The Benefits of Residential Window Film

Families are always looking for economically sound ways to improve the way their home operates in terms of gaining better control on energy costs, increasing their comfort, and adding personal style to their homes.  Installing a distinctive film to your home windows is one of those truly satisfying projects that can be tackled in just one weekend and offer years of improved home life, security, and decorative enhancements.

Window film is a thin laminate film that can be installed to the interior or exterior of glass surfaces in automobiles and boats and also to the interior or exterior of glass in homes and buildings. It is usually made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family, due to its clarity, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and ability to accept a variety of surface-applied or embedded treatments.  Window film is normally installed by professional service companies but there are also D.I.Y. kits widely available.

When you first think of window films, you might remember those blackish grey tints installed on car windows.  The residential window films that we’re about to introduce to you are pleasantly more sophisticated than automobile tints.  They come in various textures, patterns, smooth glass, including built in features such as heat control and glare control.  

If you’re considering window films for your home, you’d be overwhelmingly surprised with all the possibilities there are. So, let’s take a closer look at the different types of films out there and understand the benefits a little more to guide you on your way to choosing the best styles for your home.  Starting with our favourite:

Glare Control Film

Gone are the days you have to choose between letting the sun shine through your windows or enjoying Netflix marathons on TV.  Everyone has experienced a time when you have the afternoon off of work and want to enjoy some daytime TV programs for a change. You heard the Kardashians were going to be on Ellen today and you just can’t miss it.  You heat up leftovers and head over to your family room.  At this point in the afternoon, the sun is at its highest point.  When you turn on the TV, the first thing you see is not Ellen dancing down her studio steps but rather the glare from the sun is completely obstructing your view.  Reluctantly, you have to flip your blinds closed in order to continue watching.  

For people who can relate to this, glare control films would be like magic, it helps to create a more comfortable environment whether you’re on your laptop or watching TV, opposite an open window during the day.  These types of window films are easy to apply and reduces glare to help you see better, no matter what you’re viewing.

Glare control films also block UV rays to help keep carpet and furniture upholstery from fading.

Security Film

Security film is essentially a smooth glass film that provides added protection against scratches and shattering on the glass.  It strengthens the layer of glass and is virtually invisible and undetectable.  If a window with security film installed is shattered, it will quite literally hold the shattered glass in place, thus slowing down intruders or safeguard against pets or children being harmed by the damage.  It’s a popular choice for sliding doors, basement windows, shower doors, or even glass top tables.

Features:

• Durable with strong adhesive
• Last for years
• Invisible and will not compromise the look of the glass
• Can be custom fit to any size window or glass

Heat control window film

Heat control window films do exactly as they promise, they have the ability to cool down a room and beat the heat from the sun while still allowing the natural light to shine through.  Sounds too good to be true, but it is!  It’s like having blinds or drapes without obstructing your view outside your home.  Heat control window films come in different subtle colour shades to reduce glare, and protect your beloved furnishings from UV rays that cause fading.

Privacy Films

The cost of window treatments can be quite costly.  Privacy window films are a highly modern and cost-effective alternative to the typical window coverings available out there.  The design possibilities are endless with a selection of frosts, patterns, textures, gradients and specialty treatments.  They don’t block the natural light from coming through into the room or hide the frame of the window the way curtains would, making the room appear brighter and more spacious.

The level of privacy can be customized with the type of texture or pattern you chose, they are easily installed and can be removed and replaced with a new design at any time.

Privacy window films are often used on bathroom windows, shower glass doors, and siding windows framing the front door.

Before you head out and purchase window films for your home, it’s important to note that even the greatest inventions such as these can have their flaws.  Be aware that some films may not provide the advertised benefits or could begin to peel after just a few years. A high  quality film that is professionally installed should last between 12 to 22 years. Choosing a film with a dark tint may significantly affect the view for people inside the house, while a film with a shiny outer coat can give windows a dark or shiny appearance from outdoors or make the glass appear coloured due to reflection of some bands of visible light.  Always as for a strip of the window film you’re considering and test it on a window on your home for these effects before applying it to all your windows.  

Also bear in mind that the application of window film will void some manufacturers’ warranties on windows, so check the details of any existing warranties before applying window film!  Bet your lucky stars that you chose to research more about window films now. Choose a film that has been tested and certified by an independent third party. Third-party testing verifies that the film meets health and safety standards.  

Your windows are an important part of your everyday life from letting light in, offering great views, and playing a significant role in regulating heat and energy in your home. There’s not much to debate when it comes to the benefits of residential window films because it just a simple, affordable, energy-efficient improvement for your home.