Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the price so high?
2. What competitive edge does IQue have over other products?
3. How does IQue lower electrical bills?
4. Why can’t curtains or blinds replace IQue?
5. Why is IQue more expensive than competitors’ films?
6. Does IQue improve a window’s insulation performance?
7. How can I know if IQue will last a long time?
8. Will IQue affect houseplants?
9. How is IQue applied?
10. How do I clean the window after IQue installation?
11. Can IQue cut off glare and heat at the same time?
12. How long has IQue been on the market? What product testing and verification of data are there?
13. How do I know whether I have bought a real IQue film?

1. Why is the price so high?

The price of IQue™ is a direct measure of its performance. IQue, an endorsed brand by V-KOOL, makes use of the same technology that is used to make V-KOOL, the world’s first spectrally selective film.

Just like V-KOOL, IQue Selective is a spectrally selective film that is so clear and yet able to cut off 96% of infra-red heat. The raw materials used and the high tech coating process, which gives IQue its unique performance, is very costly. 53GII, for instance, pure silver and indium oxide (even more costly than silver) is used to form the 10-layer optical stack. These materials are deposited one layer at a time onto a super clear polyester substrate (only 1% of all polyester that is produced daily in the world can meet our specifications) at a rate of 2m/min per layer. The custom built equipment that is used to deposit the silver and indium oxide costs US$24m. This is the same equipment used to deposit the radar evasive skin on the Stealth Bomber! The result is a deceptively clear looking film with high performance qualities.

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2. What competitive edge does IQue have over other products?

IQue Spectrally Selective range is designed to replace retrofit tinted and reflective glazing or films and all other products that help control heat gain. Its anchor product, 53GII, is the world’s first 10-sputtered layer film, developed by Southwall Technologies, Inc. (STI). While the industry standard is 3-sputtered layer, IQue Spectrally Selective range is way ahead of competition, not to mention 53GII. In addition, its low visible light reflectivity of 7% makes it the preferred choice for architects and facility managers since most building control authorities have stipulated that a visible light reflectivity (VLR) of no more than 10 - 15% for applied films on glass. Hence 53GII is the preferred choice for architects and facility managers.

In order to cater to a larger group of market, IQue also offers other range of products such as its Performance, Metalized, Hybrid, Low-E and Safety & Security films to your glazing requirements.

Easy installation is supported by IQue’s team of professionally trained installers, whereby all films can be quickly and easily retrofitted onto existing glass surfaces without removing the glass panels, thereby minimizing workplace disruption.

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3. How does IQue lower electrical bills?

IQue will reduce air conditioning operating costs while increasing the comfort level of homes, buildings and vehicles. IQue blocks off over 50% of total solar energy gain through windows while allowing more daylight than tinted or reflective films. As a result, home and building occupants will be able to reduce the use of interior lighting and reducing the necessity for artificial lighting indirectly reduces electricity cost.

The Return of Investment (ROI) for IQue is typically around 20% and the payback ranges from 2 - 5 years depending on the type of glass used and surface elevation. Investment in IQue generates positive long-term returns.

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 4. Why can't curtains or blinds replace IQue?

Curtains and blinds are measures to provide shade rather than reduce heat. Infra-red and ultra-violet rays would still be able to penetrate into the building. The absorbed solar energy will be re-radiated back into the interior.

For IQue, more than 90% of infra-red is directly rejected, upon hitting the surface of the glass, and it does not alter the aesthetics of the building.  

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5. Why is IQue more expensive than competitors’ films?

IQue cannot be compared to other competitors’ films because it is the only spectrally selective coating in the world, allowing high amounts of visible light to enter while reducing the heat. Other films are classified as 'conventional films’, which require significantly less sophisticated technology to produce and hence the low cost in installing.

Instead of considering only the initial cost of IQue, one should consider its life cycle cost as well as other intangible benefits. While there is a premium associated with its purchase, IQue also reduces air conditioning operating cost, reduces fading damage to draperies and furnishings and allows occupants to use floor space near windows even in direct sunlight because of the increased comfort. Productivity and alertness are also heightened in such comfort-enhanced environments.

IQue is a long term and cost effective investment.

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6. Does IQue improve a window's insulation performance?

Even though majority of IQue product offerings are primarily solar control products, they can also increase the ability of existing glass to insulate against heat loss by as much as 5 to 15%. However, it is recommended that IQue Low-E product, 23-E, be used for greater insulation purpose. 23E prevents the heat from escaping outdoor through the glass when the external temperature is lower. This is an ideal solution for cooler climates when insulation is required, as it helps reduce heating load and save energy cost. During Summer months, it allows the indoor environment to stay cooler by keeping excessive heat away.

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7. How can I know if IQue will last a long time?

The critical IQue coating is protected and sandwiched by two layers of polyester. And because no dyes are used, the product will not fade or lose its color over time.  

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8. Will IQue affect houseplants?

IQue screens out almost all UV, which is damaging to most green plants and also effectively rejects the infa-red heat that may scorch plants while allowing in maximum amount of visible light and therefore will not affect the growth of houseplants.

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9. How is IQue applied?

Professionally qualified IQue installation specialists apply it on the interior glass surface of the building. It does not require removal of glass panes and no chemicals are used for installation.  

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10. How do I clean the window after IQue installation?

Normal cleaning is required. Do not use ammonia or alcohol based solution to clean windows. Just spray the coating with warm soapy water and wipe off lightly with a soft, clean cloth.

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11. Can IQue cut off glare and heat at the same time?

Definitely. 53GII reduces glare by 20% while cutting off 96% infra-red heat. For advanced glare control, 43FG is recommended as it reduces glare by 51% while rejecting 98% of infra-red heat.  

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12. How long has IQue been on the market? What product testing and verification of data are there?

IQue is an endorsed brand by V-KOOL. V-KOOL has a long history. It was first introduced in 1991 in the USA. Performance data were obtained using a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 9 Spectrophotometer in combination with the "Window 4.0 Fenestration Program" provided by the Windows and Daylighting Group at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories, the world's foremost window science group. It is also tested by Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (PSB), USA (DSET), Thailand (TISTR) and Malaysia (SIRIM), among others.

As for IQue Safety & Security films, they have gone through the Bomb Blast Mitigation Test, conducted by America Bureau of Shipping Consulting (of the ABS Group) with the assistance of the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory (CERL) and Defense Research Establishment Suffield (DRES). Favorable test results have demonstrated that IQue Safety and Security films are effective in mitigating glass fragment hazards when subjected to blast loads.

Our films have met the stringent US General Services Administration (GSA) testing requirements under Category C of the GSA Building Classification, achieving a GSA condition of 3B or better, which means that glass pieces shattered from the blast land no further than 3 meters from a window coated with IQue Safety and Security films. This is equivalent to a low hazard rating according to ASTM F1642-04, which equates to a high protection level provided by IQue Safety & Security Films.

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13. How do I know whether I have purchased the authentic IQue film?

You can check if you have purchased an authentic IQue film via our International Authentication System (IAS). IAS is a Fraud Detection System, developed to aid consumers in verifying the authenticity of their purchases by just a click away.

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