The summer time is wonderful - the birds are singing, the rays of the sun are gently warming the earth, but this is in the suburbs. And in the city in the heat it’s a real hell. It’s stuffy outside and at home the direct sunlight’s hot rays of the sun heated the home, the heat was like in a stove. Of course, you can buy an air conditioner, turn on the fan, make blinds, but it’s easier, more practical and more economical to stick a solar film on the window.
Solar film on windows as one of the effective methods of combating indoor heat
Every year modern manufacturers develop new technologies that allow them to achieve maximum comfort and improve the quality of life. Solar control film on windows helps solve one of the most common problems, such as heat in the home. Tinting has become widespread due to the low cost of both material and installation. By gluing the film, you can reliably protect the room from excessive sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.
Using window tint film is an inexpensive but highly effective method of sun protection.
Errors in the process
It is important to pay attention to each stage of film tinting, since errors can lead to disruption of the evenness of the coating. As a result, the decorative and functional properties of the new surface are reduced.
If you choose the wrong material, its abilities are reduced . It will not save valuables from thieves or provide complete protection from direct exposure to sunlight. So, you should not choose decorative film instead of protective film, since they have different percentages of light transmission and darkening coefficient.
It is important to cut the material correctly. It is worth remembering to increase the material by 2 cm. If this is not done, some areas of the window may remain untreated. And this will reduce the success of the entire event.
The work should be carried out by two people. This will prevent the appearance of defects or tears in the fabric. The connection will be made correctly.
It is advisable to buy material with a margin of 5-10%. This will protect against reduction in the amount of materials due to incorrect calculations or damage during operation.
What is solar window film made of, what functions does it perform?
In the summer, in a metropolis, the constant heat turns an apartment or house into a real steam room. Therefore, most residents are wondering how to protect the premises from the penetration of sunlight and reduce the temperature in the home. Despite the fact that reflective film on windows from the sun was first used specifically to protect a car, recently it can be increasingly found on apartment windows. The material became widespread due to the large number of advantages that car lovers identified for themselves.
In the manufacture of tint film, polyester is used, which significantly improves the strength and elastic characteristics of the material.
Today, solar protective films for windows are used not only in residential premises, but also in office buildings, shopping and entertainment centers, which have a large glazing area. The main advantage of use is that without losing the transparency of the window, it is possible to significantly increase the comfort and convenience of living or staying in the room. Another advantage is improving the appearance of the home and giving it a more modern look.
The main substance from which solar protective film is produced is polyester, and the specific properties are achieved through the application of a thin metal layer. The main materials here are:
- aluminum;
- titanium;
- nickel;
- bronze;
- silver.
On a note! As a rule, manufacturers recommend gluing reflective film to windows with the metal side. This method of gluing will simplify the dismantling of the material.
Using the decorative function of covering the film, you can create a special shaded atmosphere in the room.
Many people want to use film painted in a certain color. Such a product will consist not of two, but of three layers. The third layer will be a material that is applied under production conditions using a laminator. This technology ensures longer color retention, and the additional layer will provide better sun protection.
Modern manufacturers have made it possible to solve several problems with the help of reflective materials: some glue film to windows so that what is happening in the room from the street cannot be seen, and others purely to protect the home from the penetration of solar flow. The simplest product options can only provide room protection from the sun, while more expensive branded products prevent the penetration of ultraviolet radiation into the room, thereby preserving the surfaces of furniture and household appliances from fading and loss of color.
It is with the help of the decorative function of the coating that it will be possible to create a special shaded atmosphere, give the room coziness and, if necessary, fill it with the desired color scheme. Decorative film can be used to decorate both the facade and interior design of a room, when it is necessary to highlight or, conversely, emphasize the style of the room.
The metallized layer acts as a kind of screen for solar radiation.
Requirements
The technical composition affects the key requirements for finished films:
- the polymer is used to impart an elastic composition;
- coloring elements provide the desired degree of darkening and the required shade;
- contact adhesive is used to securely attach the film;
- absorbing filters are provided to protect against ultraviolet penetration;
- laminate as a base has a high degree of adhesion to protect against film delamination;
- The outer layer is provided for additional protection against mechanical and physical influences.
Manufacturers produce films containing different numbers of layers. Their exact number depends on the functional purpose of the composition. Thus, products with impact-resistant properties are resistant to mechanical damage. Dyed films do not include metallized components.
Benefits you can get by installing solar control film on your window
The wide popularity of solar reflective films for windows can be explained by the large number of benefits that the user receives as a result of its use. Let's consider the main advantages of using such products.
The ability to transmit visible light, but at the same time block infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation. All modern window tinting films work this way, although earlier versions of the materials simply darkened the windows, but did not prevent overheating. The latest technology is designed in such a way that the sticker does not absorb visible light, but the temperature in the room can be reduced in some cases by 10 degrees.
Preservation of heat during the cold season. Sun protection for windows helps to retain about 50% of the heat in the room, which indicates sufficient energy-saving properties. The principle of providing this advantage is as follows: the material from which the film is made repels infrared rays in the direction from which they come. Therefore, the heat generated in the apartment does not escape through the windows, which is especially important for houses with panoramic windows or apartments with a large glazing area.
Window tint film can reduce infrared radiation by up to 80%.
Creating a mirror layer that does not allow prying eyes to observe what is happening in the room. This property is useful for both residential and commercial premises located on the ground floors or near other buildings. In addition, the interior, thanks to the mirror tint film, is reliably protected from optical-visual surveillance devices.
Additional security. If for some reason the integrity of the window is damaged, the glass will not crumble into small fragments, but will be fixed on the glued protective film. This will avoid injuries and cuts.
Note! Despite the fact that a window with film does not crumble into small pieces, it is still quite easy to break it from inside the apartment, which is required by fire safety standards. This is because if there is a fire in the house, windows may be the only way to escape safely.
The unique film manufacturing technology allows us to minimize the amount of incoming solar energy without significant loss of optical visibility.
Protecting privacy with special glass
Some owners of private houses without a fence or apartments on the lower floors think about hiding their home life even at the stage of repair and installation of windows. For this purpose, there are double-glazed windows with special coatings:
Advice. Before installing such structures, you need to thoroughly weigh all the pros and cons. No matter how the film stains the window, it can still be removed. This won't work with glass, so it will be more difficult to fix anything.
Both with film and with special windows, it is advisable to use additional methods of window protection. For example, ordinary curtains. In the evening they will be indispensable. And during the day they can remain constantly open.
Positive qualities of window tint film highlighted by most users
In addition to the practical side of using solar films on windows in an apartment, one can also highlight the aesthetic component. This includes the ability to choose the optimal color of glass, which will be an excellent addition to the exterior and interior. Thanks to a large selection of shades (from silver to soft purple, blue or gold), you can choose the best option that matches the color of the roof or walls of the building.
According to reviews, sun-protection films for windows have the advantage of being able to protect expensive curtains from fading, because even high-quality textiles can lose color under constant sunlight. Thanks to the wide temperature range (from -40 to +80 °C) at which it is permissible to use the film, both textiles and furniture will have their original appearance for a long period.
If you take into account the fact that the coating protects the windows from the sun, which causes an increase in the temperature in the room, you will be able to save a little on the electricity that is spent on air conditioning. There is also the possibility of purchasing a device of lower power and operating it in energy-saving mode. The cost savings will be especially noticeable if you apply the film in an apartment or cottage with large windows or in a spacious retail or office space.
The tint film allows you to avoid possible overheating of the room in hot weather.
Most users consider the possibility of simple, self-installation to be another important advantage of solar glass film. The material can be applied to already installed windows. There is no need to remove glass, unscrew frames or purchase special tools. All that needs to be done before work is to thoroughly wash the windows with soapy water, removing excess moisture with a slime, and let them dry thoroughly. The entire installation process is unlikely to take more than a few hours. If you don’t have confidence in your own abilities, it is better to invite a specialist to do the work, which will avoid damage to the material.
DIY tinting tools
To make a window opaque, you will need the following tools :
- a stationery or construction knife with a sharp cutting element;
- spray bottle with soap solution;
- rubber spatula;
- the required amount of tint film.
The sequence of actions when installing the film will not be the same. You will not have to take any additional steps, but it is important to follow the sequence of each step.
Other advantages of solar control films for windows and some disadvantages
In addition to the advantages listed above, using glass film will help prevent glass fogging, which affects the appearance of the entire room, especially if there are no curtains on the windows. This is true in apartments where “crying windows” are observed in winter. An additional protective layer will prevent the glass from freezing, which is why condensation forms on the inner surface of the window.
Note! Few people know that after gluing a protective layer on the glass, the harmful effects on the eyes resulting from too bright lighting are reduced. This will keep your vision normal for longer. You will also be able to use computer equipment and watch TV with greater comfort, because rays will not hit the screen.
Poorly applied or low-quality film can peel off from the glass unit.
As you can see, the coating has a large number of positive qualities, the main one of which can be considered to be the protection of the room from overheating.
But before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the main disadvantages, such as:
- Fragility of the material. The surface of the film is thin, which is why it is quite easy to damage, especially if you are not careful during installation.
- Excessive stickiness. In some cases, the self-adhesive film on glass may stick so strongly that it cannot be torn off even with the use of heating devices.
- Excessive darkness on cloudy days. Due to the fact that the coating blocks some of the light, you will most likely have to use lighting items more often, especially if it is cloudy or dark outside.
In general, the service life reaches 7-10 years. Here everything depends not only on the installation technology, but also on the quality of the purchased products. A poorly glued or low-quality film can peel off or has an insufficient light-repellent effect.
What is athermal solar film for windows?
Athermal film for windows is distinguished by a special type of energy-saving coating, the primary task of which is to ensure maximum heat retention in the room. It was the relevance of energy-saving coatings that led to the development of multilayer films characterized by the presence of several protective layers. Various ultra-thin coatings are created using rare earth and precious metals, through which the visible spectrum of light passes, but the penetration of infrared and ultraviolet radiation is reduced to a minimum.
Athermal film for windows ensures maximum heat retention in the room.
The use of athermal coating reduces heat loss through window glass by 35-45% in the cold season, and in summer it protects the room from excessive heating. Thanks to these advantages of the material and the manufacturing features of the spraying, it is possible to cover windows with film located not only on the brightly lit side of the building, but also in rooms that are oriented to the north.
A significant positive property is also considered to be the creation of a special protective screen using a metallized coating, which prevents electromagnetic radiation from entering the home. In this case, the propagation of electromagnetic waves does not extend in both directions.
Higher spray density makes glass with adhesive film safer and increases the ability of windows to withstand significant loads. Many manufacturers produce a large number of protective films for windows, which have different transmission capacities - from 90-95% to complete blackout. Most often, such products can be found on balcony windows, staircases and winter gardens.
Various ultra-thin coatings on athermal film are created using rare earth and precious metals.
Double-glazed window with variable transparency level
Another solution from curious neighbors is glass with variable levels of transparency (smart windows), which perfectly ensures privacy. It features laminated, safety active glass that changes from opaque to transparent without causing a reduction in light transmission when needed. Using the switch, you can easily change the transparency of the double-glazed window, isolating yourself from curious neighbors at the required moment.
This glazing works great in offices, conference rooms and residential apartments. Variable transparency glass can be used in single glazing or in glass units with any other glass panel, such as low-e glass, bulletproof, fire-resistant or triplex. Due to its properties, it does not transmit 99% of UV rays.
A double-glazed window with a variable level of transparency (smart windows), however, is a very expensive solution, which developers have been trying for years to adapt to the financial capabilities of the average buyer. This niche is the most promising, since a double-glazed window with a variable level of transparency simultaneously provides a lot of advantages to the user, allowing them to most effectively solve pressing problems, and not least to ensure privacy
Features of using tinted mirror film on windows
The main characteristic of window tinting film is the ability to completely block the ultraviolet flux emitted by the sun. Most of these coatings do not transmit more than 1-3% of the total radiation volume. Due to its attractive appearance, tinted protection is often used not only to cover facade elements, but also to decorate interior plastic or glass surfaces in an apartment. Depending on the production characteristics, the tinting film can have a matte or glossy structure, and also have different densities and thicknesses.
After applying a special coating, the incoming light is scattered, which makes it more convenient to use office equipment and view programs even on an out-of-date screen that does not have a built-in anti-glare system. Depending on the manufacturer and manufacturing features, films differ in size, appearance and functions.
The most common surfaces include:
- mirrored;
- protective;
- decorative;
- sun protection;
- matte.
Mirror solar reflective film is characterized by the presence of a mirror effect.
Mirror solar films for windows can be found most often on windows, because their presence is easy to recognize with the naked eye. The main component in the manufacture of the coating is metallized polyethylene terephthalate, the main function of which is to reflect solar flow. In addition, after applying the coating, personal privacy increases, because it will be impossible to see what is happening inside the room. It is important not to forget the fact that in the evening, when the light is on, the reflective effect of the film will be significantly reduced.
On a note! Leading manufacturers claim that the mirror coating can block 99.5% of ultraviolet rays. This allows you to protect your living or working space from bright lighting, associated heat and harmful solar exposure, increasing the comfort of staying indoors.
It is this type of film that helps to retain the main heat inside the building in winter, because heat rays are reflected exactly in the direction from which they come.
According to the installation method, solar mirror films for windows are classified into two groups:
- External. They are installed on the glass from the street side and are distinguished by the presence of an additional protective layer that can withstand various types of atmospheric influences. Products are available for purchase in light shades and dark metallic colors.
- Internal. You can purchase mirror films for windows of any degree of darkness. Installation takes place either between the chambers of a double-glazed window or on the inside of the glass that is located in the room.
The mirror layer can be located on the inside or outside of the glass.
Where is it used?
More often, reflective tinting can be found on the windows of offices and residential buildings. In the first case, the surface is an element of industrial design, in the second it is a necessity. Tinting protects living spaces from prying eyes and increases comfort in rooms oriented to the south.
Application on ancient facades
For home windows, a material with a low reflective coefficient (5 - 15%) is suitable. If you choose a denser one, it will not be comfortable to be in the room due to the strong darkness. Twilight is harmful to vision and indoor plants. The exception is the bedroom.
Thick, dark film can be used to decorate glass elements of interior doors of a bathroom or toilet. The lighting in the rooms is provided by artificial light sources; the dense material will not affect comfort.
Tinting does not function if the lights in the adjacent bathroom are turned off. The material will not provide the required level of privacy in the room.
Other popular types of reflective films for windows
The so-called solar control curtain film for windows is installed primarily in order to protect the room from sunlight and at the same time maintain full lighting inside. Installation of this type of film is recommended only on windows with a southern orientation in order to ensure coolness in the hot season. The level of ability of such a coating to retain solar rays reaches 98%, and the amount of retained infrared radiation reaches 95%, while the throughput is more than 75%. In winter, installing solar control film helps to retain the heat coming from heating devices.
A special version of protective film for glass is considered a cheap alternative to window grilles, because they have anti-vandal and anti-burglary characteristics. The coating is recommended for use by residents of the first floors or owners of private cottages. In this case, the thickness of the polymer reaches maximum values - 115-600 microns, which is almost twice as much as in previous versions of sun protection coatings.
The films have a high level of protection that meets European standards A1, A2, A3. This suggests that breaking such glass will be problematic. Even if the integrity is broken, it will remain on the polymer; it will not be possible to remove it completely quickly.
Fire protection film can be used in residential premises.
Note! Some manufacturers offer their customers coatings that can minimize the consequences of explosions, as well as those that have fire-fighting properties and delay the spread of fire and smoke for a long time.
Installing frosted film on windows will cost several times less than installing frosted glass. A distinctive feature of the coating is high light transmission of 87%, with minimal visibility from the street. Most often, partitions or entrance doors in the office, as well as the surfaces of display cases, are covered with matte films. A large number of films of different shades are available for purchase. The main advantage is the ability to apply a store or company logo to the matte surface.
Decorative film is installed on windows primarily to decorate the glass. Currently, you can purchase products with various ornaments or designs that allow you to perfectly fit the window opening into the surrounding interior and add a “zest” to the room. This type of film is often used on windows and partitions in the bathroom. Also, in houses and apartments with a vintage interior, it is important to stick stained glass films on windows as the cheapest possible alternative to real stained glass.
Decorative film can have different colors.
Why is it important to pay attention to this data?
A responsible person who is more productive does not hide technical data about the product being produced. If any of the above indicators are missing, this indicates that the film was produced in artisanal conditions and the manufacturer simply does not have the appropriate equipment to measure these indicators and to control the quality of the products.
It is better to refuse such reflective film, despite the tempting low price compared to films from other manufacturers!
Rules for selecting colors and density, popular manufacturers of window stickers
The ability of a coating to transmit light flux is expressed as a percentage, and the higher the indicator, the more sunlight can pass through the material.
Density is selected based on the following indicators:
- the need to ensure the confidentiality of the premises;
- room lighting conditions;
- personal preferences of the owners.
Choosing the desired coating color in retail establishments will not be difficult due to the large assortment of shades. When choosing the right color scheme, you should focus not only on the surrounding interior, but also on the degree of light transmission of each shade. It is the color of the film that will subsequently become the main component of the appearance of the interior, because each tone has its own transparency indicators.
Below are the transparency levels (in percentage) of the most commonly purchased shades:
- purple, gray and bronze – 15;
- smoky – 20;
- gray, blue, golden – up to 35;
- silver – up to 50.
A wide selection of film densities allows you to achieve the desired result without any problems.
When purchasing self-adhesive film for glass, you should not try to save money, because there is a high probability of purchasing a low-quality product. Cheap materials may have uneven application. In addition, over time they stick to the surface so much that it becomes impossible to separate them from the window, and it is recommended to change the coating once every 7-8 years. In order not to regret the purchase and the money spent, it is recommended to initially give preference to products from trusted manufacturers.
The following brands have proven themselves best:
- Eastman Chemical. The largest American company with the most modern equipment for film production.
- Ultra Vision and Armolan. Other companies from the USA that are constantly developing new technologies, offering the buyer functional and thoughtful innovations. They are considered companies that sell products with an optimal price-quality ratio.
- Professional Window Film. A South Korean company that supplies high-quality film to the domestic market at an affordable price.
- Sun Control. A well-known UK company, but the main enterprises are also concentrated in South Korea. The distinctive features of the films are premium quality and high cost.
Various methods and features of installing window film
Installing solar reflective film on windows is not a difficult task, but requires minimal skills. You shouldn’t try to do everything quickly - it’s better to spend a few hours, but do the job efficiently. If you are not confident in your own abilities, you can turn to specialized companies for help, whose contacts are usually known at the point of sale of the material.
When gluing the tint film, the temperature in the room should be maintained from +5 to +40 degrees.
Before gluing the solar control film on the window yourself, you should make sure you have the following tools:
- a spatula, and it is better to take not a metal one, but a rubber or plastic one, to avoid damage;
- stationery knife;
- scraper;
- spray bottle;
- glass cleaner or regular liquid soap.
There are three coating methods:
- Inside the glass unit. Provides reliable protection against overheating. But installation of the film is only possible at the window manufacturing stage, because it is located on the inside of the glass facing the street.
- On the outside of the outer glass. This type of installation ensures maximum heat reflection; the coating is cooled by wind blowing.
- From inside the room. The laminated inner part of the glass, which opens into the room, helps to retain heat inside the room, and in the summer it does not allow the room to overheat unnecessarily. In this case, you need to choose the right level of light transmittance of the material, which should not be less than 30-40%.
Window tinting, including balconies and loggias, can be done on the inside or outside of the glass.
How to install and care for window foil
In order to apply the coating without shifts, air bubbles and other nuances, you should pay attention to exogenous factors, such as:
- Ambient temperature. The optimal range is considered to be from 5 to 35 °C. If you glue the coating at a temperature below the minimum recommended, it will take a lot of time for the glue to dry, and if it is too high, the glue will dry out quickly, and the coating will not have time to fix.
- Humidity. Despite the fact that during the work you need to use a spray bottle, you need to pay attention to humidity levels, which should be in the range of 30-75%.
- No dust. Before gluing, you should wet clean the room so that dust particles in the air cannot deteriorate the quality of the gluing.
On a note! Installation usually begins with surface preparation and cutting of reflective film for windows. To completely cover the window glass in one piece, take a piece whose dimensions are 2-3 cm larger than the parameters of the glass.
When gluing, the film should not contain foreign particles.
Installation includes the following steps:
- After the window has been thoroughly washed, clean water is sprayed onto the surface of the glass: in this case, it is better to use bottled or distilled water.
- To prevent dust from floating in the air, it is recommended to spray a little water 60 cm from the glass.
- The protective coating is removed from the surface of the film, and the material itself is sprayed with water from the sprayer. This is done in order to prevent hardening and to provide an opportunity, if necessary, to correct installation flaws.
- A pre-prepared piece is applied to the window.
- Using a rubber spatula, remove water from under the film by pressing movements from the middle to the edges of the sheet.
After completing the work, you should carefully inspect the surface to ensure that no water, air or dust accidentally remains under the sheet. It is also necessary to ensure that the film adheres evenly to the glass. After this, the excess material is cut off and the edges are pressed tightly against the glass. It is not recommended to touch the film for 5-7 days until the glue is completely dry.
The humidity level when installing foil should not exceed 80% and be below 20%.
Like any other protective coating, the film requires care and respect. To avoid integrity violations, the following rules must be followed:
- Do not use any abrasive substances or detergents that contain elements that can scratch the coating to clean windows.
- Do not use a hard sponge during the washing process. The best option is a microfiber cloth or a special soft material for polishing glass and mirrors.
On a note! The best way to clean the surface is a solution consisting of warm water and liquid soap.
No matter how good the foil for windows is, you will still have to remove it over time. To do this, it is recommended to use one of the methods:
- Mechanical. It is carried out using a sharp knife, with which the canvas is cut into small strips and removed in parts.
- Chemical. For this method, you will need ammonia, in which a cotton cloth corresponding to the size of the glass is generously moistened and applied to the window for 2-3 hours. After this, you just need to rinse the window thoroughly.
- Using a hair dryer. After heating the glass surface, the film can be easily removed, but traces of glue may remain, which must be removed with a solvent.
Foil, like any protective coating, requires care and respect.
Purchasing reflective solar film for windows is considered a profitable option, because the material is low cost and easy to install, which you can do yourself with minimal skills. In addition to the fact that the coating will reduce the impact of ultraviolet radiation on the organs of vision and prevent excessive heating of the room, the film will give the room a cozy look and make living more comfortable at any time of the year.
Types of mosquito nets for plastic windows (read more)
Preparing glass for gluing film
High-quality glass preparation is the key to success.
First of all, clean the glass from mechanical contaminants - dirt, paint drips, insect excrement. Do this only after moistening the glass surface with the cleaning solution.
Attempting to dry remove dirt may result in scratches.
After this, wash the window using detergents and wipe dry with a cloth (suede) that does not leave lint on the surface.
The final stage is degreasing. It is produced with household acetone or gasoline for lighters (“Galosh”).
