Window Film at The Wharf, Washington DC

Glare Control Film for Wharf Condos and Apartments

Buildings along Maine Avenue SW and the piers face the Washington Channel and East Potomac Park across the water. Many units have floor-to-ceiling glass and balconies facing the channel. In the afternoon the sun comes from over the water, and the channel reflects it back up into living rooms, under overhangs and onto ceilings and screens.

Residents often describe the reflected light as harder to deal with than direct sun, because it arrives at an angle that blinds and awnings do not block. We use a gray-neutral glare product that stays dull on the room side, which tones down the brightness and leaves the boats and the park in sharp focus. We avoid highly reflective films here, since they can turn the windows into mirrors after dark and hide the evening view.

Solar and Glare Film for Wharf Offices

The office buildings at The Wharf house firms that chose the waterfront for its views and amenities. Those views come with afternoon sun and water glare across the whole perimeter on the channel side. Screens wash out, perimeter offices heat up, and blinds come down, which defeats the reason the space was leased.

Solar control film approved for the building's insulated glass reduces heat and glare together. We coordinate with property management for approval and appearance standards, and install after hours. Glass-fronted conference rooms in these buildings often get frosted film at the same time.

• Glare film for channel-facing offices
• Solar control film approved for the glazing
• Frosted film for glass conference rooms
• After-hours installation with management approval

Window Film for Wharf Restaurants, Hotels and Venues

Restaurants line the waterfront with large glass fronts and patios facing the channel. Diners at window tables in the late afternoon face direct sun and reflected glare at the same time. Light solar film keeps those tables comfortable and the view clear. Clear UV film protects upholstery, wood and finishes from fading in sunny dining rooms.

Hotels at The Wharf deal with the same issues in guest rooms and lobbies, plus privacy for lower rooms facing the promenade. The neighborhood's music venues, including The Anthem, and nearby Arena Stage have lobby and storefront glass that sees heavy crowds. Security and anti-graffiti film suit those entrances.

UV Protection for Waterfront Interiors

Water reflection adds to the ultraviolet hitting the glass, so floors, rugs, furniture and art in channel-facing rooms fade faster than the same items in a typical city apartment. Clear UV film filters most of it out while leaving the light looking natural.

For condo owners who furnished a waterfront unit with care, UV film is the simplest way to keep it looking new. Teak and walnut floors, linen upholstery and framed prints are the items owners mention first when they notice a sun line. Most choose a film that also cuts glare and heat, which handles all three problems on the same glass.