How to choose the optimal model of sunscreen for windows? Sunlight is not always conducive to creating a cozy atmosphere in an apartment or house. And if the windows are on the south side - then it will not only become a cause of stuffiness, but direct rays can negatively affect the state of furniture. One of the best ways to reduce this factor is to install a special architectural film on the glass.
Functional purpose
Various technological schemes are used to reduce the transparency of the glass. Even at the production stage, special dyes are added to the composition, and as a result, the color "in mass" is obtained. This is a quality product that has one drawback - a high price. Yes, and pick up the color you like is quite difficult - manufacturers can not physically produce colored glass with the whole palette.
Another way to reduce the flow of sunlight into the room is to glue the glass with film. This procedure can be performed during the manufacture of a double-glazed unit, or at home on ready-made window structures. The film is a multi-layered structure consisting of several materials. Each of them performs a certain function.
- Color film made of polyester. It is designed to reflect a specific spectrum of solar radiation.
- Metallised polyester layer. Serves to create a mirror surface.
- External protective coating. It is necessary to prevent damage to functional layers.
- Polyester resin binds these films together.
The main characteristics of sunscreen films is the transmittance of sunlight, the degree of darkening of the glass and the thickness. The last parameter is important when installing on the outside of the glass. The effectiveness of protection against external influences is determined precisely by the thickness of the outer layer - the more it is, the longer the film will last. Depending on the composition of the layers, the degree of reflection of sunlight can reach 95%, and the heat - up to 75%.
Types of film
Depending on the design, several types of sunscreen films are distinguished. The most common are models with the function of filtering the solar rays of a certain spectrum. They are inexpensive in value, they have a wide range of color characteristics. Also, the choice of the manufacturer will be important.
Energy-saving
Relatively new type of architectural films for windows. In addition to filtering solar radiation, they reflect short infrared waves from the room.
They are installed on the inside of the outside glass in the insulating glass unit. Reflecting the heat waves from the room, there is a reduction in energy losses, which ultimately affects the energy consumption.
Decorative
This is a series of films on the surface of which a decorative pattern is applied, or it has a matte structure.
They are often used to create an individual design of the room. But because of the uneven distribution of the reflective layer, their performance characteristics are worse than those of the standard models.
Protective( shockproof)
The outer protective layer of these films has a large thickness - from 50 to 300 μm. Due to this, even if the glass is damaged, it does not crumble into fragments, but remains on the surface of the film. An analogue of this structure can be seen in the automotive triplex.
For unification of operational properties, protective and reflecting functions are often combined. Such models are used for facade or panoramic glazing. In addition, films of this kind can be installed on the outside of the glass.
Mounting
It is recommended that self-assembly of sun protection structures on the glass only in the most cases. If the windows are already made and mounted, but their reflectivity is much lower than expected - you can install sunscreen with your own hands. More details about the installation procedure can be found in this article.
It is worthwhile to focus on choosing a certain model of the film. At present, many kinds of so-called self-adhesive tint films have appeared on the market. In most cases, manufacturers of such products are unknown companies. Despite the low cost, the quality of their products leaves much to be desired.
Relatively high cost is compensated by a long service life without loss of performance. But in order to achieve a really good effect, it is desirable to order ready-made double-glazed windows with installed film in the factory, with the observance of technology.
