Inside a large empty commercial warehosue with large windows which are covered with a tinted heat reduction window film

High-Level Heat Reduction Window Film Installation

DataVita – York Road, Airdrie | Solar Control | Commercial Warehouse & Technical Facility

Project Overview

Mr Tint Window Films was appointed to install high-performance solar control window film within a commercial facility at DataVita, York Road, Airdrie.

The area concerned was a large internal hall intended to house computer and data server equipment, where environmental temperature control was critical to operational performance.

The objective was to significantly reduce solar heat gain through high-level glazing while maintaining natural light and outward visibility.

Large warehouse windows prior to window film installation with scaffold tower erected

The Challenge

The space contained large vertical glazing sections reaching a maximum height of 5.1 metres.

Solar exposure through these windows was generating excessive heat gain within the room. As the space was being prepared to house server equipment, maintaining temperature stability was essential to avoid overheating and excessive reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

Prior attempts to reduce heat had included:

Painting sections of the glazing
Installing polystyrene insulation boards

These measures proved ineffective. In fact, the insulation boards had partially melted due to excessive heat build-up caused by solar absorption — highlighting the severity of the thermal load.

The facilities maintenance team contacted us to assess the glazing and provide a sustainable solution.

The Specification Process

A full site survey was undertaken to assess:

Glass type and compatibility
Glazing condition
Solar orientation and heat load factors
Access constraints
Environmental conditions

Height and access requirements
Existing surface treatments

Our recommended specification — an internal high-performance solar control film — was selected on the basis of its solar energy rejection and suitability for the façade of the building.

Large warehouse windows with heat reduction window film applied and a scaffold tower in view

Technical Solution

Following assessment, Solar Screen Vista 80C was specified.

This film was selected because it:

Offers strong solar energy rejection
Reduces heat gain without high absorption
Maintains excellent outward clarity
Minimises visual change to the glazing

Before installation, the team:

Removed existing polystyrene coverings
Carefully scraped and removed residual paint from the glazing
Cleaned and prepared all surfaces to installation standard

This preparation was critical to ensure proper adhesion and long-term performance.

This adjustment allowed the film to be applied safely and accurately without compromising finish quality or safety.

Outcome

The installation delivered:

Significant reduction in solar heat gain
Improved thermal management within the server space
Reduced reliance on excessive air conditioning
Clear, low-visual-impact appearance

The client specifically commented on how unobtrusive the film appeared once installed, with minimal change to external aesthetics and clear outward visibility retained.

By replacing ineffective heat-absorbing measures with a correctly specified solar control film, the building achieved a controlled and practical heat reduction strategy.

Technical Summary

Project Type: High-Level Solar Control Installation
Location: Airdrie, Scotland
Sector: Commercial Warehouse / Technical Facility
Glazing Height: 5.1m
Access Method: Aluminium Scaffold Tower
Film Used: Solar Screen Vista 80C
Pre-Works: Paint Removal & Surface Preparation
Objective: Heat Reduction for Server Environment