A new line of window films from Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ) offers protection to building residents from disruptions caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI).  

All electronic devices emit electromagnetic radiation. While being useful for wireless computer networks and mobile phone towers to send data, there are undesirable effects too of transmitting information this way. Data transmitted on an internal wireless network can be accessed from outside the building, and mobile phone towers can emit high levels of this invisible radiation.  

Electromagnetic interference or EMI is the disruption of electromagnetic radiation.  

Moderate or high-powered wireless transmitters are key causes of EMI. People living near radio or television transmitters or in a large city usually face disruptions to their cordless telephones, home entertainment systems, computers and even medical devices.  

An apartment owner in one of Melbourne’s premier boulevards was concerned by possible EMI problems from mobile phone repeaters on top of neighbouring buildings. Impressive floor-to-ceiling windows and doors inside his apartment left it vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation.  

The apartment owner decided to shield his apartment from EMI exposure as a precautionary measure and zeroed in on specific window films that were designed to offer this protection. After getting his apartment professionally tested for EMI levels, he decided to install window film with the highest protection ratings on his doors and windows even though the readings from the tests were well below the maximum set by Australian Standards.  

Melbourne-based window film experts at The Tint Shop were chosen to install the EMI control window films.  

The Tint Shop Manager, Damien Fattore said that they installed 36m² of film to nine master bedroom windows and one lounge window.  

He adds that only experienced professionals should install the film since it demands precision.  

Silicone seals were removed from each window frame and the film fitted to the edge of the glass. A glazier reinstalled the silicone seals once the window film had been applied. Maximum coverage of glass was achieved, plus the silicone sealed the film onto the glass to help prevent corrosion.    

Damien says that one of the primary benefits of window film is that it can be retrofitted quickly with minimal inconvenience to the resident. It took two installers four hours to complete this specific job.  

The film they installed was almost clear so that it did not impede the view. Additionally, the window films also offer 55% heat reduction.  

A number of different window films are available in Australia to help control EMI by shielding glass from electromagnetic radiation.  

Rob Hamilton, President of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand says that the films act as a barrier in the form of a transparent metal layer blocking the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.  

Films with a high metal content give the best shielding values. The metal type also influences shielding properties with more conductive metals showing better electromagnetic attenuation.  

He adds that home and property owners interested in this sort of window film should choose a WFAANZ distributor member product as they come with a minimum 7-year warranty, and some residential applications are supported by lifetime warranty.  

Another application for these films is information security. Rob says that the radiation transmitted by electrical equipment such as computers and phones can be intercepted and decoded by high-tech criminals. Window films have been used in government and business offices around the world to protect their information and prevent electronic espionage.  

WFAANZ comprises of distributor members and installer members such as The Tint Shop. WFAANZ installer members have access to the latest industry developments and abide by a strict code of practice.