Does Solar Control Window Film Work on Windows?

Yes. Good quality solar control window film is a highly effective method of reducing excess heat in both commercial and residential settings. 

The heat reduction window films supplied and installed by The Window Film Company have been specially designed for application to glazing, and in addition to cutting down on excess heat, will also reduce glare and protect against potentially harmful UV rays. 

All of this is achieved with a single application, and without the need for expensive replacement glass or alternatives such as blinds.

Heat reduction film
Solar control window film applied to the external french windows of a house to reduce heat and glare.
Understanding heat reduction window film

Your guide to how solar control film works.

Overheating occurs when solar energy passes through untreated glass, steadily increasing the internal temperature. Window film will slow down this process.

  • Window film is available in a range of grades and finishes, with films available for internal and external installation.
  • Window film will reflect away a percentage of solar energy from the glass.
  • Window film will absorb excess heat before it can pass through the glass.
  • By preventing solar energy from passing through the glass (levels depend on the film chosen), window film will reduce excess heat build up.
  • Solar control film will also reduce glare by filtering out the harshest light.
  • Heat reduction window film will also block up to 99% of UV rays, helping to protect against fade damage.
A modern house with reflective silver window film applied to the sliding doors for privacy and to protect against heat and glare.
Heat reduction film suitability guide

Can solar control film be used on all windows?

Heat reduction window film has been developed to ensure that there is a solar control film suitable for most glass types and detailed information can be found via our glass compatibility guide.

Solar control window film is suitable in a range of locations and situations, including but not limited to:

  • Residential windows
  • Office glazing
  • Retail storefronts
  • Conservatories and garden rooms
  • Internal glazing exposed to sunlight
  • Reduce heat and glare
  • Block 99% UV rays
  • Professional window film installation
Heat reduction film: key considerations

Choosing the correct heat reduction window film.

While there is almost certainly going to be a heat reduction window film suitable for your use, there are a number of factors that will play a part in the correct choice. These include:

  • Glass type
  • Glass thickness
  • Single/double/triple glazed?
  • Position relative to the sun
  • Access to the internal or external face of the glass.

For help and guidance when choosing the correct solar control film, call a member of our expert team on 01494 794477 or email sales@windowfilm.co.uk. We'll be happy to help!
Modern building with glass frontage. Multiple panes have Optiview window film applied to reduce heat and glare.

Six reasons to reduce heat with window film

Solar control window film is an effective way to reduce heat in your home, office, conservatory or workspace. Here's why. 

Effective immediately

Heat reduction window film gets to work as soon as it is in place, delivering rapid protection against excess heat.

Glare reduction

Solar control film will reduce glare, helping to make your interior more comfortable on bright days.

UV filtering and fade protection

The majority of heat reduction window films will block up to 99% of the sun's potentially harmful UV rays.

Enhanced security and privacy

Many solar control films will also deliver one-way daytime privacy for an added element of security.

Improved energy efficiency

Wndow film can reduce reliance on expensive air conditioning systems, resulting in a cost saving.

Available in a range of finishes

Heat reduction films come in a number of different finishes ensuring the aeasthetic look that works for you.

Your solar control film fitting options

DIY or professionally installed? The choice is yours.

All of the heat reduction window films from The Window Film Company are available for DIY fitting. Each order comes with comprehensive fitting instructions and an application squeegee to aid the installation process.

You can also choose to use our nationwide window film installation service, and have your heat reduction film fitted by one of our experienced and fully qualified installation teams. 
An installer from The Window Film Company applying window film to the internal side of glazing at an outdoor swimming facility on a bright sunny day.
Got more questions? Get in touch.

Heat reduction film advice from friendly experts.

If you are experiencing overheating, suffering with glare or are concerned about the impact of UV rays on your interior, an application of heat reduction window film from The Window Film Company will help.

Our team of experts are on hand to answer any questions you have and to ensure that you get the best window film solution for your situation. To get in touch with the team, please call 01494 794477 or email sales@windowfilm.co.uk.
A smiling member of The Window Film Company's office staff takes a phone call.

Get fresh inspiration for your project

Window Film Installations for Greggs Stores Across the UK
Solar Control for The Glasshouse Hotel
Solar Control for London Leisure Centre

Window Film Installations for Greggs Stores Across the UK

Location: Various locations, UK

Goal: Improve comfort, reduce glare, and introduce privacy across multiple Greggs locations using a mix of solar control and privacy window films.

Results:

  • Reduced solar heat and glare in customer areas
  • Reduced solImproved privacy and visual consistency across glazingar heat and glare in customer areas
  • Flexible film specification across multiple store types

The installations delivered consistent performance across multiple sites, improving customer comfort while maintaining the clean, recognisable appearance of Greggs storefronts.

Learn more

Solar Control for The Glasshouse Hotel

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Goal: The project aimed to reduce heat build-up caused by extensive glazing. Solar control film was specified to improve comfort without altering the appearance.

Results:

  • Installed solar control film to over 300 panes of glazing.
  • Reduced heat gain, glare, and UV transmission.
  • Completed phased internal installation with minimal disruption.

This project demonstrates how solar control window film can effectively manage heat gain in large glazed spaces. Comfort is improved without compromising views or aesthetics.

Learn more

Solar Control for London Leisure Centre

Location: Dulwich, South East London

Goal: The project addressed rising internal temperatures caused by untreated rooflights. A solar control window film solution was specified to improve comfort without reducing natural light.

Results:

  • Installed solar control window film to rooflight glazing.
  • Reduced heat build-up while maintaining natural light.
  • Completed scaffold-assisted installation to high-level glass.

The installation highlights the benefits of solar control film on large rooflight areas. Heat build-up was significantly reduced without compromising daylight levels. A practical solution for busy leisure environments.

Learn more
Solar Control Film installation for a house in Warwickshire

Solar Control Film installation for a house in Warwickshire

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Goal: Reduce excessive heat build-up within the property by installing a high-performance solar control window film solution that works with complex, shaped glazing.

Results:

  • Significant reduction in solar heat gain
  • Improved internal comfort
  • Effective solution for shaped glazing

The installation provided a noticeable reduction in heat while maintaining outward visibility during the day. The solution worked perfectly with the shape of the windows and avoided the need for impractical shading systems.

Learn more

Window film solutions for every situation

The Window Film Company is proud to offer an extensive range of window films, delivering solutions for issues such as excess heat, glare, fading, privacy, safety and security.

Thanks to our fully equipped print and graphics studio, we can also supply and install custom created graphics for application to glass and other surfaces.

Our fully trained Account Managers and advisors are on hand to ensure you fully understand all that's available and to make sure that you choose the right product for your project.

Give us a call on 01494 794477 or email sales@windowfilm.co.uk.

Window film being fitted by an installer of The Window Film Company, showing a branded van and window graphics.