Everyone knows that the heat can get you down. It’s no fun to sweat your guts while trying to stay calm. You don’t have to, though – with a bit of thought and planning, you can stay comfortable without breaking the bank. And what better way to keep cool than using a sun control window film?
What is Sun Control Film?
Sun control films are a type of window film that reduces heat transmittance through a window. They are commonly used to reduce heat gain in the summer months by reflecting sunlight away from the window. The result is a cooler inside environment than a window without sun control.
Why Install Sun Control Films on Your Windows?
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family, but it can also be dangerous. Many people have heat-related illnesses, especially those older, have certain medical conditions, or are not in good physical shape. The heat is one of the most dangerous times of year for your family because it can cause medical conditions to worsen. The elderly, very young children, and people with certain medical conditions are most at risk during summer. As temperatures rise, their symptoms can become more severe. Awnings and shades can help keep your home cooler and reduce the risk of medical issues in the heat. This is especially important for the elderly and those sick or with medical conditions exacerbated by heat.
Types of Sun Control Films
When looking for a sun control film, you’ll notice that they come in various types. Knowing which type you want is essential, so let’s review each. – Reflective Films – Reflective films are the most common type of sun control film. They can be seen day or night and reflect up to 84.8% of sunlight back into the sky while only allowing 9% through the window. This makes the room more relaxed but bright enough to be seen. They are the most effective at blocking sunlight and are the best choice for reducing heat. – Translucent Films – Translucent films are similar to reflective films in that they reflect up to 84% of sunlight back into the sky but allow light to pass through the film and enter the room. The amount of light allowed through is similar to typical cloudy days. They are less effective than reflective films blocking sunlight and are best used for privacy or mood lighting. – Solar Films – Solar films are the most recent innovation in the window film industry. They are similar to reflective films but use a different process that allows them to absorb wavelengths of the sun’s light spectrum that are harmful to the human body. This results in a film that can help keep your home cooler while also being gentle to the skin.
How to Apply a Sun Control Film?
When looking for a sun control film, you’ll need to know how to apply a film correctly. Follow these steps to ensure you get the best results from your new sun control film. – Clean the Window – The first thing you’ll want to do is clean the window. This ensures that there are no remnants from the shade or curtain you’re cleaning off the window so that it can be installed appropriately. – Tape the Window – You’ll want to tape the window shut after cleaning the window. There are many different types of tape based on the window’s surface. Some surfaces require double or triple-taping to seal the window completely. – Measure the Window – The next thing you’ll want to do is measure the window. You’ll need to know how many square feet of window you need and where it needs to be on the window. – Install the Film – Once you know how many square feet you need, it’s time to install the film. You’ll want to remove the tape from the window and put the film down. Take your time and ensure the film is perfectly straight so light can pass easily through it. Once it’s on the window, you’ll want to trim the film to the edges, so it’s perfectly even and clean. – Clean the Window – You’ll want to clean the window when you’re done. This ensures that there are no remnants from the shade or curtain on the window so that it can be adequately cleaned.
FAQs
– How do I clean my window after I’m done installing the shade? Clean the window with a window cleaner and a squeegee. Make sure there are no remnants from the film left on the window and clean the surface gently. – How often do I need to clean my window? You’ll want to clean your window every week or two, depending on how much dust and dirt accumulate on the window. If you notice that it’s dirty, clean it right away. If it’s just a little dust, you can wait a few days before you clean it. – What type of tape do I need to tape my window shut? You’ll want to use clear, adhesive-backed tape on the window. There are many different types of tape based on the window’s surface. Some surfaces require double or triple-taping to seal the window completely. – How many square feet does my window need? You’ll want to know how many square feet of window you need based on the size of your home. If you don’t know, measure the window and add 10% to the measurement, giving you a rough idea of how many windows you need. – How can I make my window cooler? There are a few different ways you can make your window cooler. One is to put a fan on the window to blow air across it, or you can add awnings and shades. Awnings can be left up in the summer and can be used to block the heat and direct the cool air that blows across the window. Shades can block some of the light while allowing the fan to continue blowing cool air across the window.
Conclusion
When summer rolls around, it can feel like you’re chasing the heat. The best thing you can do is install a sun control window film on your windows. These films are great at blocking heat and are relatively easy to install. They’re also relatively inexpensive, so you won’t have to break the bank to get them. They’re also fantastic for privacy and mood lighting, so you can still use them for other purposes even if you don’t need them for cooling. They’re not only effective at keeping your home cool, but they’re a significant investment that will last for years to come.
