Insulating Window Film

Window films are designed for improving the home's comfort and appearance. They are used for various purposes such as solar heat reduction, ultraviolet (UV) protection, heat insulation, safety, privacy and decoration. The material and quality of a window film vary depending upon the purpose for which it has been installed. For example, insulating window films are coated with low-emissivity coating that reduces the sun's heat.

Benefits of Insulating Window Films

Insulating window films serve as multipurpose films for controlling the heat inside the house. During summer, the insulating window film helps in preventing the solar heat (about 70 percent) from entering inside the home, thus reducing the heat gain and providing cooling effect. Since the temperature is maintained under control, there is less need for air conditioners, fans, coolers or other cooling devices.

During winter, the insulating window films retain heat inside the house by preventing the heat escape. A superior quality product may retain about 55 percent of heat. Considering this, usage of heating systems can be reduced. As the use of major electricity consuming devices are minimized, the energy utilization is also reduced. Overall, the insulating window films save the energy utility by about 25-35 percent.

In addition to solar heat reflection and heat retention, insulating window films reduce fading damage by blocking more than 90 percent of the UV rays and some amount of visible light. Hence, fading of the room contents like window treatments, carpets, rugs, curtains, furniture, woodworks, artworks and other furnishings is reduced significantly. Insulating window films also reduce the glare on television and computer screens.

Nowadays, spectrally selective insulating window films are available, which reflects harmful solar radiations and solar heat, while allowing the entry of selective rays and natural light. With such products, the drawback of blocking natural light observed in the conventional insulating window films is solved. Another advantage of insulating window films is that they are affordable and can be installed easily without taking the help of a professional.

Installation of Insulating Window Film

Most homeowners prefer to install window films on their own as the required tools are few and easily available. While purchasing the insulating window film, make sure that you take into account the size of the window pane, type and thickness of glass and other window properties. Always purchase superior quality films with maximum warranty period, which will suit your window type and requirements. Also do not forget to purchase extra film for scrap and/or wastes.

Some manufacturers provide up to 20 years warranty period. However, majority of them require installation by their professional in order to avail the warranty period. In such a case, you can consider fixing the insulating window film by the professional person. In case you are planning to install insulating window film on your own, you will require insulating window film, knife or scissor, hairdryer and transparent tape.

First clean the windows using shampoo and water. Cut out the insulating window film, ensure to cut 1 inch longer and broader than the window size. Expose the backing adhesive of the film from one end and fix the exposed portion on the top portion of the window glass, work your way down by removing the adhesive. Doing so prevents contaminating the film. Make sure there are no bubbles entrapped in between the glass and the insulating window film. Following this, blow dry the film with an hairdryer. Secure the edges of the film with the transparent tape. You can trim the excess film by using the utility knife.