Up to 48% of your energy expenditure goes towards internal climate control. It makes window film not just a great investment in privacy and UV protection, but also a boon for your bank balance. With prices varying across the industry, how do you know the cost is worth the lifetime of your film?
How often you should replace your film depends on many factors. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help narrow down the timeframe.
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What is the Film Made Of?
The quality of the uv window film will obviously influence its lifetime. How do you know if you’re getting the best quality for your dollar?
Films for windows are generally made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. PET has the requisite clarity, tensile strength, and stability that makes it ideal for constructing tinted film. It also readily accepts a variety of surface-applied or embedded treatments.
If the films are intended for UV and sun protection, the higher-end films will contain ceramics or metals. They usually cost 10-15 percent more than regular films but provide better UV protection overall. Metallic and ceramic films also last longer than cheaper ones.
It’s a good idea to ask what the film is made of before you buy. Top manufacturers, such as 3M, will use the most durable and widely recommended materials.
What Is Its Primary Use of UV Blocking Window Film?
Films intended for privacy will often last longer than films used for UV or sun protection. It is because UV blocking window film shielding will degrade over time. It’s recommended you replace UV film every five years, as its shielding will drop from 99% to 70%.
Films are generally applied to the inside of the window to extend the lifetime of the film. However, some use-specific films, such as graffiti films, are applied to the outside of the window. These films are exposed to more wear and so tend to need replacing quicker than internal films.
UV blocking window film serves as a crucial defense against the harmful effects of UV exposure. This specialized film is designed to mitigate the transmission of the sun’s UV rays through windows, offering vital UV protection to both occupants and interiors. With an array of window film options available, installation provides a proactive shield against various negative impacts.
The primary purpose of UV blocking window film is to safeguard against the detrimental consequences of prolonged UV ray exposure. These rays, while invisible to the naked eye, can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Additionally, UV rays can fade and deteriorate furnishings, fabrics, and artwork within a space.
By applying UV protection window film you create a barrier that significantly reduces UV ray transmission. This shield not only minimizes the potential health risks to occupants but also preserves the aesthetics and longevity of interior elements. Solar films for instance not only block UV rays but also mitigate the sun’s heat enhancing energy efficiency.
With various options available including clear UV-blocking films, decorative films and solar heat-reducing films, you can tailor your choice to your specific needs. Regular window film installation ensures that your living or working space remains a sanctuary shielded from the sun’s potentially harmful impacts.
How Do You Take Care of It?
Depending on the materials your uv window film is made of, certain chemicals used in household cleaners can damage or more quickly degrade your film. It’s a good idea to steer clear of cleaners that have ammonia in them. Ammonia can degrade the film, causing discoloration or bubbling.
Proper care of your film can extend its lifetime by up to 5 years.
Caring for your window films is essential to maintain their effectiveness and prolong their lifespan. To ensure optimal performance in UV protection and overall appearance, follow these simple care guidelines.
Regular Cleaning: Keep your window films clean by using a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a mild, non-ammonia-based cleaning solution. Gently wipe away dust, dirt and fingerprints to maintain clarity and transparency.
Avoid Abrasive Materials: Never use abrasive materials such as scrub brushes or rough sponges, as they can scratch the film’s surface and diminish its UV protection capabilities.
Gentle Handling: When cleaning or touching the window films, handle them gently to prevent damage. Avoid using sharp objects that could puncture or tear the film.
Mindful Products: Choose cleaning solutions that are gentle and won’t compromise the film’s UV blocking properties. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as they can degrade the film over time.
Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the window films for any signs of peeling, bubbling, or deterioration. Address these issues promptly by consulting a professional to prevent UV exposure due to compromised films.
Sunscreen for Films: While window films are designed to block UV rays, extended exposure to intense sunlight can gradually degrade their effectiveness. Consider using curtains or blinds to provide an additional layer of protection during peak sunlight hours.
By adhering to these care practices, you can ensure that your window films continue to provide reliable UV protection, maintain their appearance and contribute to a comfortable and safe indoor environment.
What Sort of Climate Is It Installed In?
The climate has a high impact on the lifetime of your uv window film. Extreme hot and cold climates force the film to work harder to regulate temperature. Intense, direct sunlight can also degrade film faster than if windows are in a more shaded area.
If you live in an even climate all year long, you can get up to 15 years out of your film with the proper care. More extreme areas usually last the time of your film’s warranty.
Installing window films is a wise decision regardless of the climate you reside in, as they offer a host of benefits beyond just climate considerations. In regions with hot climates, window films play a vital role in reducing heat penetration through windows, leading to substantial energy savings and decreased utility bills. They also minimize glare, enhancing indoor comfort and visibility.
In areas prone to intense sunlight, window films protect valuable furnishings from premature fading and damage caused by UV rays. Their scratch-resistant properties ensure that windows remain clear and unblemished even in harsh weather conditions. Moreover, window films are a great solution for reducing glare, which is particularly beneficial for spaces with excessive sunlight.
Whether your climate demands heat reduction, glare control or protection against UV rays, installing window films offers not only immediate relief but also long-term advantages such as preserving interior aesthetics and reducing energy consumption. In any climate, window films are a versatile investment with a range of additional benefits that extend far beyond climate-specific considerations.
Time to Replace Your Window Films?
If you find your film bubbling or starting to discolor, these are obvious signs it’s time for a replacement. It’s important to stay aware of UV film wear, as your protection from dangerous UV rays will decrease as the film ages.
Need replacement film with a competitive warranty? Get in touch today to schedule your free consultation.
NU-VUE Window Films is a professional window tinting contractor providing home window tinting, commercial window tinting, window tinting and decorative uv window films for retail store windows, glass scratch removal service, and more throughout Southern California.