Project Overview
Spectra Light completed a targeted commercial window film installation with the following project specifications:
- Property type: Multi-storey seniors’ residence.
- Location: Calgary, Alberta.
- Service provided: Commercial exterior solar window film installation.
- Window film used: Vista NXA35 Exterior Solar Film.
- Project date: 2024
Spectra Light installed Visat NXA35 Exterior Solar Film on select sun-exposed windows at a multi-storey seniors’ care facility in Calgary. The primary objective focused on boosting solar heat rejection through the exterior glazing, cutting down intense temperature spikes along the south-facing exposure points, and creating a balanced, comfortable indoor environment for residents and healthcare staff.
The Challenge
The facility faced distinct environmental and operational challenges with commercial window film installation across its south-facing elevation, such as:
- Excessive solar heat gain penetrating through unshaded south-facing glazing.
- Elevated localized temperatures directly impacting areas near untreated glas.
- Vulnerable indoor comfort levels for senior residents sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
- The requirement for an effective retrofit that avoided the capital expense and operational disruption of window replacement.
The seniors’ residence experienced substantial solar heat buildup throughout peak daytime hours along windows exposed to direct southern light. Baseline diagnostic testing documented an untreated south-facing window glass temperature of approximately 29.8°C, paired with a solar power metre reading of 123 W/m² entering the building envelope. Facility management required a high-performance commercial solar film solution capable of stopping heat at the exterior glass surface before it entered the building, all while preserving natural daylight and avoiding the disruption of replacing existing glass units.
The Solution
Spectra Light engineered an exterior-grade window film retrofit tailored to the facility’s daylight exposure:
- Film specification: Vista NXA35 Exterior Solar Film.
- Application area: High-exposure exterior glass across the south elevation.
- Performance goal: Reject solar energy at the outer pane to minimize thermal transfer indoors.
- Installation method: Direct exterior surface application to existing commercial glazing.
Spectra Light applied Vista NXA35 Exterior Solar Film directly to the exterior surface of the designated sun-exposed windows. Applying solar control film to the outside pane stops incoming heat before it absorbs into or passes through the glazing system, maximizing thermal efficiency. This installation allowed the facility to keep its existing glass infrastructure intact, eliminating major operational disruption for residents. The finished film delivered a clean, neutral exterior aesthetic that blended seamlessly with the architectural facade while preserving outward visibility.
The Result
The completed installation delivered clear, verifiable performance improvements across multiple metrics:
- An immediate 5.9°C surface temperature drop recorded at the filmed window.
- Measurable reduction in radiant heat transfer along the building’s south-facing perimeter.
- Improced thermal stability and day-to-day comfort near treated glazing.
- Zero structural alterations or window replacements required.
- A refined, low-reflectivity or architectural appearance from the exterior.
On-site testing verified the thermal performance of the Vista NX35 exterior film installation. Thermal diagnostic imaging documented a surface temperature of approximately 23.9°C on the treated glass, compared to 29.8°C on adjacent untreated glazing under identical test conditions. This measured difference confirms substantial solar heat mitigation, helping stabilize interior temperatures and improving daily comfort for residents and facility staff.
Project Imagery
The on-site documentation below illustrates the south-facing window performance testing and verified temperature readings captured during the project assessment.
Improve Comfort and Performance in Your Commercial Facility
Spectra Light provides tailored commercial solar window film solutions across Calgary and surrounding areas to lower energy transfer and stabilize indoor temperatures. Reach out to the Spectra Light commercial team today to schedule an on-site solar assessment and discuss high-performance film options for your property.