Click Image to enlarge.
Q My son’s west-facing bedroom
gets very hot in the
spring and summer. Will a
window film help, and if so, can I
install it myself?
Ben Gratwick, Smithville, MO
A A heat control window film will
help keep your son’s room
cooler, and yes, you can install
it yourself. These films reflect the sun’s heat
and ultraviolet rays, and
reduce glare without
obscuring the view (see
photo, above). The more direct
sunlight coming through
the window, the more
the film will help (and it
may lower your airconditioning
bills!).
Applying the film takes
approximately 30 minutes
per window (photo below). It should last
about 10 years. Prices
vary with film size. A
3-ft. x 15-ft. film (which
can cover two to three
windows) costs $30. The film is sold at
home centers and hardware stores. Gila is
one company that makes heat control film
(800-528-4481, www.gilafilms.com).
Different types of film are available, so
get the one designed for heat control. The
film can be applied to any window, including
double-pane low-e windows, although
they already reduce radiant heat loss and gain.
One drawback is that the film may void
the manufacturer’s warranty for the seal
on double-pane windows, although the
film representatives we talked to said the
film shouldn’t affect the seal. If the window
warranty has already expired or
reducing excessive heat is more important
to you than possibly jeopardizing a warranty, then apply the film. Otherwise,
consider other options, such as installing
shades, awnings or shutters over the
windows or even planting a tree on the
west side to block the sun.
Heat control film is composed of
treated micro-thin layers of film
that block ultraviolet rays and
reduce the summer heat that
comes through the window.
Window film can
be installed in
about 30 minutes.
The hazy
appearance will
disappear after
10 days.
