Unfortunately, bird strikes against windows aren’t uncommon and can present a problem for architects, planners, and urban designers working on building designs. When it comes to commercial, institutional, and architectural projects, preventing bird strikes with window film is one long-term solution that calls for a closer look.
There are several ways to add bird protection window film, which makes knowing about placement, dentistry, attachment systems, and other things all the more important.
Why are window films the best pick against bird strikes
The reason why we recommend window films is because they are a professional and scalable solution for large facades and glass-heavy buildings. In contrast to temporary solutions and other quick fixes, a bird protection window film is durable, tactful, and building-code adaptable.
But that’s not all. It reduces liability for owners, helps with sustainability, and makes things safer for birds themselves.
Strategies for effective bird protection with window film
As mentioned briefly in the beginning, there are multiple ways to apply anti-collision window film strategies, so you’ll need to pay special attention to:
- Pattern density and visibility
You want to stick to the 2x4 rule, which is the horizontal and vertical spacing that birds recognize as barriers. To be more precise, you should put a pattern on the glass where the markings are no more than 2 inches (50 mm) apart up and down, and 4 inches (100 mm) apart side to side.
There are a few patterns you can use, including dots, stripes, frosted motifs, and gradients. With that in mind, try to find a balance between bird visibility and architectural aesthetics.
- Exterior versus interior application
One of the main dilemmas is having to choose between an exterior-applied or an interior-applied film. This will primarily depend on the building type, facade exposure, and conservation priorities.
Exterior-applied films are more visible to birds and hence offer higher effectiveness. On the other hand, interior ones are much easier to maintain, but do have lower collision prevention rates.
- Integration with other design elements
Chances are, you’ll need to add a window film without messing up the already present designs of either the exterior or interior. The good news is that window films can solve this problem as well.
You can pair films with other architectural features, such as shading devices, louvers, or fritted glass, to achieve an even better result. For instance, a university library can use a patterned film on the outside windows and also have blinds on the inside.
Attachment systems for long-term durability
Apart from preventing bird strikes with window film, you also have attachment systems to help with the problem. They help with:
- Perimeter sealing and anchoring
This is practically mandatory for high-rise facades and exposed public buildings. The attachment system will make films stay bonded under wind load and temperature variation.
- Structural glazing compatibility
Window films must integrate with architectural glass attachment systems without compromising safety. For instance, airports or government buildings require fire and safety compliance, so you have to keep that in mind as well.
- Weather and UV resistance
It is crucial to use professional-grade adhesives because the window film needs to resist yellowing, peeling, or lifting at the edges when exposed to outdoor weather and UV radiation.
Some of the use cases and professional applications
Window films can be used in pretty much any institution that requires bird strike protection. For corporate offices, these films offer a way to balance aesthetic design with environmental responsibility, such as the polyurethane-based thick film that doesn’t change the appearance of a window.
Then, they are ideal for buildings with large glass facades that pose a high risk of bird-window collisions, such as airports or transport hubs.
Universities and other cultural institutions can use films to combine sustainability with safety measures. For heritage or civic buildings, it offers a subtle solution that can be easily removed, which is important for keeping old buildings in their original condition.
Dual benefits of window film solutions
The most notable feature of commercial bird strike prevention solutions is that they offer wildlife protection and improve building performance. Not only do window films prevent bird collisions, but they also contribute to:
- Energy efficiency (solar control films)
- Occupant comfort (reduced glare and heat)
- Compliance with green building certifications (like LEED or BREEAM)
What’s more, window films position bird protection as a key part of building more sustainable and eco-friendly buildings.
Protect both your windows and birds
With all things considered, window film combined with professional bird-safe glass attachment systems is the most reliable, discreet, and sustainable approach in preventing bird strikes in architectural projects.
At Solar Screen, we have a lot of window film options to help with this exact issue, and we’re knowledgeable about the ins and outs of installing it. Feel free to check out our wide range of high-quality self-adhesive window films or the many product solutions and real-world applications on our blog.