An Introduction to Solar Protection Film

Using heat control and solar rejection window films to reflect sunlight, reduce fading and help protect your eyes from excess glare  

When the Summer is in full swing sun and the temperature are hot topics.

The heat can result in workplaces and homes are feeling uncomfortable. Solar protection window film is a cost effective and straightforward solution and has more benefits than you might have originally thought...

Solar control window film is highly effective but works on a simple premise. Once applied to the glass (usually on the inside the building, for an extended lifetime), the reflective nature of the film bounces away a percentage of the suns energy before it can enter the room. The amount of rejected energy depends on the grade of film chosen and with a variety of finishes and appearances available, there is a solar film suitable for every situation.

An improvement on traditional methods...

Whilst solar control film has been available for quite some time, customers can still favour traditional methods of trying to keep cool such as blinds. Whilst blinds and shutters may have tradition on their side, the facts are clear - solar film is by far the more effective choice. Blinds are set back from the window, meaning there is a gap between the glass and the blind. This allows the suns energy to enter the room and will immediately start to heat it up. Solar film is placed directly onto the glazing and rejects the suns energy before it penetrates the glass, stopping unwanted heat from entering the room. 

Another benefit of film is that once applied, it will not block the view. Blinds and shutters work by creating a barrier that also serves to prevent vision, often making rooms feel dark and unwelcoming. Solar film allows both natural light and a view.

Making your room comfortable, not cold...

A common concern among first time users is that solar film will result in the room becoming cold. It will not. The film works by stopping a percentage of energy from entering the room, preventing the steady build up of heat that can eventually result in premises becoming unbearably hot. The prevailing temperature will be a moderate, enjoyable one - on warm days it will still be pleasant within your premises, the film preventing the constant and overwhelming build up of heat throughout the day.

Additional benefits of solar protection window films...

Solar film has other benefits too. As well as controlling the temperature, an application of solar film will help cut down on the glare. Sunlight can cause difficulties all year round, with bright light during the summer months and the low lying position of the sun during winter often causing visibility issues. In offices it can be difficult to see computer screens or to focus on colleagues, whilst in residential properties, glare can make it difficult to see the TV or to read. Solar film will take the edge off the bright sunlight, making for a far more comfortable experience all year round.

The sun also brings with it UV rays. These rays are one of the main contributing factors to fading, and solar window film can block out over 99% of these rays. By keeping rooms cooler and filtering harmful UV rays, solar window film provides an effective barrier to fading, protecting flooring, furnishings, equipment and belongings from sun damage. With an SPF factor equivalent to 285, window film can also provide effective protection for skin.

Energy Efficiency...

With less than 1% of homes in the UK having air conditioning units installed, solar protection window film has been a welcome innovation. Offices and businesses are more likely to have air conditioning however, and by preventing premises from becoming unpleasantly hot, solar film can reduce the strain on air conditioning units, in turn reducing energy costs. By being less reliant on such systems, businesses can also reduce their carbon footprint and emissions, helping businesses to meet increasingly stringent environmental targets.

What next?...

The Window Film Company offer a wide range of solar protection window films suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Our experienced staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have about any aspect of the film and we will happily send you samples, allowing you to get first hand experience of how the film looks and performs. The WIndow Film Company also offers a nation-wide installation service, with teams of fully qualified and vastly experienced fitters available to provide you with a professional standard installation wherever you are in the country. Our films are also available to purchase online for DIY installation.