MAKING GLASS VISIBLE TO BIRDS

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 It is the transparent and reflective characteristics of glass that cause bird collisions. To eliminate this problem one must make glass visible to birds. It is possible to achieve this without sacrificing the main functions of windows, i.e. to allow natural light in and see the exterior environment from within. A unique window film FLAP dubbed CollidEscape which is presently used for commercial and retail advertising on glass will protect birds and allow you to enjoy the great outdoors from inside.

This film adheres to the exterior surface of a window. Thousands of small perforations in this covering allow ample light to pass through the window to the interior, while substantially reducing the window's exterior reflectivity and transparency, the two characteristics that cause birds to collide with windows

Other advantages include solar reflective features, a decrease in ultraviolet radiation, and the opportunity to observe nature up close (such as birds at a feeding station) without being noticed and disturbing the animal’s activities. CollidEscape can also be used as a substitute for window blinds which will provide privacy during the day, or as a canvas for bright images or advertising messages.

HOW TO APPLY CollidEscape TO YOUR WINDOWS

  1. Step outside to clean and measure the surface of the window you plan to cover with CollidEscape. The entire surface of the window must be covered with the film.
  2. Cut CollidEscape to size making sure you increase your measurements by one half inch all round to provide excess that will be cut away.
  3. Separate CollidEscape from its backing. Notice how one side of the film is black and smooth. This is the side of the film which sticks to the exterior surface of the glass.
  4. Dampen the entire exterior surface of the glass with a spray bottle or hose, then affix the film to your window leaving the half inch excess all the way round. For best adhesion, place a drop of detergent in the water.
  5. If your window is wider than the film all you do is overlap two pieces of film making sure you line up the holes to match.
  6. Cut and remove the excess and overlap with a razor or exacto blade.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: "Could it cover a bubble window or skylight?"
A: Unfortunately it can only be applied to flat surfaces.

Q: "How long does this film last?"
A: Manufacturers suggest that the film has a maximum life span of approximately five years. We believe that it has a much longer life span when used in this kind of application. You must remember that this film's original design was for advertising purposes and that any imagery applied to its surface fades once exposed to sunlight, thus reducing its life expectancy.

Q:"How wide is the film?"
A: up to 54" wide.
Q: "How do you remove the film from your window?"
A: The beauty of this film is that it CAN be removed. If you remove the film within a year you can simply peel it off by hand. The longer you leave it on the window the harder it is to remove. At worst, you might have to use a razor blade to aid in peeling it off.

Q: Does this product greatly reduce intense sunlight entering a room?
A: It will help filter sunlight, but not to the degree that a blind can.

Q: "How much does it cost?"
A: The cost is approximately $4.00 US per square foot. Expensive but worth it. We suggest that you first apply the film to a problem window that you know birds are colliding with. Covering one problem window may do the trick.

Q: "Where can I buy the film?"
A: For your convenience you can purchase CollidEscape online through Large Format Digital (LAD), a provider of complete vehicle and window photographic color printing. LFD will sell CollidEscape for $3.00 US per square to anyone referred to them through FLAP. In addition to protecting the birds in your neighborhood, your CollidEscape purchase will help fund research to further reduce bird/window collisions. Large Format Digital will donate a portion of the sale of CollidEscape to FLAP's research fund. To learn more about LFD and how you can purchase this product visit www.lfdcollidescape.com. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this product please feel free to contact FLAP at flap@flap.org and we will be glad to assist you.

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