When we are hot, we dream of coolness, and in the cold we strive for warmth. Therefore, the appearance of such a material as a heat-reflecting film was due to the desire of a person to create comfortable living conditions in both hot and cold weather. Today we will look at what it is.
Application areas
Heat reflective film is used in many stages of construction:
- Arrangement of the roof. In this case, depending on the type, it can not only retain heat, but also serve as waterproofing.
- For wall insulation. Can be used for both exterior and interior wall decoration.
- For the floor. In this case, the heat-reflecting film for the floor is used both for a conventional device and for installing a "warm floor" system.
- For windows. There are two types of reflector. The first is energy-saving, the second is a heat reflector (keep cool in the heat).
- Another function is horticultural use for greenhouses.
- Glasses of cars and public transport.
As you can see, this protection can be used asto retain heat and reflect heat effects.
Let's take a look at why thermal reflective window film is used.
Indications for use
Almost every 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 floor, walls, ceiling were insulated, then what about the windows? And through them leaves up to 60% of the heat in winter. Therefore, a number of technologies have been developed:
- An old way of winter protection - all joints between the window and the frame were sealed with cotton wool and sealed with special paper. Everyone remembers that with such insulation in winter it was problematic to ventilate the premises.
- Instead of wooden windows, they came up with plastic ones with a snug 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 they came up with was to cover the windows with curtains and blinds in the heat. Then they began to glue foil sheets in all possible ways, which played the role of reflectors. This relieved the heat and natural light, which also caused a number of inconveniences.
Since technology does not stand still, self-adhesive films have begun to appear, which have already begun to save heat in winter and prevent overheating in summer.
Features
With the development of nanotechnology, metallized films began to be replaced by new, polymeric ones. Maindifference - improved performance, durability.
Due to what did this type of heat reflector gain 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 retain up to 75% of thermal radiation in summer. And in winter they work in a different direction - they reflect the internal heat back into the room, while allowing visible light to come in from the outside.
Pros and cons
The heat-reflecting window film has a number of indisputable advantages:
- Easy assembly and disassembly. The ease of gluing allows you to do the installation yourself.
- Durability. The density of the film allows it to be washed and operated like a regular double-glazed window.
- Savings on air conditioning in summer, and therefore less electricity consumption.
- In winter, saving on heating, which will also reduce electricity costs.
- Aesthetic appearance. The film has a light grayish or blue tint. Can also be used for historical buildings.
- Easy care. Cleans like regular windows.
- Maximum UV and IR protection, while allowing visible light to pass through, making it comfortable for human eyes.
- Safety. If the glass breaks, it remains bonded with a film, that is, 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 cleaning powders and the use of hard sponges. It is recommended to use soft cloths 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 a professional hand. First you need to thoroughly wash the windows and degrease their surface. The sticker of the 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 do not match, it must be cut to size. Next, you need to remove the protective layer and stick it on the glass, smoothing the surface with a soft cloth. For convenience, you can remove the protective film not all at once, but gradually, as it sticks, to prevent the formation of bubbles.
Film coating is easy to clean with conventional window cleaners. Do not use abrasive powders or sponges as this may scratch the surface.
Reviews
According to numerous responses, one of the favorites is the IR Sky Blue (SRC HP7575) thermal reflective film. This is dueaesthetic appearance of the building after gluing this protection and its effectiveness. The film itself has a slight grayish or blue tint. Such protection is also used for car windows and public transport.
According to reviews, the IR Sky Blue thermal reflective film really creates a comfortable indoor climate in the summer due to the unique layer that can reflect infrared radiation. And in winter, it allows you to save on heating, which is very convenient for private houses.
The heat-reflecting film has a number of advantages that make it as attractive as possible. Cost-effectiveness, the ability to carry out installation with your own hands make it possible to consider such material interesting for consumers.
