Has anyone ever applied window film to reduce direct sun/heat/cold?
by
Debbie Sadar
+5
I'm looking into using a window film for windows getting afternoon and evening sun. Has anyone applied it themselves? If so how did it go? What brand?
7 answers
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Yes and there are many great films to use. However there is some things you need to know before you spend money on this. Window films work by reflecting radiation back out and back into the home. Keeping the hot out and the heat in. Many new double pane windows already have this film installed between the glass panes. If you put another film on the window you will negate the manufactures film and get less performance out of the window. So you need to determine if you have this Low E glass in the first place. To do this, you will take a match during the evening when its dark out. Light the match and place it close to the glass surface without touching it. If you see two reflections you do NOT have low E glass, but if you see three you do. Do not place the window film on that glass. I use Vista films. I use a dealer to install this for me, but the material can be purchased for owners install. Here is a link that explains much better then I about how this works and all the benefits of this product. I recommend this all the time to clients that have large older window walls with single pane glass or glass that does not have the low E film. http://www.vista-films.com/en/about-vista.aspx
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 23, 2014
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I live in the country so don't have to worry about what the neighbors see, I don't have any. I put aluminum foil over two windows that are in direct sunlight in the afternoon. Nothing bounces the heat away like foil.
Laurie
on Sep 24, 2014
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If you are going to DIY, then I would suggest having a partner. When I did this, it was a little like trying to keep plastic wrap from sticking to itself. I wasted a few pieces. Once I got the hang of it, it went a little smoother but would have been so much faster and easier if I had a partner.
Samof5
on Sep 24, 2014
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Yes, with great success. A few years ago I lived in a house that had 9 large (36w x 88h) windows in the family room on the hottest side of the house. It was nearly unbearable from about noon on. We were limited in what we could spend to make changes so I decided that applying solar-type film to those windows would be our best solution. I used Gila brand film and it worked perfectly. You could barely see it on the windows,but it was effective. Couldn't have been more pleased. As a result, I've applied it to a handful of the windows of the house we live in now. Again, with more than acceptable results.
Swan Road Designs
on Sep 24, 2014
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I did it years ago with a product from Home Depot. The trick I found was Lots of water in a spray bottle. If things get stuck together or in the wrong place. Douse it in water til it moves. It's really not difficult. Obviously have an extra towel on hand for the extra water( or window cleaner if that's what's recommended)
Justme
on Sep 10, 2015
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Yes, we used the Gila film from Home Depot, works great. A few things I would recommended are Clean the windows, trim, everything about 3 feet from the windows and clean the windows, every spec of dust is noticeable after. Use lint free towels if possible. Definitely get the application kit and the solution is primarily distilled water, so if you have a good spray bottle that does a fine mist your good. Use distilled water instead of tap water.
Heather H
on Sep 10, 2015
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you can use plastic bubble wrap .wet the window and place flat side on the window.It will cling
Rachel
on Sep 10, 2015
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