. 17
ellen@ponceinlet.org