Window film effectiveness/efficiency
Hi. Does anyone have any experience with those window films you can apply to stop the sun’s heat? If so, is this stuff effective? Is it worth applying? Thanks to all in advance.
Hi. Does anyone have any experience with those window films you can apply to stop the sun’s heat? If so, is this stuff effective? Is it worth applying? Thanks to all in advance.
There are a number of ways to achieve a level foundation and mudsill.
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Replies
Several years ago my parents had some film applied to somme transom windows in the top of a cathedral type ceiling. Building was in Colorado at 8000 feet elevation. The sun was brutal, fading furnishings, carpet and art work. The work was done by a professional who offered varing levels of tint and reflective property. It was a fast, low impact instalation and it was very effective and cutting the effect of the sun.
It will void any window warrenty you have.
Because of thermal build up the chance of glass breakage from heat stress greatly increases.
The cost of replacing broken glass will be greater then any energy savings.
"Because of thermal build up the chance of glass breakage from heat stress greatly increases."What is Greatly? From one in 10 billion to 2 in 10 billion. Yes, that is a large increase, but still a very small number.Some of the film companies will gurantee the glass.
Bill-The chances are a 'little' greater then that. I replaced the glass in an arch top Andersen window over a 6068 Frenchwood door. House was only a few months old. It was over $2k, labor and materials. Andersens' warranty is 20 years for glass, but void under these circumstances.I was curious so I checked 3M's warranty on film. Actually not much of a warranty, 2 years with a maximum of $500.00. Here it is:What is the warranty for Scotchtint window film?Scotchtint window films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing. many of our films are warranted against discoloration, too. (Those which do not use dyed polyesters). Should the product proved to be defective, 3M and the authorized Scotchtintâ„¢ dealer will replace the film and provide the reapplication labor free of charge.In addition, the 3M Scotchtint window film warranty includes two year glass breakage coverage for all qualified applications Should your glass break due to thermal shock, 3M will replace the glass (maximum $500.00 per window) and the dealer will replace the film.The length of the warranty is determined by film type and market (residential or commercial). View Image
Granted the chance of breakage on some units is less then others.. A full circle is very likely to break in comparison to a rectangular unit.
But if you read the warrenty from most manufactures filming the glass voids the warrenty. Not something I'd recommend doing to an investment as substantial as your windows. Of course if one purchased windows without regard to the warrenty then by all means... tint away.
Depends on the film. Gila is applied on the inside of the window to reflect "outward". This could cause some thermal build-up in double or triple-pane windows (how much is a diff. story)Solartint (I believe that's the brand) REQUIRES that if installed on double-pane windows, that it be installed on the OUTSIDE so as to not have thermal build-up.Although the films DO work (at least Gila and Solartint that I've used).
My wife bought some cheapo mylar film that's taped to the top window sash and just hangs down. We live in South Alabama in a 110-yr old house with 7' tall windows. When she put the stuff on the West-facing windows, light bill dropped from $250 to $199 last month. We have single-pane wooden sash double-hung windows.
How does your light bill go down when you darken the windows? If it's darker you'd need more light.
Light bulbs use a lot less electricity than air conditioners ;-)
I live in an A frame thats pointed West.
Evening sun is a pos . I did that whole West end and theres a lot of it . It reminded me of wall papering but on the inside of glass . Pretty easy and very fast but I hang paper or did for part of a living .
They recomend lighter tints using over argon gas doubles or triples. Mine is , so I used the darkest. It isnt dark at all but in the sun you can see your mirror reflection. Its still easy to view out at night . Utility savings in summer was 40 percent .
That was 10 years ago and every thing is fine .
Tim
Thanks for the reply. I can't see how applying this stuff to single pane double hung wooden sash windows will possibly cause them to crack due to a thermal effect as some other posts said. Anyhow I think I will try it. And as far as voiding the warranty, these windows are original to the house and are about 75 years old-no warranty there. If they do crack, I'll simply re-glaze the window.
ther ya go