Costco Glenview Heat and Glare Window Film, 2026

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Location: Glenview, IL

The Challenge

Project at a glance

Client: Costco Wholesale, Glenview, Illinois
Year: 2026
Glass treated: about 500 square feet at the entrance and the tire shop
Problem: excessive glare and heat through the glass
Film: Panorama Slate 20, applied to the inside of the glass
Schedule: installed before the store opened, to keep disruption to a minimum
Result: the film greatly reduced heat and glare

Sun coming through the glass at the Glenview store’s entrance and tire shop was causing excessive glare and heat in both areas. Costco wanted to cut the glare and heat without replacing the glass or closing the store during the work.

The Solution

In 2026 AAA Glass Tint installed Panorama Slate 20 window film on about 500 square feet of glass at the entrance and the tire shop. Slate 20 is a dual-reflective film made for strong heat and glare reduction. It went on the inside of the existing glass, so no glass was replaced. AAA Glass Tint is a Panorama authorized dealer.

Solar Gard’s published figures for Slate 20 on 1/4 inch single clear glass, compared with the same glass without film:

Glare reduction: 75 percent
Total solar energy rejected: 68 percent, against 18 percent without film
Solar heat gain coefficient: 0.32, against 0.82 without film
Visible light transmitted: 23 percent, against 89 percent without film
Ultraviolet light blocked: more than 99 percent, against 34 percent without film
Fade reduction: 78 percent

On 1/4 inch double clear (insulated) glass, Solar Gard lists 74 percent glare reduction and 58 percent total solar energy rejected, against 30 percent without film.

Our crew worked before the store opened to keep disruption to a minimum. We do not subcontract installation; our own crews do the work.

The Result

The film greatly reduced heat and glare at the entrance and the tire shop. Solar Gard describes Slate 20 as neutrally tinted and hardly noticeable from inside, with a reflective finish outside, so the entrance keeps its view out while the sun is softened.

Conclusion

Questions about this project

Does window film reduce heat at a store entrance? Yes. Panorama Slate 20 rejects 68 percent of total solar energy on 1/4 inch single clear glass, against 18 percent for the same glass with no film. Actual results depend on the glass, the direction it faces and the building.

How much glare does Slate 20 cut? Solar Gard rates it at 75 percent glare reduction on 1/4 inch single clear glass and 74 percent on 1/4 inch double clear glass. We explain glare and the other ratings in our window film performance terms guide.

Will the glass look darker? Yes, somewhat. Slate 20 lets through 23 percent of visible light on 1/4 inch single clear glass, which is what cuts the glare. Outside, the glass has a reflective finish. At night, with the lights on inside, people outside can see in more easily; see Does Privacy Window Film Work at Night?

Can film be installed without closing the store? Yes. At Costco Glenview we worked before the store opened. After-hours and weekend installation is available at additional cost.

The same approach suits retail entrances, service bays, lobbies and offices with glare or heat problems. For a project that used exterior film where interior access was limited, see the AIT Logistics case study. See our solar control window film service, or request a free assessment.

For more of our work in Glenview, see commercial window film in Glenview.

Source: Solar Gard, Panorama Slate 20 data sheet, SK0314PANSL2 09/20. Slate 20 is listed in the NFRC Certified Products Directory as product SGF-K-013 (reviewed October 11, 2026). Figures are manufacturer ratings calculated with NFRC methodology on the glass named; results on other glass differ. Reviewed by David Johnson, owner of AAA Glass Tint. Last updated October 18, 2026.