Old St. Augustine Village is a collection of nine historic houses spanning the period 1790 to 1910. The Village features the collections of museum benefactors and exhibits which depict highlights of the history of St. Augustine and Florida. One city block and four centuries of history make Old St. Augustine Village a primary destination for travelers to the area.
Many of the buildings are 200 to 300 years old, with single pane glass windows and wooden frames that have had to withstand the ravages of the strong Florida sun over the years.
Recently Tom Muir, administrator of the village, retained a preservation consultant of the Fine Arts Conservancy of West Palm Beach to provide counsel for overcoming the natural problems faced in maintaining the fragile façade and their precious contents. The sun’s heat and ultraviolet light were causing art and antiques to fade as well as creating considerable discomfort for visitors.
Following a detailed study of the environment, the consultants recommended the installation of solar control window film and designated the local Vista dealer as the best source for the selection and installation of film. A spectrally selective product, Vista VS75 Spectra Select, was specified. When installed, this new product allowed the sunlight to shine brightly through glass, illuminating interiors, while at once taking the fire (infra red heat) out of the sun and totally blocking ultraviolet rays. Heat and UV light are the principal causes of the fading of furnishing fabrics and carpets, as well as fine woods, antiques and art. The combination of infra red rejection and the virtual elimination of UV light make the film ideal for the problems the Village faced. Vista VS75 rejects 40% of all solar energy, transmits 74% of visible sunlight, reduces solar heat by 30% and blocks 99.9% of ultraviolet rays from penetrating the glass.
Upon completion of the installation, Tom Muir commented “the clear Vista film is barely detectable on the glass. What’s more, it’s protecting the Village against the sun’s damaging rays so that visitors can fully experience the historic interiors of our homes for years to come.”
Case Study ©2016 Llumar Window Film
Please contact Glass Enhancements, Inc. for more related case studies.
