Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

wrote:
Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....
Hi,
If applied on double pane window it can damage the glass due to heat
build up voiding warranty. Single pane, you can apply and properly done
it lasts long time.

On 4/24/2011 5:12 PM, wrote:
Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

I did it with Gila platinum brand for single panes around my front door
for heat and cool. Appears to work but I found it impossible to get
completely smooth and all bubbles out. It's applied wet and non-adhesive
but stays put. Small windows with permanent curtain inside and does not
look that bad but I would not apply it to a big window if worried about
defects.

On 4/24/2011 5:53 PM, Frank wrote:
On 4/24/2011 5:12 PM, wrote:
Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

I did it with Gila platinum brand for single panes around my front door
for heat and cool. Appears to work but I found it impossible to get
completely smooth and all bubbles out. It's applied wet and non-adhesive
but stays put. Small windows with permanent curtain inside and does not
look that bad but I would not apply it to a big window if worried about
defects.

I had a similar experience. Probably not very effective insulation. We
ended up replacing all our windows with argon gas double pane windows.

Jim

On 4/24/2011 7:23 PM, JimT wrote:
On 4/24/2011 5:53 PM, Frank wrote:
On 4/24/2011 5:12 PM, wrote:
Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

I did it with Gila platinum brand for single panes around my front door
for heat and cool. Appears to work but I found it impossible to get
completely smooth and all bubbles out. It's applied wet and non-adhesive
but stays put. Small windows with permanent curtain inside and does not
look that bad but I would not apply it to a big window if worried about
defects.

I had a similar experience. Probably not very effective insulation. We
ended up replacing all our windows with argon gas double pane windows.

Jim

I thought about this but wooden panels above and below windows are not
insulated and I asked installer that was doing the rest of the house if
they could construct a big over-all frame of glass and he said there
would be moisture problems and recommended the film.

It did appear a little warmer around the door this winter but I made no
temperature measurements.

You confirm what I thought is that flaw free installation of the film is
difficult if not impossible.

wrote:
Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

We put film on the patio door of a duplex. The doors had a western exposure.

Comparing the difference between the filmed door and the un-filmed one (they
were ten feet apart), the result was dramatic.

Using a remote sensing thermometer, the temperature difference between the
two was as much as 20°F!

If your only hesitation is getting the film applied flawlessly, then have a
commercial outfit perform the task.

On Apr 24, 5:12*pm, "
wrote:

Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? *Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. *Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

I've used a number over the years and they do work well. The stuff
looks simple to apply, but if you don't want to be looking at your
mistakes (through your mistakes?) hire a pro to do it. There are a
lot of films out there, with different colors and shading/blocking
properties, so the best thing to do is to get samples from the
installers or manufacturers so you can see exactly what you'll be
getting. At times I've been tempted to get something based on the
specs, but when push came to shove I, or the owner, chose something
that wouldn't block as much light. I've never used the cling ones for
anything other than decoration - the film should be permanent, right?
The water-activated adhesive is your best bet.

R

In ,
typed:
Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience
with one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

Seem to last a long time. The ones on my porches are no approaching 8 years
& going fine. It's the cling type; wet & roll down.

On Apr 24, 8:29*pm, Frank wrote:

snip

You confirm what I thought is that flaw free installation of the film is
difficult if not impossible.



Not if you know what you are doing, especially on flat glass.

On Apr 25, 11:26*am, Ron wrote:
On Apr 24, 8:29*pm, Frank wrote:


You confirm what I thought is that flaw free installation of the film is
difficult if not impossible.

Not if you know what you are doing, especially on flat glass.

Everything is easy if you know what you're doing, and that requires
previous experience. Most of the window film stuff is a one shot deal
- either get it right the first time or peel it off and throw it
away. It's not impossible by any means, it just has a learning curve
and that either leads to a flawed installation or repeated attempts.
I've never used the cling film so I don't know the particulars on that
stuff.

R

wrote in message
...

Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat?

Alternatively, you could consider external sunshades. . . .

When my new windows were installed to "energy-efficient"
specs, including coatings (choice of two variants, to retain
winter warmth or repel summer heat) I was surprised to
discover they also barred radio waves. My wireless modem
used to look through a window but now "sees" better through
a solid timber wall.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

On Apr 24, 4:12*pm, "
wrote:
Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? *Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. *Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

Are windows dual pane glass, you can break the glass with film from
temperature differences from the sunlight, some manufacturers state
their warranty is voided from films, warranty exclusions details you
usualy have to request. If it was on the outside it would be safe but
the film probably wont last long.

On 4/25/2011 12:16 PM, RicodJour wrote:
On Apr 25, 11:26 am, wrote:
On Apr 24, 8:29 pm, wrote:


You confirm what I thought is that flaw free installation of the film is
difficult if not impossible.

Not if you know what you are doing, especially on flat glass.

Everything is easy if you know what you're doing, and that requires
previous experience. Most of the window film stuff is a one shot deal
- either get it right the first time or peel it off and throw it
away. It's not impossible by any means, it just has a learning curve
and that either leads to a flawed installation or repeated attempts.
I've never used the cling film so I don't know the particulars on that
stuff.

R

I noticed that the film laid flat easily. The only problem I had was
getting it even on the edges. I followed the instructions as closely as
possible but the edges still came out a little ragged.

I think the best way is to pre-cut the film and apply it and then don't
make any adjusting cuts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B22QdNHtb_8

In the video it says cut to "approximate" size then make adjustments.
After actually doing it I'd say cut as close as possible, apply and live
with the results. The film sticks well and even if it overlaps the
window frame a bit I think it would hold up as long as everything is
clean. YMMV. Not all frames are created equal.

Jim

"Don Phillipson" wrote in
:

wrote in message
...

Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat?

Alternatively, you could consider external sunshades. . . .

When my new windows were installed to "energy-efficient"
specs, including coatings (choice of two variants, to retain
winter warmth or repel summer heat) I was surprised to
discover they also barred radio waves. My wireless modem
used to look through a window but now "sees" better through
a solid timber wall.


your window "coatings" are a thin metal film,that's why the windows block
RF. the film is put down by vapor deposition.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
localnet
dot com

wrote in message
...

Anyone have any experience with any of the film products
that you can apply to windows to block heat? Looking
for something that doesn't darken the window much, but
blocks 50%+ of the heat. Interested in any experience with
one product vs another, the ones that use adhesive vs
those that just cling, how long they last, etc....

I used to live a condo that had big glass doors facing onto a deck, and they
let in a lot of late-afternoon sun. I bought some tinted reflective film at
Lowes or Home Depot to deal with the sun, don't recall the brand. It was a
mild pain to apply; there was a solution to mix up to get the film to stick
to the window, it was hard to eliminate all the bubbles and avoid all
wrinkles. But it went on without any *major* problems (I recommend two
persons) and showed no signs of coming off a couple of years later. And it
worked, it really knocked down the temperature of the room facing the sun.
Sorry I can't remember the brand, but I'd guess there aren't any huge
differences between brands and in my experience it's worth trying.

"Oren" wrote
My bride uses a couple pieces of cling-on film in small windows. Clean
the window first.

=========
Has anyone still had bubbles after scraping the panes down with a razor
blade? (When I did it on my old sliding glass door I could scarcely believe
how many minuscule, invisible paint flecks /whatnot on it.)

In article ,
"Nelly" wrote:

"Oren" wrote
My bride uses a couple pieces of cling-on film in small windows. Clean
the window first.

=========
Has anyone still had bubbles after scraping the panes down with a razor
blade? (When I did it on my old sliding glass door I could scarcely believe
how many minuscule, invisible paint flecks /whatnot on it.)

Good point. A component of one project in which I was recently involved
was the application of polarizing film to LCD televisions. Dust specks
create bubbles approximately 50 times their own size. The work should
have been performed in a clean room, but the best we had available was a
laminar flow bench. We would spend 15 minutes cleaning each screen, over
and over, searching for dust specks from various angles, but we'd still
end up with a few bubbles on each one.