Reflective Heat Reduction Window Films

Q & A on reducing solar heat and glare with reflective films for your windows and glass

Updated: November 26, 2019

Solar control window films are specially developed to reduce the impact of heat in your home or office, reflecting away and rejecting a percentage of the sun’s solar energy before it can pass through glazing and raise the internal temperature to uncomfortable levels.

Solar control film is a simple to apply yet highly effective product, designed to be retro fitted to existing glass and windows. The film is primarily applied to the internal face of the glass as this delivers the longest effective lifespan, but with external grades of film available, it is possible to fit window film to the outside of the glass when an internal application isn’t practical.

Heat reducing window film works by reflecting away a percentage of the sun’s solar energy. Once applied, the external face of the film takes on a mirrored appearance during daylight hours, and it’s this reflective appearance that serves to bounce away heat before it can pass through glass.

It’s this functionality that makes window film for home heat reduction far more effective than traditional methods such as curtains and blinds. While reflective window film is placed directly onto the glass, blinds and curtains are set back from the glass, allowing heat to pass through the window before simply trapping it inside. Closing blinds and curtains will also block the view and stop light from entering your room – two benefits that are maintained by using window film.

Will using window film for heat reduction make my room dark?

Solar control window film from The Window Film Company has been specially developed to deliver high performance without having a negative impact on the natural light or view you enjoy from your home. During daylight hours, the external side of your glass will be reflective in appearance, while the view from the inside out will be maintained. While the film will reject a percentage of the sun’s heat, it does so without sacrificing high levels of natural light, ensuring that you can benefit from excellent solar control without missing out on your view or a bright internal environment.

Where can I use heat reducing film?

The beauty of our range of heat protection films for glass is that it can be applied to glazing anywhere in the home. This includes creating a heat reduction solution for Velux windows and dealing with excess heat in your conservatory. Solar control film is easy to install and easier to maintain, with no special cleaning requirements following installation. Once your heat restricting film has been applied to glass, simply clean it in the normal way you would wash glass, taking care not to use any abrasive materials and avoiding ammonia based products.

For questions about the suitability of solar control window film for your glass and further advice on aftercare, please contact a member of The Window Film Company team by calling 01494 794477 or email info@windowfilm.co.uk.

Additional benefits of solar control heat reflective films

As well as reducing the build up of heat by up to 80 per cent in your home or conservatory, an application of window film will reduce glare. A year-round issue, glare and UV can make it difficult to focus on screens or to read in comfort, with bright light streaming in through untreated glass during the summer and shining at an awkward lower angle during the rest of the year. An application of heat reflecting window film will serve to reduce glare by filtering out the harshest of the light, all year round.

Fading is caused by a combination of heat, light and UV rays and can result in damage to flooring, furniture and other belongings, with the effects often not seen until it is too late. By reducing the energy and heat and blocking up to 99% of the sun’s potentially harmful UV rays, an application of solar UV protection window film will help slow down the fading process. For more details on how window film can help fight fading and reduce glare, all while serving to deliver an enjoyable internal temperature, get in touch with a member of The Window Film Company’s expert team by calling 01494 794477.

Heat rejection film supply and installation

Heat reflective window film for DIY installation is available to purchase online from The Window Film Company website. Details on each type of heat reduction product are listed online, including performance data and installation advice. The fitting process is a straightforward one, with a successful, professional standard install achievable with no prior experience.

The first step is to clean the window which you intend to add your solar control film to. Please be as thorough as possible when cleaning the glass, taking care to remove any imperfections or dirt that may be on the glass before beginning the install. Next, create a soapy water solution by adding a few drops of washing up liquid to a plant spray bottle. Use the bottle to cover the window with the soapy water solution, ensuring that the entire surface of the glass is covered. Next, remove the backing sheet from your solar control window film and use the spray bottle to completely cover the exposed surface of the film. Carefully take the film to the glass and allow it to flow onto the window. The soapy water will act as a slip solution, meaning you can easily position the film before using the application squeegee (supplied free of charge with each order) to push the moisture to the edge of the pane. Use a clean cloth to mop up any excess water and your installation is complete.

If you’d rather have your heat reduction window film project completed by a fully qualified installer, then you can take advantage of The Window Film Company’s nationwide installation service.

Solar control window film summary

To sum up, heat reducing window film is the perfect choice for managing excess heat in both residential and commercial settings. It is long lasting and durable, with both internal and external options available. The film gives glass a reflective appearance during daytime hours, serving to reflect away a percentage of the sun’s solar energy, preventing the steady build-up of heat, slowing down the fading process and reducing glare. All of these benefits are delivered without sacrificing high levels of natural light and without blocking the view from the inside out. Heat rejection window film is easy to install, but a full window film fitting service is available via The Window Film Company.

For more information about reducing heat and glare reduction, or any of the products or services offered by The Window Film Company, please contact a member of the team by calling 01494 794477 or email info@windowfilm.co.uk.