When we are hot, we dream of coolness, and in the cold we tend to heat. Therefore, the appearance of such a material as heat-reflecting film was due to a person’s desire to create comfortable living conditions in both heat and cold. Today we look at what it is.
Fields of application
Heat-reflecting film is used in many stages of construction:
- The arrangement of the roof. In this case, depending on the type, it can not only retain heat, but also serve as a waterproofing.
- For wall insulation. It can be used both for external decoration of walls and for internal.
- For the floor. In this case, the heat-reflecting film for the floor is used both with the usual device and for the installation of the "warm floor" system.
- For windows. Two types of reflector can be distinguished. The first is energy-saving, the second is a reflector of heat exposure (maintaining coolness in the heat).
- Another feature is the use in horticulture for greenhouses.
- Car glass and public transport.
As you can see, this protection can be used both for heat preservation and reflection of thermal effects.
Below we will consider why a heat-reflecting film for windows is used.
Indications for use
Almost any room has windows. They serve as a source of light and natural ventilation. As a rule, they occupy 25-30% of the wall area. And if the insulation of the floor, walls, ceiling was made, then what about windows? And through them, up to 60% of the heat in the winter leaves. Therefore, a number of technologies were developed:
- An old way of winter protection - all joints between the window and the frame were sealed with cotton and glued with special paper. Everyone remembers that with such insulation in the winter it was problematic to ventilate the premises.
- Instead of wooden windows, they came up with plastic ones with a tight fit, which eliminated drafts.
But even this did not save from heat loss. Because the main source of inconvenience is the glass itself. The first thing that came to is in the heat to cover the windows with curtains and blinds. Then they began to stick foil sheets in all possible ways, which served as reflectors. This eliminated the heat and natural light, which also caused a number of inconveniences.
Since technology does not stand still, films on a self-adhesive base began to appear, which already began to save heat in the winter and prevent overheating of the premises in the summer.
Characteristics
With the development of nanotechnology, metallized films began to be replaced by new polymer films . The main difference is improved performance, durability.
Due to what has this type of heat reflector gained popularity? First of all, due to its external characteristics. Such films do not change the appearance of buildings, so another name for them is architectural. And their main property is that they transmit visible light and hold up to 75% of thermal radiation in the summer. And in winter they work in a different direction - they reflect internal heat back into the room, while allowing visible light to enter from the outside.
Advantages and disadvantages
The heat-reflecting window film has a number of indisputable advantages:
- Ease of assembly and disassembly. Easy sticking allows you to do it yourself.
- Durability. The density of the film allows it to be washed and operated like a regular double-glazed window.
- In summer, savings on air conditioning, and therefore less electricity consumption.
- In winter, savings on heating, which will also reduce energy costs.
- Aesthetic appearance. The film has a light grayish or blue tint. It can be applied to buildings of historical value.
- Easy to clean. It is cleaned similarly to ordinary windows.
- Maximum protection against ultraviolet and infrared radiation, while transmitting visible rays, which creates comfort for human eyes.
- Security. If glass breaks, then it remains bonded with a film, i.e. it does not shatter into small fragments.
- Noise isolation, reduce noise.
- Affordable price. The average cost per square meter is 550 rubles.
- The ability to use the window at any time of the year as a source of natural ventilation and light.
The disadvantages include the ban on washing with powder detergents and the use of hard sponges. It is recommended to use soft rags and rubber wipers. As you can see, the heat-reflecting film in addition to its main function is a means of saving energy costs.
Installation and operation
As mentioned earlier, the installation of the film does not take much time and does not require the hand of a professional. First you need to thoroughly wash the windows and degrease their surface. Sticker film is made from the inside. The protective coating itself has an adhesive base, covered with a protective film. If the size of the glass and the film does not match, it must be cut to size. Next, you need to remove the protective layer and stick to the glass, smoothing the surface with a soft cloth. For convenience, it is possible to remove the protective film not all at once, but gradually, as it adheres, to prevent the formation of bubbles.
The film coating is easy to clean with conventional
window cleaners
. Powder products and abrasive sponges should not be used; this can lead to scratches on the surface.
Reviews
According to many reviews, one of the favorites is the IR Sky Blue heat-reflecting film (SRC HP7575). This is due to the aesthetic appearance of the building after gluing this protection and its effectiveness. The film itself has a weak grayish or blue tint. Such protection is also used for car windows, public transport.
According to reviews, IR Sky Blue heat-reflecting film really creates a comfortable indoor climate in summer due to a unique layer that can reflect
infrared radiation. And in winter it allows saving on heating, which is very convenient for private homes.
Reflective film has several advantages that make it as attractive as possible. Profitability, the ability to do-it-yourself installation allow us to consider such material interesting for consumers.