When you think of home insulation, you probably think of fiberglass or some other type of material that will keep the heat from your house in during the cold months and the cool air out during the hot ones. Most people do not consider using film for windows to insulate. This is unfortunate, as there are many benefits to insulating your windows with a film. If you have ever seen houses with reflective silver glass on the windows.
You know that it can help keep heat out in the summer and keep heat in during the winter. This is because this type of film for windows reflects most of the sun’s rays away from your home, preventing them from heating up your house. A good window film can reduce heat loss by up to 80% in winter and also protect against UV rays year-round.
Why is Window Film so Important?
There are many reasons why you should consider applying a film to your windows. First, we will examine the energy savings that come with these films. Put simply, these films will reduce the amount of heat and light that enters your home through your windows. This reduction in energy loss comes with savings in your energy bills, allowing you to spend less each month on your utilities. These films are very efficient and do not reduce your visibility as much as most people think. In fact, most films reduce visibility by less than 5% and most have a clear appearance.
These films are also great for blocking out harmful ultraviolet rays. These ultraviolet rays can cause sun damage to your furniture, floors, and walls. When they enter your home through your windows, they can also cause damage to your skin and eyes. These films can block up to 99% of these dangerous ultraviolet rays, protecting you and your home.
How Does Window Film Work?
Film for windows uses a number of different materials to block out light, heat, and harmful UV rays. First, you will want to select a type of film that can block light. You should choose a low-E film that is at least .19 thick. These films will block out most of the light coming through your windows, allowing you to sleep better during the day. Next, you will want to select a type of film that can block heat. You should choose a silver-coated film that is at least .3 thick.
These films block most of the heat entering your home through your windows, keeping your house more comfortable during the summer. Finally, you will want to select a type of film that can block out harmful UV rays. You should choose a UV-resistant film that is at least .6 thick. These films block up to 99% of UV rays entering your home through your windows.
Which Type of Film Should You Buy?
When selecting a film for windows, you first want to determine the temperature in your region and the temperature of your windows. You can do this by measuring your windows’ surface temperature. If it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then you want a low-E film. Otherwise, you want a high-E film. You then want to select a film based on your UV exposure. A UV-resistant film will protect you if your region receives more than six hours of UV rays each day.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you will also want to select a heat-resistant film. The region has temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 90 days each year, you will want a low-E/low-emissivity film. If your region has temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 90 days each year, you will want a high-E/high-emissivity film.
When to Install Window Film for Insulation
Simply put, you should install film for windows insulation when the weather turns cold. You want to wait until the temperature outside is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is when the sun’s rays become harmful and can damage your home.
The thermal film is designed to keep the heat out and will come in handy when the temperature drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You will want to wait until the temperature outside drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit before installing low-E film to block harmful UV rays. This is because UV rays become harmful when the temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
When to Install UV-Resistant Film
You should install UV-resistant film when the sunlight is harmful. This will depend on the length of time that the sun is out each day. If the sun is harmful for more than six hours per day, then you will want UV-resistant film. The UV-resistant film is an excellent choice if you live in a sunny area or near a body of water. This type of film blocks out harmful UV rays and can keep your home cooler during the summer.
When to Install Heat-Resistant Film
You should install heat-resistant film when the temperature outside drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature inside your home drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of film will help keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. The heat-resistant film is an excellent choice if you live in a cold climate. This type of film will block out most of the heat entering your home during the winter, keeping your house more comfortable.
Conclusion
Choosing the best film for your windows requires you to consider a number of factors, including the type of weather in your region and the type of windows in your home. You can protect your home against UV rays, reduce energy loss, and keep your home cooler during the summer by installing window film. Choosing the right film for windows can be the difference between a comfortable home and a chilly one.
References:
1-Effectiveness of shielded window films used for electromagnetic leakages in communication security
Publishing Date: 02 November 2017
DOI: 10.1109/EMCT.2017.8090355
2-Transparent and Flexible Thermal Insulation Window Material
Publishing Date: August 5, 2020
DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2020.100140
