What is heat-saving film for windows: types, installation features

A contemporary method for increasing home energy efficiency is heat-saving window film. It functions as a thermal insulator in the winter, cutting down on heat loss through windows and assisting in the maintenance of a cozy interior temperature. This movie is especially helpful in areas with severe winters or high energy bills.

Heat-saving films come in a variety of forms, each with special advantages. While some films create an air barrier to provide extra insulation, others are made to reflect heat back into the space. They can be applied directly to the inside surface of windows without obstructing the view because they are usually transparent.

Heat-saving film installation is a simple process that, for the most part, can be completed without expert assistance. Typically, the film sticks to itself and only needs a squeegee and some simple cleaning supplies to apply. In order to prevent air bubbles during installation, it is important to make sure the window surface is dry and clean before carefully applying the film.

Heat-saving films not only increase thermal efficiency but also, by keeping the surface temperature of the glass warmer, help lessen condensation on windows. This not only increases comfort levels but also shields window sills and frames from long-term moisture damage. Furthermore, some films provide UV protection, which lessens the chance of fabrics and furniture fading from exposure to the sun.

Types of Heat-Saving Film	There are several types of heat-saving films for windows, including reflective films that bounce sunlight away and low-emissivity (Low-E) films that reduce heat transfer.
Installation Features	Installing heat-saving film involves cleaning the window thoroughly, cutting the film to size, spraying it with a water-soap solution, applying it to the window, and using a squeegee to remove air bubbles.

What is thermal window film?

Adhered to the interior of the window block is an impermeable membrane made of polymer known as energy-saving film.

The material’s structure is made to reflect heat from heating appliances in the winter and ultraviolet light during the warm season.

Thus, these films contribute to reducing heat loss through translucent structures by up to thirty percent and increasing the energy efficiency of the space being used.

What is it used for??

Installing an energy-efficient polymer membrane on windows can lead to the following outcomes:

1. Reducing heat loss through double-glazed windows.
2. Limiting the light transmittance of a window structure in summer.
3. Filtration of ultraviolet radiation when direct sunlight enters the room.
4. Partial shading of window opening filling elements.
5. Increasing the strength of glass when impact loads are applied.
6. Saving on utility bills in winter.
7. The possibility of growing ornamental plants on window sills without the risk of their death, since they are reliably protected from UV rays.

Note: Although the retail price of this film is high, it is highly sought after by customers because it pays for itself after the first heating season.

Which window structures are suitable for insulating??

Double-glazed windows with energy-saving film that works with the following kinds of window structures:

1. Single- or double-glazed windows for residential and public buildings, installed in the central or northern zone of our country.
2. If the window structure faces exclusively the north side of the building and the room is not insulated during the day.
3. Recommended for installation in every private house or apartment building, if the apartment is equipped with floor-to-floor heating distribution and apartment-by-apartment heat energy metering.
4. In old Soviet-built buildings that currently do not meet energy efficiency requirements.

However, it doesn’t make sense to install films of the relevant category in some types of window structures:

1. The south side of an apartment building – the room is additionally heated by the sun"s rays in the winter, and in the summer a regular tinting film can be installed on such windows.
2. Cold circuit – single glazing of balconies, loggias, terraces or unheated verandas. In the absence of a heat source, the polymer membrane does not reflect it.
3. Stained glass structures that are initially equipped with an energy-efficient coating at the production stage.
4. Window structures facing the central streets of the historical center of the city, without coordination with local governments, since a dark film can disrupt the architectural appearance of the facade.
5. Buildings classified as cultural heritage sites.

Vital. Energy-saving film must be installed on translucent elements with care, as the main source of the room’s heat loss is found to be defects in the enclosing structures. Installation gaps and other cracks must also be sealed.

Specifications and Dimensions

The following technical features of heat-reducing window films that are manufactured in compliance with GOST and international standards:

1. Reflection of thermal energy from the room – up to 90%.
2. Light transmittance of the membrane – from 50% and above.
3. Color – transparent, gray, light blue, green.
4. Thickness – from 30 to 80 microns.
5. Reflection of ultraviolet radiation – up to 98%.
6. Some models have a coating that is resistant to scratches from mechanical damage.

The subsequent varieties of roll dimensions are offered for purchase:

• 150 x 70 cm;
• 300 x 150 cm;
• 500 x 750 cm;
• 1000 x 750 cm;
• 2000 – 3000 x 150 cm.

Note: GOST regulations do not govern the size range of energy-saving polymer membranes; manufacturers are free to develop their own line of products.

Requirements

In strict accordance with GOST 32563-2013 "Glass with polymer films," there are a number of design and functional requirements for films of the category in question:

1. Environmental class of the product – when heated, the material should not release harmful substances into the room that irritate the respiratory tract.
2. Absolute safety during long-term use, regardless of the functional purpose of the room.
3. Tensile strength, as well as the ability to maintain structure under intense mechanical stress.
4. Thermal properties must satisfy the declared energy efficiency class of the product.
5. UV protection is one of the most important indicators.
6. Light transmittance must also correspond to the data given in the quality certificate.
7. Each film offered for sale must have a uniform thickness and shade. During quality control through transmission, the product should not distort the view and contain foreign inclusions, which indicates increased aesthetic properties.
8. Some modifications of these products are equipped with a metallized coating, which should provide increased protection of the room from electromagnetic influences.
9. Antistatic properties of the material, which prevents the risk of sparks when dry cleaning the product.

In compliance with the above-mentioned regulatory requirements, every business that is formally registered within the nation creates unique specifications, and prototypes from each batch are put through a battery of tests.

Note: The product is granted a certificate of compliance with technical specifications upon successful completion of the examination, and it is then free to be sold through dealer networks.

Varieties

There are many different kinds of energy-saving films on the market, each with unique installation methods, materials, and functional characteristics. A thorough classification of these goods can be found below.

By material

The following categories apply to all heat-saving polymer membranes, depending on the kind of material used in the manufacturing process.

With sprayed metallized coating

The simplest manufacturing process involves mechanically spraying an energy-reflecting composition onto a polymer product.

Benefits

• wide assortment in retail outlets;
• relatively low retail cost;
• the ability to select a product with the desired size;
• ease of installation.

Drawbacks:

• low mechanical strength;
• heat reflection is no more than 30% due to incorrect spraying operation.

Application scope:

• economy class residential buildings;
• office buildings class C and below.

Market value on average: between 240 and 290 rubles. for a square meter

Tablecloth products

To secure metal particles, employ the single ion impact method.

Vital. Electrolysis, which is the process by which mobile metal atoms split into positively and negatively charged particles in an electromagnetic field, is used in this operation.

Benefits

• The thermal energy reflection index reaches 60%;
• additional protection against UV rays – up to 85%.

Drawbacks:

• small selection of overall dimensions;
• many products are sold in a heat-shrinkable version, which significantly complicates the installation process.

Application scope:

• residential buildings of any level;
• shopping centers and office buildings;
• kindergartens;
• hospitals;
• rehabilitation institutions.

One square meter’s average market value ranges from 310 to 350 rubles.

Combined technique

A unique process of electrostatically depositing ions onto the polymer is employed in front of the spraying of a metallized coating to improve the mechanical and physical characteristics of products.

Benefits

• the highest level of ultraviolet protection – up to 98%;
• energy saving class – A;
• Thermal energy reflection rate – up to 90%.

Drawbacks:

• shading of the used space;
• high cost of production;
• difficulty of installation.

Application scope:

• stained glass designs of business centers and premium apartment buildings;
• glass roofs in shopping malls, water parks and other facilities of the highest level of responsibility.

1 m 2 has an average market value of between 440 and 490 rubles.

Third glass

An inventive polymer membrane that reflects up to 80% of thermal energy, increasing its plasticity and guaranteeing the room’s temperature stays at the desired level. Normal condition is similar to cling film; folds and warping may occur after installation.

Vital. A hairdryer is used to adjust the position because heated materials exhibit shrinkage.

Benefits

• suitable for installation in apartments of any category;
• optimal for increasing the energy efficiency of private residential buildings;
• thanks to the special design, it creates an air gap, which reduces heat loss.

A drawback is that the product’s modular dimensions, which are designed to fit into standard windows, restrict its application to panoramic or stained glass structures.

Application scope:

• residential buildings;
• office buildings;
• children"s and medical institutions;
• libraries;
• schools;
• universities.

1 m 2 has an average market value of between 370 and 420 rubles.

Important: Prior to purchasing polymer membranes, you must ask for a quality passport for the product, which identifies the kind of reflective coating device. Should the seller or manufacturer lack such information, you ought to decline to buy the item.

By installation type

Installing the film is not the only factor that determines its quality; its functional qualities also play a major role. Additionally, energy-saving polymer membranes are classified into multiple types based on the type of installation.

With self-adhesive surface

Adhesive material is present throughout the entire area of contact between the thin protective film and the glass.

Benefits

• the most common material;
• can be glued locally, to individual parts of the window structure;
• ease of installation;
• does not require consumables.

A drawback is that as time passes and external factors erode the chemical adhesive coating, the membrane starts to peel off around the entire perimeter.

Application scope:

• residential buildings;
• auxiliary public spaces;
• offices.

An average of 240 rubles for one square meter.

Gluing by heat shrinkage

Installation is done using a hair dryer, either home or construction-grade.

Benefits

• high surface quality;
• eliminating the formation of defects and folds.

Drawbacks:

• high cost of material;
• the need to use specialized tools;
• complexity of the device with your own hands due to the risk of incorrect cutting.

Application scope:

• business class apartments and private residential buildings;
• office centers;
• buildings with stained glass or strip glazing.

An average of 370 rubles for one square meter.

Polymer membrane

An alkaline environment, such as a soap solution, is necessary for installation because the molecules in the solution interact with the coating to form an adhesive composition.

Benefits

• classic, proven technology;
• the highest transparency index;
• increased heat-saving properties;
• Almost all films in this category are manufactured using the ion impact method.

Drawbacks:

• high cost;
• complexity of installation;
• the presence of wet processes;
• The risk of errors.

The range of use:

• stained -glass windows;
• panoramic windows;
• double -glazed windows in class A+ and A;
• Private residential buildings.

The average price for 1 m 2 is 490 rubles.

Note: Because of the second type of film’s minimal risk of defects and exfoliation during operation, experts advise applying it due to the final design’s durability.

By functions

The polymer coating is classified into the following categories based on its intended use.

Thermal conservation

Products made from energy sources whose composition permits regulating the room’s temperature.

Benefits

• low cost;
• a wide range of;
• DIY Ease.

Drawbacks:

• low strength and energy efficiency;
• small thickness;
• dry installation method leads to delaying the structure.

The range of use:

• private residential buildings;
• economy class apartments and offices;
• Technical buildings.

Price range: 260–270 rubles on average. for a square meter

Energy saving

Films with a reflective quality are the result of several processes working together to keep a specific room temperature while delaying ultraviolet radiation.

Benefits

• increased thickness;
• mechanical strength;
• double room protection.

Drawbacks:

• prices are above average;
• sticker using the wet method, which requires the involvement of specialists;
• high risk of marriage.

Application scope:

• office premises of class B, B-, C;
• living rooms with a high level of comfort.

Price range: 370–390 rubles on average. for a square meter

With tinting effect

Polymer membranes provide the previously mentioned benefits in addition to making a room in a house or office more comfortable to use.

Comfortable installation on the building’s southern side is an advantage.

Drawbacks:

• high price;
• installation complexity;
• risk of violation of insolation standards.

Application scope:

• premium objects with continuous stained glass glazing;
• premium business and shopping centers.

Prices for 1 m 2 range on average from 510 rub.

Notably, most customers buy energy-saving films that have a dual-sided effect and the necessary level of tint because it enables them to take care of multiple pressing issues at once.

Installing heat-saving window film is an affordable way to increase a home’s energy efficiency. There are various varieties available, and each has special advantages like glare reduction and UV protection. Cleaning the window surface and using a water-based adhesive to apply the film are the only complicated steps in the installation process of these films. This article helps homeowners make educated decisions to improve comfort and save energy costs by examining the many kinds of heat-saving films that are available, outlining their benefits, and offering straightforward installation instructions.

Necessary tools and equipment

To install films that save energy The following supplies and equipment are required:

1. Energy-saving polymer membrane of the selected type.
2. Depending on the method of fixing the material – a bath of soapy water or double-sided tape with a high degree of adhesion.
3. Long steel ruler, corner and permanent marker for marking.
4. Tape measure for measuring window parameters.
5. Scissors or construction knife for cutting.
6. Construction or household hair dryer for smoothing the material along the entire plane of the glass packet, in case of fixing with the heat -assignment method.
7. Rags and alcohol low -powder for glass with antistatic effect.
8. Rubber or plastic spatula for smoothing the finished material on the window.
9. Needle for effective removal of bubbles after installation.

Crucial: All equipment needs to be operational, free of oil and grime, and consumables need to be used before their intended service life runs out.

Step-by-step instruction

The following technological map must be followed in order to securely fasten energy-saving films:

1. The window is washed and degreased, regardless of the type of film.
2. The inner plane of the glass is measured
3. The measurement results are transferred to the surface of the material.
4. The energy -efficient film is marked along the line of future cutting.
5. The material is cut with a knife or scissors.
6. When installing a self-adhesive membrane, you must carefully remove the protective film from the corner and apply the material to the plane of the glass. Next, the product is carefully smoothed over the entire plane of the glass unit, while simultaneously removing the protective film.
7. Before installing the shrink film, it is necessary to place the previously cut product face down, and then remove the protective material along the entire plane. Double-sided tape is glued along the perimeter of the membrane, after which the film is applied to the glass. At the final stage, you need to heat the material with a hairdryer to stretch it.
8. To fix with a wet stupor, it is necessary to apply a soap solution to the glass, and then smooth the film over the entire plane. After the material has dried, you must wait up to 24 hours, after which the window can be used in operating mode.

Vital. It should be mentioned that working in the summer is preferable because the window’s plane warms up to a temperature of between 20 and 25 o C.

To learn more about covering a window with heat-saving film:

Difficulties and errors

When doing their own hand planking, novices frequently run into a lot of issues and make big mistakes that have detrimental effects. In order to stop this from occurring, the following advice must be followed:

1. When cutting, burrs appear on the material – cutting is carried out only with a well-sharpened tool, strictly along a ruler.
2. After gluing, the film is not adjacent to the glazing beads – cutting and installation should be done on the same day, which eliminates the influence of temperature expansion on quality.
3. Bubbles appear on the surface – minor air pockets can be easily removed with a needle.
4. The product begins to peel off after drying – before installing the film, the glass must be degreased and any dust particles removed.
5. Traces of damage have appeared on the material – given the ease of damage to the polymer coating, when smoothing, the use of steel tools with sharp edges is excluded.

These suggestions will ensure that energy-saving window film is used just as much as the actual window unit.

Pros and cons

Because they have several indisputable benefits, energy-saving movies have become more and more popular in our nation over time:

1. Increasing the energy efficiency of the premises.
2. Limiting the penetration of harmful ultraviolet rays,
3. Shading the space, which helps to increase comfort.
4. Additional glass strength.
5. Slight increase in sound insulation of the enclosing structure.
6. Savings on utility bills.

In addition to the benefits, many customers also point out a number of noteworthy drawbacks:

1. High cost of the membrane.
2. Risk of mechanical damage.
3. Low repairability.
4. Reduction in the required insolation index.
5. Labor-intensive installation.
6. Reduction in species characteristics when purchasing low-quality materials or violating their installation technology.

Kindly take note. Notwithstanding the drawbacks, there is a steady market for these products because they are always in demand.

People"s reviews of use

Consumers who install energy-saving films on windows in their homes or other public places frequently post reviews of various brands’ products on internet forums:

• Low efficiency of cheap products without double coating.
• Excellent thermal properties of the polymer "third glass".
• Reduces the risk of condensation during the cold season.
• High retail price, takes too long to pay off after purchase and installation.

You can read actual user reviews here, here, and here.

Average prices for specialist services

Several factors determine the market value of energy-saving films that are installed on windows, including:

• density and thickness of the material;
• the number of products in a roll;
• roll width;
• type of metallized coating spraying;
• installation method;
• manufacturer"s warranty;
• brand awareness and country of production;
• retailer"s internal pricing policy.

Movies in the relevant category are typically available for the following prices on the market:

1. HPC IR AP 7080 “Transparent”, South Korea – from 3.5 – 3.7 thousand. rub. for 1 roll 1.5 x 3 m.
2. NANO BLUE SRC SA016 “Light Blue”, Taiwan – from 1.9 – 2.1 thousand. rub. for 1 roll 1.5 x 3 m.
3. COLD BLUE CR70 “Transparent”, Taiwan – from 3.8 to 4.2 thousand. rub. for 1 roll 1.5 x 3 m.

Note: The prices listed above could change a little based on seasonality, dollar exchange rates, and other variables.

Heat-saving window films provide a straightforward yet efficient means of improving home energy efficiency. These films assist in reducing heating expenses during the winter months by cutting down on heat loss through windows. By reflecting infrared radiation back into the space, they enhance thermal insulation by trapping heat inside.

Reflective films and low-emissivity (low-e) films are the two primary categories of heat-saving films. Heat is reflected away from the window by reflective films, which give the glass a mirror-like appearance. Conversely, low-e films lessen heat transfer without sacrificing natural light because they are made to let visible light through while blocking UV and infrared light.

Heat-saving film installation is simple and frequently a do-it-yourself project. Following a thorough cleaning, the film is directly applied to the interior surface of the window glass. For best results, it is imperative to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during installation. Films that are installed correctly can endure for several years with little upkeep.

Think about things like window orientation, climate, and your own energy-saving objectives when selecting a heat-saving film. Low-e films help in areas with cold winters by keeping interior heat, while reflective films might be better suited for hotter climates where lowering solar heat gain is a top concern.

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