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Film for windows: types, installation method

This WordPress article outlines the different types of films for windows as well as the methods used to install them. With a wide variety of films available, the benefits of these films include improved energy efficiency, reduced UV exposure, increased privacy, and enhanced glare reduction. Certain films are also capable of reflecting away heat and inhibiting condensation. Installation of these films is either performed with cutting and soaping solutions or with glue-free magnets. With such a wide range of features and advantages, window films can be an ideal solution for those looking to upgrade their home's energy efficiency or indoor comfort.

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You can improve the performance of a conventional window with a protective film. In the article we will consider what qualities “protected” glass acquires, and also give recommendations on how to choose, install, dismantle and care for the film coating correctly..

Protective films for windows

What is a protective film

The protective film practically does not differ from ordinary polyethylene. The main difference is the composition of the material. In the production process, using the technology of vacuum deposition, the film is metallized – microparticles of copper, titanium or steel are applied to the surface. Such processing gives the film special properties (shockproof, soundproof, heat-reflecting, etc.).

In the composition of some types of film coating, a highly effective molecular glue is added, which is activated under the pressure of a special aqueous solution. After application to the glass, strong adhesion of the materials occurs – a monolithic structure is created. It is this technology that is used to create armored, explosion-proof glasses..

Varieties of window coverings: functions and application features

Sun protection film

A sunscreen film will protect you from excess sunlight, unwanted prying eyes and heat. The coating performs the following functions:

  • adjusts the brightness of lighting, reducing it by 20–80%;
  • reflects about 100% of ultraviolet rays;
  • significantly reduces heat flow;
  • prevents the process of burning out furniture, wallpaper and other finishes.

Protective films for windows

By using tint film, glare can be avoided on the TV screen and computer monitor. In addition, the coverage will save energy costs – the air conditioner will work much less often..

Advice!In order to be able to adjust the illumination at different times of the year and time of day, you must choose a removable cover.

Anti-vandalism protective film

Many banks, budgetary organizations and shops install vandal-proof windows. In private apartments and country houses, such a protective film can replace reinforced structures, blinds and grilles.

Protective films for windows

The coating performs the following tasks:

  1. Burglary and penetration protection. Virtually all of the tools that burglars use are ineffective against windows covered with shockproof film.
  2. Reduced explosion injuries. The film absorbs most of the shock wave, while keeping the glass in the frame and preventing debris from entering the room.
  3. Reducing the incidence of firearms. Of course, the film will not hold the bullet, but it will distort its direction and reduce the stopping power..

Important! An anti-vandal coating is installed in the production of windows. You cannot mount and dismantle the film yourself.

The main criterion for choosing a film is the protection class of the coating. This indicator determines the thickness, impact resistance and scope of the material:

  1. Class A1 – film thickness 240 microns, withstands impact energy of 141 J. “Protected” glass does not break when dropped from a height of 3.5 meters. The coating is used in restaurants, small shops. This film is suitable for apartments and private houses..
  2. Class A2 – thickness 412 microns, maximum impact energy – 262 J, drop height – 6.5 meters. The coating is installed in exhibition galleries and museums.
  3. Grade A3 is the strongest 600 micron film. Its use is advisable for premises with increased material value (banks, jewelry and arms stores).

Impact-resistant glasses have a separate classification: SU-2 and SU-3. For domestic use, the SU-2 class is sufficient – the window will withstand an impact with a force of about 200 J.

Fire protection

The fire protection film is installed in rooms with an increased risk of fire and a high degree of fire spread. Recommended for window structures in wooden houses.

Fire resistant coating properties:

  • prevents air from entering the room – the fire spreads with less intensity;
  • glass does not crack or break – the film is able to withstand high temperatures for 45 minutes;
  • in the event of a fire, glass can be broken from inside the room (the presence of external grilles and blinds complicates the evacuation of people).

Soundproof films for windows

The film with a spectral-selective filter increases the sound insulation of the window and practically eliminates the possibility of listening to conversations.

Many modern tracking methods are based on the reflection of a laser beam aimed at glass. From changes in the sound frequencies of speech, the surface of the glass vibrates, the conversation is recorded, as on a plate, and subsequently deciphered. After applying the protective film, the level of reflection and vibration is reduced, and it is impossible to detect the sound signal.

Energy saving film

The heat loss through the glazing of the windows is three times higher than the air leakage around the frames. Heat-saving films help to solve this problem – they reduce heat consumption by 70%.

Protective films for windows

Important! The structure of the energy-saving film does not allow heat to pass from the room in cold weather, and in summer it reduces the flow of warm air.

The heat-saving coating is installed during the production of insulating glass units. However, today there are films that can be mounted independently on a finished window, the so-called “third glass”. The thermal film is glued at the beginning of the heating season (October) and removed in the spring. It is advisable to change the coating every year..

Child safety

Shock-resistant film is used to reinforce glass and mirror surfaces in order to protect children from injury. During active games a child can break a window, but the “protected” glass will not scatter into many fragments, but will stay on the surface of the film. In addition, the coating minimizes the risk of even an adult falling out of the window – cracked glass is held in the frame.

Protective films for windows

Table. Overview of the characteristics of protective films for windows from different manufacturers

Name KOREX, “The third glass” GLOBAL GUARD SUN-GUARD “Hitsan”
Purpose heat saving vandal-proof, shock-proof, UV protection shockproof, anti-vandal sun protection, protection against radio listening, energy saving
Thickness, micron 20 100/200/300 112/280/300/380 112/200/225
Dimensions 2×3 / 1.1×6 m in rolls, on order under the order under the order
Equipment foil, double-sided tape film film film
Installation features the film shrinks by 10-15% qualified installation requires installer qualifications self-assembly is possible
The cost 5.5 euro / set 7 euro / sq. m from 20 euros / sq. m from 15 euro / sq. m

Installation of protective film: step by step instructions

Let’s consider the installation sequence using the example of an energy-protective film. It is necessary:

  1. Prepare tools:
    • household hair dryer;
    • construction knife;
    • scissors;
    • double sided tape.
  2. Remove handles from the window, clean and degrease the frame surface.
  3. If the film is folded, separate the layers.
  4. Lay the cover on a clean surface and cut to fit the window. Leave a margin of 2 cm at the edges – for gluing adhesive tape.
  5. Stick double-sided tape around the perimeter of the frame.
  6. Remove the protective strip from the tape.
  7. Holding the tape by the two top edges, glue it to the tape. It is better to do the work together.
  8. Blow over the coating with a construction hairdryer – the material will shrink slightly and the folds will even out. Done.

Video: installation of heat-saving film

How to properly remove the film coating from glass

If the film is attached to the frame, then just peel off the double-sided tape and gently pull on the edge of the cover. After removing the “protection”, the window must be washed and wiped dry.

In the case when the film is applied directly to the glass, you need to be more careful. Pry off the bottom edge with a sharp knife and carefully peel off the cover.

Caring for a “protected” window

To make the window “neat” and not harm the protective film, you must adhere to some rules:

  1. The first wash can be carried out only 5 days after the installation of the film.
  2. The coating should be wiped only with a soft cotton cloth or microfiber cloths.
  3. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents.

Protective films for windows

If the “protection” is installed on the inside of the glass unit, then taking care of the window will be much easier – without any restrictions.

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Comments: 1
  1. Owen Kelly

    Could you provide more information on the different types of film for windows and the various methods of installation? I’m interested in learning about the options available and how to install them properly. Thank you!

    Reply
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