December 2024
Welcome to the December 2024 issue of Window Film News.
As the temperature builds, so does the pace of the Aussie and New Zealand window film industry. We know your most precious commodity is time between now and Christmas, so we appreciate your taking a beat to catch up on industry news.
For WFAANZ, 2024 has entailed:
- transport authority liaison,
- industry training,
- development underway of a new Automotive Window Film Certification module,
- education seminars for energy assessors and building designers,
- partnership deals for members,
- government liaison,
- releasing visual quality standards,
- producing materials to support our members,
- Auto trade show presence,
- ensuring compliance with the new provisions in AS 2208:2023
…and then some. Contact info@wfaanz.org.au if you have any questions.
“Are there industry standards for applied window film?”. The answer is yes, and now there’s a dedicated resource suite explaining Visual Quality Standards (VQS) for Architectural & Automotive. It includes:
• VQS Automotive information sheet (public facing)
• VQS Automotive web page (public facing)
• VQS Architectural information sheet (public facing)
• VQS Architectural web page (public facing)
• WFAANZ Procedure Document Inspection of Installed Window Film V3 (members only)
All WFAANZ members have the authority to upload the VQS documents to your website, link to the webpage, or simply keep on file in case you need them. If you’re not a WFAANZ member and would like to use this document or info in any way, contact info@wfaanz.org.au.
If a customer questions certain aspects of a job, an incredibly effective mediation tool is a document produced by an independent industry body that clearly outlines the expectations of an auto film installation.
There are two Australian Standards that safety film installers should be across, and both have been updated in recent years:
- AS 2208 2023
- AS 1288 2021
For anyone installing or selling safety film, especially for Grade A safety glazing compliance, knowing the new regulations and how they impact your work is imperative.
To ensure our installer members stay on top of their obligations, WFAANZ developed two information sheets.
The FACT SHEET is a public-facing document, to help installers explain the benefits of safety and security film to customers.
The TECHNICAL BULLETIN outlines how the revised standard impact installers of safety film and is for WFAANZ members only.
Another way to stay abreast of industry developments like these is to attend WFAANZ Architectural Window Film Certification Workshop (online training).
Is the New Zealand H1 Building Code clause that regulates energy efficiency making homes so insulated, i.e. hot, that they now need to be cooled in Winter?
This concern was expressed by Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk in July when he defended his plan to review building standards: “We are hearing that in warmer parts of New Zealand such as Northland, residents are having to expend more energy on cooling their home, making the H1 requirements not only expensive but also counterproductive.”
This RNZ News article discusses over-specified double glazing as mandated in the H1 building code, highlighting the problems homeowners are experiencing, 27th September, 2024.
Congratulations to WFAANZ secretary Aaron McCarthy for the launch of his sustainability brainchild – the Surplus Eco Store website.
Surplus Eco Store is a B2B marketplace where unused or slow-moving window film and vinyl stock from installers and distributors is relocated to installers who need them.
It’s main goal – to tackle the waste problem in our industry.
When the app officially launches WFAANZ will advise tinters that they can register their surplus stock for resale.
While on the subject of sustainability, WFAANZ has launched a new Recycling web page. The page aims to make it easier for tinters to review their recycling plan and minimise waste.
Council areas each have a different approach to recycling, so unfortunately there is not one blanket solution we can offer the entire industry.
To help as best we can, WFAANZ worked with our distributor members to compile a list of recyclable material types. Once you have the material type of the roll cores and end caps you use, you can contact your local council to determine your recycling options.
Visit our page here.
Repurposing film cores
And if you can’t recycle – how about repurposing?
Pictured right is a suggestion for used film cores that WFAANZ secretary Aaron McCarthy found online…
The auto glass industry is rapidly evolving, and for auto window film installers, staying abreast of auto glass developments goes hand in hand with staying top of your game. That’s why WFAANZ ran a stand at the 2024 Auto Glass Trade Show at the Melbourne Showgrounds this month, where our members could come and learn about what’s new in auto glass.
Massive thanks to Hiliary Bradbury and the Auto Glass Association committee for giving WFAANZ the opportunity to be involved. And to Andrew Booth who manned the stand, and fellow committee member Michael Miller who joined him to represent WFAANZ.
AS1428.1 has been revised to 2021 (Design for access and mobility). The manifestation requirement remains a 75mm wide band between 900mm to 1000mm from the floor, with a 30% luminous contrast.
How do you ensure correct opacity of a manifestation according to AS1428.1 2021? The following has been added to the revised standard: “The opacity of the line shall be tested by observing a solid object placed immediately behind and touching the glass. The line shall be considered opaque if there is no image of the object visible.”
To keep up to date with this and other Standards regulating the application of architectural window film, be sure to attend WFAANZ training – Architectural Window Film Certification Workshop.
Hi fellow tinters,
Back on home soil for two months now and reflecting on the ten days we spent in Orlando for the International Window Film Conference & Tint Off. It’s a very long way to travel, coming home took 33 hours in total from door to door. But the exciting times we had competing, socialising and learning more than made up for it. A highlight was driving down to South Miami in a 5.7ltr Dodge Charger for two days. PS, The cold start sounded WOW.
Incredible party atmosphere in South Miami, Florida, and we didn’t miss out on the action.
Thankfully, we departed just in time, with the first hurricane hitting Florida only two days after we left.
As an owner of a long-standing window film business it feels pretty good to reward your best installer with a trip to the other side of the world to mix it up with the world’s best.
We didn’t win or even make the finals, but we were close.
From Aaron, Dee and Chris
On the right is a Facebook post from US Facebook group – Window Film Pros.
While it applies mostly to vehicles released in America, UVU marked auto glass does appear in Australian and New Zealand vehicles.
WFAANZ has received repeated warnings about this glass from tinters, and advises care be taken when working on UVU-marked glass as the coating is easily damaged.
Beware the swift
New page for auto tinters
Issues with the rough side of toughened glass are widely known, but has anyone scratched the smooth/hard/good side of toughened with a carbon scraper? This question was asked in a Facebook tinter forum recently.
Some tips from tinters…
- Consider using stainless steel blades rather than carbon scrapers, which are more prone to rust.
- Store your blades in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
- Any glass can scratch if debris is caught between the glass and blade, even the hard side of toughened. On certain jobs the glass may not be compliant. Test an unobtrusive area with the scraper first, and clean thoroughly and carefully before using the scraper.
- Small strokes are advisable unless you are confident of the glass quality/type.
One installation technique is to butterfly the corners to avoid creasing the film and contamination. Here’s how…
1. Try to get between 20-50mm overhang (over the frame).
2. Locate the corner (more difficult with darker film).
3. With a new point on your trimming knife, insert the point into the corner and cut at 45 degrees towards the bottom.
4. Pay attention to the accuracy, better to be a little longer than short, and leave a gap.
5. Now cut or tear the other portion 45 degrees.
6. If cut correctly, the film with sit neatly into the corner when trimmed in.
Thank you Andrew Booth for the info and images.
By Design article
A six-page article written by WFAANZ, which speaks to the effectiveness, versatility and impact of window film, appeared in the interiors issue of By Design magazine. Read the full article below.
By Design is published by the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA), this article is a consolidation of a program with the BDAA that saw us educating buildings designers, architects and energy assessors on the retrofit applications of window film.
Enquiries are on the rise about whether film interferes with the signal strength of mobile phones and Wi-Fi internet. I was wondering if WFAANZ has some info on this?
Some IT companies, government buildings and sensitive commercial operations seek a metallised film with high EMI (electromagnetic interference) properties to stop the Wi-Fi signal going to the outside, so they can minimise the risk of electronic snooping.
For mobile phone signals, it’s the same but in reverse. Some metallised films can reduce the strength of signals passing through them. Different metals have different effects on reducing EMI though, so the advice is to consult your supplier about a particular film’s signal-reducing ability.
Keep in mind, mobile phone signals are very good at getting through so generally speaking, unless the building roof/walls/floor were also treated with signal reducing materials, the cellular signal will still get through as the phone will pick up the signals through the rest of the building.
This is particularly true in cities where there is typically ample signal strength from numerous cellular towers. To that extent, it is not typical for mobile phones to have poor signal after a film install.
In regional areas where the cell tower can be much further away, and in a situation where the phone already had a relatively weak signal before film was installed, it is possible that a metallised film could reduce the signal even more. In that case, the signal will still want to travel through the roof/walls/floor, but those building elements can be harder for the signal to pass through than plain glass.
CASE STUDY from an Australian film supplier:
“Working for a large supplier of film (including metallised) for 20 years, I can recall only one time a film install led to a problematic drop in mobile phone signal.
The commercial building was on the outskirts of Canberra. Using detailed info from Telstra, we learnt it was in a valley with a sparse supply of cellular towers nearby. The signal strength before install was weak, but just enough to not cause problems. When the film was installed, it reduced the strength enough to cause drop-outs. Another factor, a lot of glazing in the building envelope meant there was not as much roof/walls/floor for the signals to go through.
It’s fair to say that for 99% installs there is not an issue with metallised films on buildings impacting mobile phone signal strength.”
I have a large window measuring 7sqm and the builder installed only 8mm clear laminate. I have since learnt it should be 10mm clear laminate. Could you please advise if it is legal to apply clear safety film to 8mm laminate glass to make it compliant with AS1288?
In reality, this being 8mm laminate glass, adding a film would give it significantly high human impact resistance, but it has not been tested and is not in the Standard.
The certifier may consider that because it is laminated glass (and not float glass) it will perform better, and they may decide to deem it safe. Unfortunately, that is not normally the case, so our prediction is that they will require that 10mm laminate be installed instead.
In further bad news, the option of removing the 8mm lam and replacing it with toughened glass to reuse the frame is also off the table, as the maximum area for toughened glass at 8mm is 6sqm.
In this example, the expectation is that the certifier will require the window to be changed.
Industry stalwart and all-round legend Andrew Booth is hanging up his squeegee and retiring. Working in the industry for over 20 years, Andrew built his business All About Window Tinting into a predominant staple of the Melbourne window film industry.
Andrew comments, “After working hard to develop and grow my business, I’ve decided to retire to enjoy the fruits of my labour. I’m looking to sell All About Window Tinting to someone who wants a rock-solid business with an impressive reputation, that was built through commitment and a focus on customer satisfaction.”
Features of the sale:
- Strong turnover with a very healthy profitability return
- Secured forward bookings
- Solid and established customer base in auto, residential and commercial
- Secure commercial lease in the Eastern Suburbs with prime marketing access to the North, Nth East, Sth East and City
- Niche market in regional areas
- Training and guidance provided if required
Expressions of interest should be sent to Andrew Booth, All About Window Tinting, (03) 9724 9111, andrew@aawt.com.au.
For the past eight years Andrew has volunteered countless hours as WFAANZ committee member and Treasurer.
Ally Cronan, WFAANZ President, who worked alongside him for those eight years, comments: “It’s truly been an honour to serve with Andrew on the WFAANZ committee. He not one to sit back and criticises from the sidelines. He puts himself in the thick of it, isn’t scared to have his say and shake things up, always ensuring the voice of the tinter is heard and well represented.
“His commitment to training and upskilling tinters has had a massive impact on the strategic direction of the association,” Ally continues, “…proving one person really can make a difference if they’re willing to put some skin in the game. We wish you all the best in retirement Andrew and hope beyond hope you’ll continue to share your energy, passion and knowledge with us in the coming years.”
Auto film installers stay tuned, WFAANZ will be launching an Automotive Window Film Certification program in 2025.
Like the architectural film program, it will entail a training module, study guide and exam to educate, test and certify auto film installers on the technical aspects of automotive film installation.
The December tour of Glassworks Australia for WFAANZ members is fully booked. The tour is designed to deepen an understanding of performance glazing and how it’s made via a first-hand look at a renowned glass processing operation.
Thank you to David Simpson and the Glassworks team for giving our members this unique opportunity.
To all the window film businesses below that recently joined WFAANZ – welcome to the team. Remember, the more you engage with us – the more you’ll get out of your membership. Contact me if you need assistance with marketing your membership to maximise your return on investment.
Bay City Tinting, VIC South West Windscreens & Tint, WA Territory Tint, NT Tint A Car Myaree, WA Total Tint Solutions Cannington, WA Total Tint Solutions Mandurah, WA Total Tint Solutions Osborne Park, WA Total Tint Solutions Rockingham, WA
The WFAANZ and WERS logos are for members and accredited installers use only. We don’t take that stance to be petty. There have been cases of businesses drawing fire from the ACCC and NZCC for ‘misleading the public’ through ‘misrepresentation of industry association status’.
This also applies to WFAANZ materials. The dissemination of WFAANZ documents (fact sheets, technical bulletin, visual quality standards, etc.) by non-members could be construed as misrepresenting your relationship with WFAANZ.
WFAANZ develops materials for the good of the industry as a whole. But it’s our members who have made the commitment to the industry, and as such they have exclusive authority to use the materials we produce. For non-members who want to use our materials there is of course a simple solution – join WFAANZ.
Congrats to Samuel McCarthy, seen here working on his first solo tint job recently, which came up a treat. Samuel has tinting in his DNA, joining his dad Aaron McCarthy of Tint FX and long serving WFAANZ member, on the tools.
Note from editor: I’d love to include more articles in this newsletter about the people who make up our industry. If you have any news that fits the bill, please email ally@acpublicrelations.com.au.
The WFAANZ constitution was updated this year, bringing it in line with model constitution for incorporated associations released by the NSW Department of Fair Trading. Prior to lodging our submission with the Dept., all members were emailed a copy of the new, proposed constitution and the original for reference.
Thank you to everyone for your input and involvement in this process. In response to our submission, on 30th September 2024 WFAANZ received the response below from NSW Fair Trading:
Re: WINDOW FILM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND INCORPORATED – Y1478900
I refer to the Form A6 Application to register change of objects or constitution received by NSW Fair Trading on 26/09/2024 for the above association. The Application has been reviewed and appears, on its face, to comply with the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (Act). Accordingly, the change to the objects/constitution has been registered today and takes effect from the date of this letter. Please note, the terms of the special resolution and any documents attached including the constitution have not been reviewed to determine whether they meet the requirements of the Act. Fair Trading has relied upon your certification that the details provided are correct and the constitution/changes accompanying this Application complies with the requirements of the Act.
To all our members –
Thanks for your continued support this year. The best part of my job – by a long shot – is working with the people in the Trans Tasman industry.
Wishing all industry stakeholders and their families a safe and happy festive season. Best of luck during the busiest time of year!
Looking forward to working with you all in 2025, where we set our sights on promoting window film, our members and the association.
The WFAANZ secretariat office will close COB Friday, 22 December and open again on Tuesday, 7 January, 2024.
Warm regards,
Ally Cronan, WFAANZ President
